Key Takeaways:
- Puna Bio has closed a new funding round led by Corteva, Inc., through its Corteva Catalyst platform, with participation from existing and new investors including At One Ventures and Dalus Capital.
- The company develops biological seed treatments using extremophiles, microorganisms from Argentina’s La Puna desert that improve nutrient uptake and crop resilience without genetic modification.
- Puna Bio’s solutions can increase productivity by up to 15% in fertile soils and restore functionality in highly degraded or salinized soils.
- The funding will support international expansion, including deeper entry into the U.S., Brazil, and Paraguay markets, alongside continued product development and innovation.
- Corteva’s investment underscores growing confidence in biological inputs, particularly those promoting soil health, environmental sustainability, and long-term farm profitability.
Puna Bio Raises New Capital to Scale Biological Seed Treatments
Puna Bio, a biotechnology company developing natural agricultural solutions based on extremophile organisms, has secured a new round of funding led by Corteva, Inc., through its Corteva Catalyst platform. The round also included continued support from existing investors At One Ventures, SP Ventures, SOSV, Builders VC, and new investor Dalus Capital.
The funding will accelerate the development and commercialization of Puna Bio’s biological seed treatments, which use ancient microorganisms to boost crop performance under challenging environmental conditions.
Puna Bio’s Innovative Platform Based on Extremophile Microbes
From Argentina’s La Puna to Global Fields
Puna Bio’s technology leverages extremophiles—microorganisms from the La Puna desert in Argentina, known for its extreme aridity and salinity. These microbes, dating back 3.5 billion years, are used in non-GMO seed coatings that improve nutrient absorption, increase tolerance to abiotic stress, and enhance crop quality.
“Our solution maximizes productivity by 10 to 15 percent in fertile soils and revitalizes degraded soils that would normally be too acidic or salinized to be productive,” said Franco Martínez Levis, CEO and co-founder of Puna Bio.
The company’s biological inputs offer an alternative to traditional fertilizers and pesticides, aligning with the growing demand for climate-resilient and sustainable ag technologies.
Backing from Corteva Signals Confidence in Sustainable Ag Inputs
Strategic Investment with Long-Term Potential
With this round, Corteva becomes a strategic partner as part of its Catalyst platform, which supports early-stage ag innovation.
“We see significant potential in Puna Bio and its technology,” said Tom Greene, Senior Director at Corteva and Global Leader for Corteva Catalyst. “Their unique approach presents an opportunity to enhance farmer profitability while promoting soil health and environmental sustainability.”
The partnership strengthens Corteva’s portfolio of biologicals and advances its sustainability goals, while giving Puna Bio access to a global agricultural network and scaling opportunities.
Puna Bio Expansion and Next Steps for Puna Bio
Focus on Product Development and Market Growth
The new capital will be used to:
- Accelerate R&D and launch new biological products
- Expand market presence in the United States, Brazil, and Paraguay
- Advance regulatory approvals and commercialization in key growth markets
