If you missed Carter’s testimony at the Senate hearing, “Feeding a Healthier America: Current Efforts and Potential Opportunities for Food is Medicine,” the replay is available here.
The hearing emphasized the importance of nutrition to reducing healthcare costs and national debt, as well as the connection to national security, economic performance and GDP; highlighting data on promising solutions that can be scaled to drive drastic improvements — from medically tailored meals to innovations in our nation’s food and agriculture systems.
Carter’s testimony focused on innovation and what we have learned from the thousands of companies we have reviewed at iSelect over the past decade. The companies iSelect invests in are developing and bringing to market technologies that have transformative potential. By harnessing the power of science, regulation, and innovation, Williams envisions a future where food is synonymous with health, fostering longevity, productivity, and societal well-being.
Here are a few recent examples of how our portfolio is driving innovation in Food and Health:
iSelect named as one of “The 10 most active VC investors cultivating agtech’s future” by Pitchbook
Pitchbook, a leading provider of private market data, recently included iSelect Fund in a list of “the 10 most active VC investors betting on agtech to transform the future of food since 2019,” based on the number of agtech investments during that time.
Regenerative Food & Agriculture
Harpe Bio in the news for their natural & sustainable weed management solutionsA recent Forbes article featuring Harpe Bio highlights the urgent need for sustainable weed control solutions due to increasing herbicide resistance. Harpe Bioherbicide Solutions, Inc. has developed a novel method using natural chemicals derived from mint species to combat this issue. Their approach not only restores the efficacy of key herbicides but also leverages the Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status of mint-derived chemicals, streamlining regulatory approval. This innovation, led by scientists Manish Bansal and Randall Hess, focuses on combining mint extracts with herbicides, showing promising results in overcoming weed resistance. The integration of advanced spraying technologies further enhances this natural, eco-friendly solution. Harpe Bio’s experienced leadership, including COO Daniel Pepitone, bolsters the development and success of this approach. Read more from Forbes and other Harpe Bio news: |
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Cyprus issues emergency use authorization for Vestaron peptide-based bioinsecticide for control of tomato leafminerVestaron announced that Cyprus has granted emergency use authorization for its biological insecticide, SPEAR®-LEP, marking the third European country to do so. This authorization allows Cypriot farmers to use SPEAR®-LEP to protect their crops from pests effectively. Vestaron’s innovative insecticide leverages peptide technology, offering a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional chemical pesticides. This approval supports the company’s mission to provide safer and more effective pest control solutions globally. |
Food and Health
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Brightseed Introduces Rapid Profiling and Expanded Microbiome Discovery Programs for PartnersBrightseed recently announced the expansion of their A.I.-driven microbiome discovery program using their Forager platform to identify bioactives from fermented ingredients and prebiotics. This program aims to find health benefits from interactions between gut bacteria and these bioactives. Brightseed collaborates globally, including with CJ Foods, to analyze sources worldwide. The program supports companies in developing novel, clinically validated products, enhancing synbiotic product offerings. Forager can map compounds rapidly, aiding quick commercialization of health solutions targeting gut health, metabolism, and cognition. The company already has established partnerships with ADM, Ocean Spray, Danone, Pharmavite, and Olam food ingredients. |
POW.bio in the news for their strides in increasing productivity in continuous fermentationPOW.bio is transforming biomanufacturing with its continuous fermentation technology, which significantly boosts productivity and cuts costs compared to traditional batch fermentation. Unlike the stop-and-start nature of batch processes, POW.bio’s method keeps microbes in a constantly productive state, optimizing output through AI-driven controls and maintaining production for weeks. This approach reduces the risk of contamination and genetic drift while achieving up to 10 times the productivity, drastically lowering the costs of bio-based product manufacturing. This innovation is set to make a substantial impact on industries requiring cost-effective bioproduction, such as synthetic biology and alternative proteins. |
Health Technology
FDA approves ColoSense™ – Geneoscopy’s noninvasive multi-target stool RNA (mt-sRNA) colorectal cancer screening testGeneoscopy has received FDA approval for ColoSense™, a noninvasive colorectal cancer screening test using multi-target stool RNA (mt-sRNA) technology. Targeting adults 45 and older, ColoSense™ detects specific RNA biomarkers and occult hemoglobin in stool samples, offering a less invasive alternative to colonoscopies. The test demonstrated 93% sensitivity for colorectal cancer and 100% detection of Stage I cancer in trials. Geneoscopy plans to launch the test commercially in partnership with Labcorp by late 2024 or early 2025. |
NextSense Honored as World Economic Forum Technology PioneerNextSense has been recognized as a World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer for 2024. This prestigious honor celebrates their innovative brain technology designed to enhance daily life by restoring energy, joy, and purpose. As a new Technology Pioneer, NextSense’s CEO, Jonathan Berent, will speak at Summer Davos in Dalian, China, where he will explore groundbreaking advancements in digital neurotherapeutics. In addition, Jonathan Berent has been named to Fast Company’s Impact Council, a network of visionary leaders committed to shaping the future through creativity and mission-driven innovation. |
Cyrus Biotech spins out company to expand reach of versatile drug development softwareCyrus Biotechnology, a Seattle-based startup, is creating a new for-profit subsidiary, Levitate Bio, to broaden the accessibility of its software technology, which is aimed at fostering innovation across various sectors including drug development, agriculture, synthetic biology, and manufacturing. Levitate Bio will operate under the ownership of the Rosetta Commons Foundation, established by RosettaCommons—a coalition that developed the Rosetta software platform for biomolecular modeling. The University of Washington, connected to this development, has issued numerous licenses for the use of Rosetta, highlighting its significant adoption in both academic and commercial spheres. |
Private investments are highly illiquid, speculative, can lose all value and are not suitable for all investors. Past performance is not indicative of future results. This message is not an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any security, which only can be made through official offering documents that contain important information about risks, fees and expenses. Investment information contained herein has been secured from sources iSelect believes are reliable, but we make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy of such information and accept no liability. We suggest that you consult with a financial advisor, attorney, accountant, and any other professional that can help you to understand and assess the risks associated with any investment opportunity.
Securities offered through North Capital Private Securities, member FINRA/SIPC.
