A daily newsletter summarizing recent activity & interesting startups globally

RECENT NOTABLE ACTIVITY – FITNESS AND WELLNESS

• SuperMonkey, an app-based platform providing video tutorials and remote fitness consultation, received $7M in a Series B funding round led by Ventech and The Arena Capital. Link
• ZenRez, an online platform to book fitness studios at last minute, has raised $6M in Series A funding round led by ARTIS Ventures, Summit Action, Transmedia Capital, Nucleus Adventure Capital, Precursor Ventures, and C2 Ventures. Link
• Mission 360, an online platform providing remote physical and mental training via video, has raised $250K in an Angel funding round from undisclosed investors. Link
• Fitso, a mobile app to track fitness activities and to connect with coaches, has raised $200K in angel funding from a group of individual investors. Link
• Strava, an online social network for athletes, closed an undisclosed Series D financing round led by Go4it, Sequoia Capital, Madrone Capital and Jackson Square Ventures. Link
• Urban Sports Club, an online marketplace for sports and fitness activities, received an undisclosed amount of funding from  Holtzbrinck Ventures and Rocket Internet Link
• Fitraq, a web platform to discover gyms and health centers, secured an undisclosed amount of funding from individual investors Aparup Sengupta and Devendra Reddy.  Link
• FastTrack enters smart wearable segment with the launch of Reflex fitness band. Link
• Nokia plans to rebrand Withings’ product line as Nokia. Link
• Adidas to allow third-party hardware manufacturers to use the Runtastic platform. Link

SOME INTERESTING STARTUPS FOUND

Aaptiv (2016, NYC) – An app-based platform providing audio fitness content by professional trainers for workout guidance.
Bitome (2016, Boston) –  Bitome developed a wearable device that can track hydration levels using magnetic resonance.

LEADER BOARD – FITNESS AND WELLNESS

Physical Health – Monitoring
Jawbone (SF,1999, $1B) – Fitness wrist-band with algorithm for activity and sleep tracking. Backed by KPCB, Andreessen Horowitz, Khosla Ventures, Sequoia Capital and 21 other investors.
Codoon (Chengdu, 2011, $90M) – Smart Wearables and fitness social network for users. Backed by Shenzhen Capital Group, SIG China, SBCVC, CITIC Capital, Focus Media, FountainVest Partners and Shanda Group.
Fitbit (SF, 2007, IPO) – Wireless wearable sensors to track person’s activities. Went public in 2015.

Physical Health – Aggregators
ClassPass  (NYC, 2011, $84M) – Membership programs for fitness classes across multiple gyms. Backed by SV Angel, Mayfield, Charles River Ventures and 15 other investors.
Quancheng Relian (Beijing, 2014, $17M) – O2O mobile app for booking of gyms and fitness centers with subscription passes. Backed by Legend Capital and Matrix Partners China.

Physical Health – Remote Coaching Solutions
Hotbody (Beijing, 2014, $27M) – Fitness community and an app to remotely consult professional coaches. Backed byHupu, Meridian Capital China, Greenwoods Investments and The Arena Capital.
Grokker (San Jose, 2012, $22.5M) – On-demand Videos for Cooking and Fitness Classes. Backed by First Round Capital, SV Angel, Khosla Ventures, Correlation Ventures, InterWest Partners, Comcast Venture and Aspect Ventures.
Sportq (Shanghai, 2012, $10M) – Mobile app based platform for fitness enthusiasts to consult professional coaches. Backed by SIG China and Small Ville Financial Advisor.

Physical Health – Exercise Devices
Peloton cycle (NYC, 2012, $119M) – Fitness bike with access to live and on-demand classes. Backed by Tugboat Ventures, Tiger Global Management, True Ventures, Grace Beauty, Brand Foundry Ventures and Catterton.
Interactive Fitness (Sunnyvale, 2009, $41M) – Bikes for indoor cycling with gamification. Backed by Silicon Valley Bank, Sierra Ventures, Physic Ventures and Enterprise Partners Venture Capital

Physical Health – Social Platform
Strava (SF, 2009, $35M) – Strava is the social network for athletes. Backed by Sequoia Capital, Sigma Partners, Jackson Square Ventures and Go4It.
Joyrun (Guangzhou, 2014, $18M) – Social networking application for jogging. Backed by Innovation Works, Qihoo 360 and The Arena Capital.

