Startups on Fire — Firms more than five years old
Finalist: Plastomics
Founded in 2017, Plastomics is developing a new method of delivering traits into a plant that it says will increase yield and better stave off pests and diseases. It raised $7.1 million in Series A funding in 2021, using that capital to advance its technology. The firm had recently achieved a key milestone, with testing showing its technology has provided pest resistance in soybeans. It says more funding is being sought to further advance its product development efforts.
What was your company’s biggest achievement in the past year?
Plastomics' most significant accomplishment in the past year is the successful demonstration of our core scientific concept. Through soybean chloroplast engineering, we have successfully expressed insect resistance traits that were previously unattainable using conventional nuclear transformation methods. This achievement has garnered significant validation from investors and collaborators, positioning Plastomics for continued growth and innovation in the field of plant transformation.
What is your company’s top goal for the next year?
Plastomics' top goal for 2024 is to successfully complete our series B investment round. With our validated success in soybean, this funding is essential to resource our work in additional crops and bring some of our current products to market.
Are you currently hiring? If so, for what roles?
We're actively building our team to achieve our goals. In the next year, we'll be hiring scientists with expertise in molecular biology, tissue culture and transformation, plant gene expression, and experience with row crops. These roles will be instrumental in delivering the first corn plastid transformation in the world.
See photos from the 2024 Fire Awards event below:
