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§ Private Profile · Rehovot, HaMerkaz, Israel
Seed breeding company using computational technology to develop non-GMO seeds for plant-based food ingredients, enhancing protein and oil.
Equinom is an agricultural technology company based in Givat Brenner, Israel, that develops non-GMO seeds for crops like peas, sesame, and legumes using computational breeding technology. The organization utilizes proprietary algorithms to analyze genetic data from thousands of plants, combining genomics with conventional crossbreeding to enhance specific traits such as protein content, oil levels, disease resistance, and mechanical harvestability. Equinom has raised $10 million in Series B funding to support its global expansion and commercialization efforts, backed by lead investors including BASF Venture Capital and Fortissimo Capital. The business secures breeding contracts with major food industry players to supply plant-based food ingredients, working with entities such as a PepsiCo joint venture and hiring former executives from Ingredion and Cargill to scale its United States operations. Equinom was founded in 2012 by Gil Shalev.
Equinom has raised $105.3M across 6 funding rounds.
Equinom has raised $105.3M in total across 6 funding rounds.
Equinom has raised $105.3M in total across 6 funding rounds.
Equinom's investors include Costa Yiannoulis, BayWa, Bunge Ventures, CPT Capital, Fortissimo Capital, Phoenix, Praesidium, Synthesis Capital, FTW Ventures, iSelect Fund, M34 Capital, Mayfield.
Equinom has raised $105.3M across 6 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $35.0M Other Equity in December 2022.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 12, 2022 | $35M Venture Round | Costa Yiannoulis | Baywa, Bunge Ventures, CPT Capital, Fortissimo Capital, Phoenix, Praesidium | Announced |
| Dec 1, 2022 | $35M Series D | Synthesis Capital | FTW Ventures, ISelect Fund, M34 Capital, Mayfield, SOSV, Starlight Ventures, Stray DOG Capital, Wilbur Ellis [cavallo], Baywa, Bunge Ventures, CPT Capital, Fortissimo Capital, Phoenix, Praesidium | Announced |
| Jun 1, 2021 | $20M Series C | Elad Givoni | BASF Venture Capital, BASF, Fortissimo Capital, Maverick Ventures Israel, The Trendlines Group | Announced |
| Feb 1, 2020 | $10M Series B | BASF Venture Capital | Fortissimo Capital, Roquette Ventures, The Trendlines Group | Announced |
| Oct 18, 2017 | $4M Seed | Fortissimo Capital | — | Announced |
| Apr 14, 2016 | $1.3M Venture Round | Hazera | — | Announced |
Equinom is an Israeli food-tech company founded in 2012 that develops non-GMO, optimized grain seeds and legumes using AI-driven breeding technology, alongside its Manna™ AI software platform for grain analysis and supply chain optimization.[1][2][4] It serves food processors, millers, traders, and manufacturers by providing high-yield crops like shatter-resistant sesame, protein-rich peas, chickpeas, soy, wheat, and corn, solving challenges in ingredient quality, taste, functionality, and sustainability for plant-based foods and milling efficiency.[2][3][4] With operations in 20 countries, farms in the USA, Australia, Europe, and North America as its largest market, Equinom has achieved milestones like US sesame sales, GRAS-approved pea proteins, and SaaS expansion of Manna, driving growth through partnerships with firms like BASF (2019 investment) and Roquette.[1][2][3]
Equinom was founded in 2012 by Gil Shalev, who leveraged genomic sequencing breakthroughs to create revolutionary seed breeding technology, starting with one of the world's most robust seed vaults and the proprietary Manna™ platform.[1][3] Shalev's background in recognizing AgTech potential led to rapid development of high-yield, shatter-resistant sesame, positioning Equinom as the global largest provider with farms across continents.[1] Early traction included non-GMO breeding innovations, US/Canada commercial launches for pea proteins (earning GRAS approval), and expansions into wheat, corn, and AI grading tools, fueled by $20 million funding and partnerships amid global supply disruptions like the Ukraine war.[2][3]
Equinom rides the plant-based food and sustainable AgTech wave, addressing global demands for non-GMO, high-protein alternatives amid climate challenges, supply chain disruptions (e.g., Ukraine war impacting pulses), and rising plant-protein needs for meat substitutes and beverages.[3] Its timing aligns with AI advancements in genomics and precision agriculture, enabling faster breeding to counter food security issues and ingredient shortages, while Manna SaaS democratizes grain insights across the value chain.[2][4] By partnering with giants like BASF and influencing North America/Europe/Asia markets, Equinom boosts the ecosystem through optimized crops that improve milling yields, reduce waste, and support profitability for food innovators.[1][3]
Equinom is poised for accelerated global expansion, scaling Manna AI to new crops like coffee and cacao, deepening North American pea/soy production, and forging more ingredient partnerships amid surging plant-protein demand.[2][3] Trends like AI in AgTech, non-GMO sustainability, and resilient supply chains will propel its growth, potentially unlocking pre-IPO liquidity via platforms like EquityZen.[6] As a leader in AI-bred ingredients, its influence will evolve from seed innovator to essential supply chain optimizer, tying back to its founding vision of revolutionizing food through nature and technology for a healthier planet.[1][3]