Physical Health – Information Portal
Keep (Beijing, 2014, $37M) – Video-based workout guide and progress monitoring tool. Backed by GGV Capital, Morningside Group, Ventech China, Bertelsmann Asia Investment Fund.
Healthination (NYC, 2005, $14M) – Health and wellness video provider. Backed by Intel Capital and MK Capital.
Health Guru  (NYC, 2007, $9M, Acq.) – Health education portal with online health video content. Acquired by Kitara Media in 2013.

Physical Health – Tools for Fitness Centers
Mindbody (San Luis Obispo, 2001, IPO) – Marketplace booking and business management SaaS for wellness centres. Went public in 2015.
Netpulse (SF, 2009, $52M) – Member engagement SaaS platform for fitness clubs. Backed by  Javelin Venture Partners, Nokia Growth Partners, August Capital, Frontier Venture Capital, Bally Fitness, DOCOMO Innovations and DFJ Frontier.

Physical Health – Commerce
Nu3  (Berlin, 2011, $7M) – Online retail platform for health & fitness related products. Backed by Lakestar, Project A Ventures, Alternative Strategic Investments and Black River Ventures.
Lighterliving (Cambridge, 2004, $3M) – Products & Information to manage body changes. Backed by Flybridge Capital Partners.
Hyperwear (Austin, 2007, $2.5M) – Consumer products in fitness and wellness market. Backed by Baylor, CTAN and Concho Valley Angel Network.

Physical Health – App Studio
Azumio (2011, Palo Alto, $3M) – Developer of mobile applications for healthcare. Backed by Accel Partners, Founders Fund, Felicis Ventures and Western Technology Investment.

Mental Health- Sleep Management
Hello (SF, 2012, $32M) – Sleep behaviour tracking. Backed by Temasek and Forward Partners.

Mental Health- Stress Management
Headspace ( LA, 2010, $39M) – Guided meditation sessions and mindfulness training. Backed by Allen & Company, WME Entertainment, Advancit Capital, Broadway Video, Deerfield, Breyer Capital.
Interaxon (Toronto, 2009, $18M) – Brain Sensing headband ‘Muse’ to help in meditation. Backed by  Felicis Ventures, ff Venture Capital, Horizons Ventures, A-Grade Investments, OMERS Ventures, Build Ventures, Mindfull Investors, TownsgateMedia, and Flextronics Lab IX.
Happify ( NYC, 2011, $14M) – Platform for improved mental & emotional health through gamification. Backed by Founder Collective, b-to-v Partners, Mangrove Capital Partners and Bridge Builders Collaborative.

Leaderboard includes all the top funded, IPO and successfully running bootstrapped companies along with their location, founding year and funding amount.

For latest updates, visit Fitness and Wellness feed.

A daily newsletter summarizing recent activity & interesting start-ups globally

RECENT NOTABLE ACTIVITY – FOOD TECH

• Goldbely, an online platform to order food from restaurants, raised $10M in Series A led by Global Founders Capital and Intel Capital Link
• Farmhouse Culture, a brand of probiotic food products raised $6.5M in Series D led by General Mills’ venture fund Link
• Chowbotics, a manufacturer of robots for food preparation raised $5M round led by Techstars Ventures and Foundry Group Link
• PlateIQ, a provider of cloud-based cost management solution to restaurants rasied $4M round led by Eileses Capital. Link
• Yume, an Australian online platform used for businesses to trade surplus food raised $2M Link
• Drizly, an online alcohol delivery marketplace raised additional $2M, which takes the total amount raised in Series B to $17M Link
• ClickDishes, a mobile platform to pre-order food at restaurant raised $1.6M round Link
• Beehex, a developer of 3D printer to make pizza raised $1M in seed round Link
• D’s Naturals, a brand of plant-based packaged snacks raised undisclosed amount in a round led by 2x Partners Link 
• Lightlife Foods, a brand of meat alternative products was acquired by Maple Leaf Foods, a Canadian packaged meats company for $140M from Brynwood Partners Link
• Nowait, a cloud-based reservation management solution provider to restaurants was acquired by Yelp for $40M in all cash deal Link
• Blue Apron, a USA based meal-kit delivery company acquired BN Ranch, a meat producer which has been suppliying grass-fed beef to Blue Apron since 2015 Link
• Ojah, a manufacturer of meat alternative food products was acquired by Korys, the investment arm of the Belgian supermarket chain Colruyt Link
• Impossible Foods, a manufacturer of alternative meat burger is set to open its first large scale facility in Oakland Link
• Juicero, the manufacturer of IOT based cold-press juice appliance, partners with Whole Foods to install self-serve juicers at 11 stores in Southern California Link
• Thistle, a subscription based internet first restaurant launches meal kits for baby food Link
• Honestbee, an online grocery marketplace set to launch food delivery business Link
• AccelFoods, an accelerator and fund in F&B sector added $15M to its second fund Link

The food tech landscape in 2016 saw 377 companies emerge with funding activity dipping marginally by 28% and number of funding rounds declining by 22% from previous year. Number of funding rounds fell across the board with late stage registering the maximum dip of 51% followed by seed (25%) and early stage (13%).

Average ticket size in early stage showed the sharpest uptick for Series B (29%) with funding dollars falling for both seed (33%) and Series A (20%). While YoY funding for seed and early displayed a flat trend, funding dollars for late stage took a hit by 37%.

By the stage of entry, 500 Startups was the top investor for seed (34), Khosla Ventures for Series A (10), Sequoia for Series B (7) and Goldman Sachs for later stage (5) investments.

Ele.me amassed largest funding of $1.3B from VC giants Alibaba and Ant Financial followed by Deliveroo with $275M (Series E). 500 Startups with investments in 54 companies and SOSV in 32 led the tally of most active investors.

Historically, the food ordering model has attracted the lion’s share of investment ($9B) with 2798 companies running on this business model. In 2016, it drew investments worth $2.4B across 185 rounds.The year saw 16 acquisitions of which deal values of only four were disclosed among which Anova Culinary’s buy by Electrolux Group for $250M closed at the highest.

Five companies among which London based platforms for online ordering for takeaway orders Just Eat ($129M) and takeaway ($119M) have taken the IPO route since 2014.

Note: You can download the part view of the report here. The full version of this report is available for our paid subscribers. Should you want to access the complete report and explore the Tracxn platform, drop us a note on bd@tracxn.com

Download the Tracxn Industry Report on Food Tech

A daily newsletter summarizing recent activity & interesting start-ups globally

RECENT NOTABLE ACTIVITY – INDUSTRIAL IOT

• View, a smart window glass provider for buildings, raised $100M in Series G round of funding from TIAA Investments. Link
• Farmer’s Business Network, a network based big data analytics provider for farmers to increase productivity, secured a Series C round of $40M from DBL Partners, Google Ventures, KPCB, Acre Venture Partners and Bow Capital. Link
• Flutura, an IoT based big data analytics for engineering industries, raised $7.5M in Series A funding round from Vertex Ventures, Lumis Partners, and Hive Data. Link
• Vibeac, an iBeacon device based marketing solution, secured a Series B round of $3.6M from Shenzhen Capital Group. Link
• Falkonry, a provider of advanced analytical technologies for industrial equipment, raised $5.3M in a Series A round from Zetta Venture Partners, Polaris Partners, and Start Smart Labs. Link 
• Smart OES, a building energy management solution provider, secures a Seed round from $1.3M. Link
• Zenatix Solutions, a smart energy monitoring and analytics provider, raised $1.2M in a Seed round from Pi Ventures and Blume VC. Link
• Ambisense, an autonomous gas monitoring technology provider, secured a Seed round of $1.1M from University Bridge Fund. Link
• DataRPM, a Big Data business intelligence solution provider for predictive maintenance, was acquired by Progress Link

SOME INTERESTING STARTUPS FOUND

Doordeck (2016, Wallington) – Device to make electronic locks smart.
I-Dripper (2016, Tel Aviv) – IoT system for soil moisture sensing & irrigation automation.

LEADER BOARD – INDUSTRIAL IOT

HEALTH CARE
Medication Adherence
Proteus Digital Health (2001, Redwood City, $404M) – Technology provider to hospitals and care givers to monitor medication intake and adherence. Backed by Silicon Valley Bank, Oxford Finance, Asset Management Ventures, Oracle, Novartis.
Propeller Health (2010, Madison, $42M) – Mobile platform and sensor for respiratory health management and medication adherence. Backed by Kapor Capital, S23P, California HealthCare Foundation, Safeguard Scientifics, 3M, SR One, Social Capital and Hikma Ventures.

Vital Sign Monitoring
iRhythm Technologies (2006, SF, IPO) – Solutions to gather data for diagnosis and treatment decisions. Went public in 2016.
Orthosensor (2006, Fort Lauderdale, $88M) – Developer of sensor based intelligent orthopaedic device. Backed by  Ziegler Meditech Equity Partners, Tullis, Ziegler, Dignity Health, IMM Investment, Meditech Advisors.

RETAIL
Instore Marketing|
Swirl Networks (2011, Boston, $32M) – Proximity based mobile marketing platform provider for retailers. Backed by Softbank, Longworth Venture Partners, Hearst Ventures, Twitter Ventures, General Catalyst Partners.
Lisnr (2012, Cincinnati, $15M) – Audio based marketing and content distribution platform. Backed by Intel Capital, Mercury Fund, R/GA, Cincy Tech, Jump Capital, Progress Ventures, Serra Ventures.

Instore Analytics
RetailNext (2007, San Jose, $190M) – Real time in store analytics using Wifi and bluetooth sensors. Backed by August Capital, Commerce Ventures, StarVest Partners, Amex Ventures, Nokia Growth Partners, Qualcomm Ventures, Activant Capital, Pereg Ventures, Tyco.
Euclid (2010, Palo Alto, $44M) – Actionable shopper insights by tracking metrics like engagement. Backed by NEA, Benchmark, XG Ventures, Ulu Ventures, Triple Point Capital, Harrison Metal, Cox Enterprises.

AGRICULTURE
Farm Monitoring & Management
Farmer’s Business Network (2014, Davenport, $88M) – A network based big data analytics provider for farmers to increase productivity. Backed by DBL Partners, Google Ventures, KPCB, Acre Venture Partners, Bow Capital.
Farmers Edge (2005, Winnipeg, $44M) – Provider of precision agriculture and data management solutions. Backed by KPCB, Mitsui.

Bovine Monitoring
Connecterra (2014, Amsterdam, $2M) – Hardware and software solution provider for device connectivity. Backed by Mena Venture Investments, Dena, Breed Reply, ICT Agri Europe.
Vital Herd (2012, Austin, $798K) – Animal monitoring solution for livestock farmers. Backed by New York Angels.

MULTI INDUSTRIES
Asset Monitoring & Tracking
Samsara (2015, SF, $25M) – IoT gateway & cloud solution to record and analyze machine data. Backed by Andreessen Horowitz.
Perpetuum (2004, South Hampton, $20M) – Vibration harvesting micro-generator for gathering large amounts of information from wireless sensor nodes. Backed by  ETF Partners, Quester, Spark Venture Management.

Worksite Monitoring
Precyse Technologies (2004, Atlanta, $12M) – Real time asset visibility and management. Backed by Spencer Trask Ventures.

Workforce Wearables
Atheer (2011, Mountain View, $28M) – 3D augmented reality platform to assist workforce. Backed by Streamline Ventures, Signature Capital, Rona Holdings, Funders Club, Shanda Group, Fang Group, Flextronics Lab, Mindful Investors.
Daqri (2010, LA, $17M) – Smart helmets for industrial environments. Backed by Tarsadia Investments.

Analytics
OSI Soft (1980, San Leandro, $140M) – Platform to capture, store, process and analyze sensor data. Backed by Technology Crossover Ventures, KPCB.
Uptake (2014, Palo Alto, $85M) – Provider of domain specific data analytics solutions for industries. Backed by NEA, Lightbank, Caterpillar, Peterson Partners, General Purpose Vehicles.

MANUFACTURING
SightMachine (2012, SF, $24.5M) – Analyses images from industrial cameras, data from sensors and information from factory systems to improve efficiency. Backed by Orfin Ventures, Huron River Ventures, Funders Club, Mercury Fund, Michigan eLab, O’Reily Alpha Tech Ventures, IA Ventures.
Predikto (2012, Atlanta, $8M) – Machine performance monitoring. Backed by TechOperators, Atlanta Angel, AIM Group, Fidelis Capital Markets.

SMART BUILDINGS
Viewglass (2007, Milpitas, $546M) – Smart window glass for buildings. Backed by Khosla Ventures, Sigma Partners, DBL Investors, Nano Dimension, Navitas Capital, Westly Group, GE Capital, NZ Superfund, Corning.
Enlighted (2009, Sunny Vale, $83M) – Sensor based smart lighting optimization. Backed by Intel Capital, DFJ, KPCB, Draper Nexus, Rockport Capital Partners.

Leaderboard includes all the top funded, IPO and successfully running bootstrapped companies along with their location, founding year and funding amount.

For latest updates visit Industrial IoT feed. 

A daily newsletter summarizing recent activity & interesting start-ups globally

RECENT NOTABLE ACTIVITY – BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATIONS

• Align Commerce, a Blockchain-based business payment platform, raised $24M funding in a Series B round led by NAB Ventures, with participation from KPCB, Silicon Valley Bank, SBI Holdings, GV. Link
• Filament, a Decentralized IoT stack, raised $15M funding in an undisclosed round led by Verizon Ventures and Bullpen Capital, with participation from Intel Capital, JetBlue Technology Ventures, CME Group, Flex technology accelerator program Lab IX, Backstage Capital, Tappan Hill Ventures, Samsung NEXT, Resonant Venture Partners, Digital Currency Group. Link
• Funderbeam, a global marketplace for startup investments built on blockchain, raised €2M funding from Japanese investor and incubator Mistletoe. Link
  
• Slock.it, a Blockchain-based IoT smart contract solutions provider, raised $2M funding in a Seed round. Link
• OpenLedger’s Apptrade, the platform creating “Kickstarter for Apps on the Blockchain”, has received a $100k boost from OpenLedger ApS, the world’s first blockchain powered conglomerate. Link
  
• The Senate of the state of Arizona has passed a bill relating to the blockchain that would give smart contracts and blockchain signatures legal binding status. Link
  
• Toronto-based identity management services provider SecureKey has launched a blockchain-based identity service, with the support of Canada’s top five banks. Link
  
• Internet of Coins has launched an inter-systemic and cross-blockchain token called a ‘hybrid asset’. Link

SOME INTERESTING STARTUPS FOUND

Humaniq (2016, Luxembourg) – A mobile banking service provider using Ethereum blockchain and AI.
Proof (2016, Gangnam) – Blockchain platform to manage and trade equity, debt, program points, and other financial assets.

LEADER BOARD – BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATIONS

Financial Services
Circle (2013, Boston, $136M) – Digital currency wallet and international money transfer service provider. Backed by Accel Partners, Goldman Sachs, Baidu, General Catalyst Partners, IDG Capital Partners, Oak Investment Partners, CICC, CreditEase, China Everbright, Fenway Summer, Breyer Capital, Pantera Capital, Wanxiang America, Digital Currency Group.
Ripple (2012, SF, $90.5M) – Open source payment protocol. Backed by Standard Chartered, AME Cloud Ventures, Seagate, CME Group, IDG Capital Partners, RRE Ventures, Venture 51, Core VC, ChinaRock Capital Management, SBI Holdings, Route 66 Ventures, Camp One Ventures, Blockchain Capital, Santander InnoVentures, Digital Currency Group, Tusk Ventures, CRCM Venture Capital, SCB Digital Ventures.
Digital Asset Holdings (2014, NYC, $67M) – Blockchain-based trade settlement solution provider. Backed Accenture, IBM, Goldman Sachs, Broadridge Financial Solutions, Citigroup, J.P. Morgan, CME Group, BNP Paribas, ABN AMRO Bank, Australian Securities Exchange, PNC Financial Services Group, Deutsche, DTCC, ICAP, FinTech Innovation Lab, Santander InnoVentures.

Enterprise
Filament Networks (2012, Reno, $36M) – A decentralized Internet of Things stack. Backed by Intel Capital, CME Group, Techstars, Crosslink Capital, Bullpen Capital, Resonant Venture Partners, Amherst Fund, Samsung Venture Investment, Pantera Capital, Detroit Innovate, Bullpen Capital, Verizon Ventures, Flex technology accelerator program Lab IX, Digital Currency Group, Working Lab Capital, Zenstone Venture Capital, VTF Capital, JetBlue Technology Ventures, Backstage Capital, Tappan Hill Ventures, Samsung NEXT.
Keybase (2013, NYC, $11M) – Identity mapping service via a public key encryption tool. Backed by Andreessen Horowitz, Corazon Capital.

Technology
Blockstream (2014, SF, $76M) – Provides sidechain solutions to improve blockchain. Backed by Khosla Ventures, AME Cloud Ventures, Innovation Endeavors, Data Collective, Horizons Ventures, Ribbit Capital, Real Ventures, Digital Garage, DG Incubation, SK Ventures, Future Perfect Ventures, Maiden Lane, Mosaic Ventures, Blockchain Capital, Digital Currency Group, AXA Strategic Ventures, Seven Seas Partners.
BitFury (2012, SF, $95M) – Full-service blockchain technology company. Backed by Credit China Holdings, DRW, Investment Fund, Crypto Currency Partners, Binary Financial, ZAD, Blockchain Capital, QueensBridge Venture Partners, iTech Capital.
Chain (2014, SF, $44M) – Provider of blockchain networks and applications to businesses. Backed by Capital One, VISA, Nasdaq, SV Angel, Khosla Ventures, Thrive Capital, RRE Ventures, Betaworks, Homebrew, Fiserv, Orange, Firestartr, Pantera Capital, Citi Ventures, Blockchain Capital, Digital Currency Group, BoxGroup.

Consumer
FirstBlood Technologies (2016, Boston, $5.5M) – Blockchain-based eSports platform.
Augur Project (2014, SF, $5M) – Decentralized prediction market based on Blockchain.

Leaderboard includes all the top funded, IPO and successfully running bootstrapped companies along with their location, founding year and funding amount.

For latest update, visit Blockchain Applications feed.

A daily newsletter summarizing recent activity & interesting start-ups globally

RECENT NOTABLE ACTIVITY – CONSUMER ROBOTICS

• CloudMinds, developer of cloud-intelligence platform for robots, raised $100M in a Series A round from undisclosed investors. Link
• MakeBlock, developer of robotic kits, raised $29M in a Series B round involving Shenzhen Capital Group and Evolution Media Capital. Link
• MJI Robotics, developer of a tabletop social robot, raised $5M in a Seed round involving Sparx Group. Link
• AMY Robotics, a developer of social telepresence robots, raised $2.2M in a Series A round. Link
• Intuition Robotics, developer of a social companion robot, raised an undisclosed amount in a Series A round from iRobot and OurCrowd. Link

SOME INTERESTING STARTUPS FOUND

Unirobot (2016, Komae) – Develops a social robot for family use which can learn about personality traits of members and can interact accordingly.

LEADER BOARD – CONSUMER ROBOTICS

Domestic Tasks
Laundroid (1957, Tokyo, $72M) – Develops an autonomous robot that folds laundry. Backed by Panasonic, Daiwa House, University of Tokyo Edge Capital, Shinsei Bank and others.
Petnet (2012, Pasadena, $21M) – Smart pet feeder robot that enables custom feeding and keeps the pet busy. Backed by Grishin Robotics, Kima Ventures, SparkLabs Global Ventures, Launch Capital and iRobot.
Neato Robotics (2005, Newark, $44M) – Develops robotic vacuum cleaning devices. Backed by Noventi Ventures, Vorwerk Direct Selling Ventures.
Evolution Robotics (2001, Pasadena, $14M, Acq.) – Robotic household cleaning devices such as vacuum cleaner. Acquired by iRobot for $74M in 2012.
iRobot (1990, New Bedford, IPO) – Robotic household appliances such as vacuum cleaner, floor scrubbing robots and gutter cleaning robots. Went public in 2005.

Personal
UBTech Robotics (2012, Shenzhen, $123M) – Programmable intelligent humanoid robots for consumers. Backed by CDH Fund, Qiming Venture Capital and Citic Securities.
Roobo (2014, Beijing, $100M) – Company developing intelligent home robots. Backed by iFlyTek.
Jibo (2012, Boston, $68M) – Personal social robot that can recognize speech and interact. Backed by Charles River Ventures, Fairhaven Capital Partners, Osage Ventures, RRE Ventures, Flybridge Capital Partners, Formation 8 Partners, Samsung Venture Investment Corporation, KDDI Corporation, Netposa Technologies, Dentsu Ventures and  Fenox Venture Capital.
A.I.Nemo (2014, Beijing, $30M) – Develops a smart robotic companion with telepresence capabilities. Backed by Innovation Works, Lightspeed Venture Partners and Foxconn.
Aldebaran Robotics (2005, Paris, $20M, Acq.) – Develops humanoid robots for personal use. Acquired by Softbank Group for $100M in 2012.

Entertainment
Anki (2010, SF, $157M) – AI based robotic cars used in racing games. Backed by Andreessen Horowitz, Index Ventures, Two Sigma Ventures and JP Morgan.
Sphero (2010, Boulder, $77M) – Smartphone controlled robotic gaming ball. Backed by Foundry Group, Highway12 Ventures, Mercato Partners, Grishin Robotics, and Walt Disney Interactive.

Healthcare
Artificial Life Source (2007, Singapore, $54M) – Develops teddy bear shaped personal robot and glove shaped remote interface device. Backed by DB Capital Partners.
Bionik Laboratories (2009, Toronto, IPO) – Develops lower body exoskeleton that enables wheelchair ridden people to regain ability to walking. Went public in 2015.
ReWalk Robotics (2001, Yokneam Illit, IPO) – Exoskeleton that helps in regaining the ability to walk. Went public in 2014.
Ekso Bionics (2005, Richmond, IPO) – Develops bionic exoskeletons for people with paralysis. Went public in 2014.
AlterG (2005, Fremont, $23M) – Develops anti-gravity treadmill and wearable bionic leg for rehabilitation purposes. Backed by Oxford Finance, Versant Ventures, Silicon Valley Bank, Astrolabe Ventures and Funk Ventures.

Educational
littlebits (2011, NYC, $60M) – Develops robotic kits which can be snapped together to form interesting creations. Backed by Khosla Ventures, True Ventures, Foundry Group, Two Sigma Ventures and others.
Wonder Workshop (2012, San Mateo, $37M) – Develops robots named Dash and Dot which help in learning robotics. Backed by Charles River Ventures, Madrona Venture Group, GV, WI Harper Group and Maven Ventures.
Makeblock (2011, Shenzhen, $35M) – Open source robot construction and electronic block kits. Backed by Sequoia Capital, Northern Light Venture Capital, Cloud Angel Fund, SOSV and HAX.
RoboRobo (2000, Seoul, $12M) – Develops robot kits and learning courses based on robots. Backed by Zhen Fund and New Oriental.
Vincross (2014, Beijing, $7M) – Develops a multi-legged hexapod robot modelled on a spider. Backed by GGV Capital and ZhenFund.
Modular Robotics (2008, Boulder, $6M) – Develops a robot construction kit. Backed by Foundry Group and National Science Foundation.

Tech Enablers
CloudMinds (2015, Shenzhen, $130M) – Develops cloud computing and AI for robotics. Backed by Foxconn, Walden International, SB China Capital and Kaixuan Capital.
ThynkWare Innovation (2013, Mountain View, $10M) – Develops a brain-computer interface for electronic devices and robot control.
Robart (2009, Linz, $4.1M) – Develops autonomous technology used in household robots. Backed by Robert Bosch Venture Capital, Innovacom and Groupe SEB.
RoboCV (2012, Moscow, $3.5M) – Develops a universal navigation system called ‘Autopilot’, for mobile robots. Backed by VTB Capital Investment Management, LETA Capital, I2BF Global Ventures, Columbus Nova Technology Partners and Almaz Capital.

Leader board includes all the top funded, IPO and successfully running bootstrapped companies along with their location, founding year and funding amount.

For latest updates, visit Consumer Robotics feed

A daily newsletter summarizing recent activity & interesting start-ups globally

RECENT NOTABLE ACTIVITY – ADTECH

• DataBerries, an audience segmentation platform has raised $16M in Series A funding from Index Ventures, ISAI, and Mosaic Ventures. Link
• Targeted victory, a cross-device media buying platform has raised an undisclosed Series A funding from Stagewell Media. Link
• Crealytics, a semantic PPC advertising technology platform has raised $9.3M in Series C funding from LBBW Venture Capital, Optima, Alternative Strategic Investment, High-Tech Grunderfonds, Mountain Internet, Bayern Kapital. Link
• Altice, a multinational cable, fiber, telecommunications, contents, and media company has acquired Teads, a video supply-side platform for $322M. Link

A daily newsletter summarizing recent activity & interesting start-ups globally

RECENT NOTABLE ACTIVITY – CODING TOOLS

• TrustInSoft, provider of tools for software developers to automate code vulnerability detection, raised $1.2M funding from Idinvest Partners.Link
• FOSSA, provides tools to detect open source compliance for developers, raised $2.2M in seed funding.Link
• Samebug, provider of automated exception search tools for developers, raised seed funding from OTP-Day One Seed Fund, Balázs Fejes and Infinity Special Situations Link
• Drytools, provides of tools for developers to build web and mobile applications, announed merger with Alechemy Cloud.Link
• Gitlab acquired Gitter, prover of collaboration tools for developer communities.Link
• Dell Boomi acquired ManyWho, provider of software developer platform for enterprise applications to boost its integration capabilities.Link

SOME INTERESTING STARTUPS FOUND

CodePilot (2016, Plano) – Provides deep learning tool to help developers search for code and improve code quality.
Stride (2016, San Francisco) – Provides open source based static code analysis tool to show code quality trends.

LEADER BOARD – CODING TOOLS

IDE (Integrated Development Environment)
Xamarin (2011, SF, $82M, Acq.) – Provides platform for developers to build native and hybrid apps for iOS, Android and Windows using a single C# code base. Acquired by Microsoft in 2016. Backed by Insight Partners, Floodgate, Lead Edge Capital, Ignition Partners.
Koding (2011, SF, $19M) – Cloud development environment where developers come together and code in the browser with a development server to run their code. Backed by Khosla Ventures, 500 Startups, GreyCroft Partners, Matrix Partners, RTP Ventures.

Code Generation
Icinetic (2006, Seville, $500k) – Application development platform for building native or HTML5 web apps and generates source code for multiple platforms (Mobile, Tablet, Web). Backed by Caixa Capital.
JRapid (2006, Sunnyvale, $420k) – Rapid development cloud platform for Java developers to build web applications by generating java code from AML (application modeling language).

Visual Development
Nexaweb (2000, Burlington, $15M) – Provides software for the rapid development of enterprise-class mobile, tablet, and web applications using drag and drop environment. Backed by Egan-Managed Capital, MVP Capital Partners, Velocity Equity Partners.
Dropsource (2014, Raleigh, $4.75M) – Provides a drag & drop environment for building native mobile apps. The platform converts the app designs into concise, extendable source code.

Code View
Architexa (2007, Massachusetts, $135k) – Provides a tool suite to developers for generating diagrams from the code to examine the logical flow of use-cases and helps understand and document large/complex codebase.
AgileJ (2006, Surbiton) – Provides a plugin for Eclipse IDE that generates reverse engineered class diagrams and helps in filtering of class diagrams using java filters.

Code Quality
Klocwork (2001, Boulder, $19M, Acq.) – Offers software tools that analyze source code in development stage and simplify peer code reviews. Backed by Cisco, Duke University, Mobius Venture Capital, Pequot Capital and USVP. Acquired by Rogue Wave Software in 2014.
Code Climate (2011, NYC, $6.5M) – Consolidates the results from a suite of static analysis tools into a single, real-time report. Backed by NextView Ventures and Trinity Ventures.

Source Code Management
GitHub (2008, SF, $350M) – Social network for programmers that allows users to take part in collaboration by forking projects, sending and pulling requests, and monitoring development. Backed by Sequoia Capital, Andreesen Horowitz, Thrive Capital and IVP.
CollabNet (1999, SF, $21M, Acq.) – Provides TeamForge SCM which gives organizations the advantage of distributed or centralized version control systems. Backed by Benchmark, NVP, Intel Capital, Industry Ventures. Acquired by Vector Capital in 2014.

Productivity
ZeroTurnaround (2007, Tartu, $8M) – Creates productivity tools for java applications. Backed by Bain Capital Ventures and Western Technology Investment.

Licensing
Blackduck Software (2002, Burlington, $71M) – Provides products to secure and manage open source software. Backed by Fidelity Ventures, Flagship Ventures, Focus Ventures, General Catlayst, Gold Hill Capital, Intel Capital and Others.
Inish Technology (2009, Dublin, $2M) – Provides a cloud-based service that helps in licensing, packaging, code protection and usage analytics. Backed by Enterprise Ireland and Halo Business Angel Network.

Package Managers
Npm (2014, Oakland, $11M) – Software package manager that installs, publishes and manages node programs.Backed by BVP and True Ventures.
Biicode (2012, Madrid, $325k) – Provides a file-based dependencies manager with a cloud-based service that helps developers reuse code, similar to Maven Central for Java. Backed by Big Sur Ventures and Necotium.

Leader board includes all the top funded, IPO and successfully running bootstrapped companies along with their location, founding year and funding amount.

A daily newsletter summarizing recent activity & interesting start-ups globally

RECENT NOTABLE ACTIVITY – ENERGY EFFICIENCY

• Future Energy Solutions, a provider of lighting as a service platform, closes $75M credit financing and strategic financial partnership with Orion Energy Partners. Link
• Advanced polymers and materials for LED lighting company Light Polymers, raises $24.3M in Series A funding to expand into OLED displays. Link
• Saphlux, a producer of semi-polar GaN materials for LEDs and Lasers raises $5m in funding. Link
• Industrial internet of things startup Elmodis which helps plants and other industries to optimize their energy consumption and prevent failures, raises $4.9M from Intel Capital, SET Ventures and Innovation Nest. Link
• SmartOES, a provider of building energy management solutions, raises $1.3M funding. Link
• Energy audit software tool provider Simuwatt, raises a little more than $500k Series A funding as a part of $1.5M funding round. Link
• Subscription-based building energy management system provider SensorFlow, raises $83.7k from SGInnovate, Sparklabs and Entrepreneur First. Link

SOME INTERESTING STARTUPS FOUND

WattFlower (2015, SF) – WattFlower develops energy management system for the hospitality industry. The sensor-equipped device regulates energy consumption based on occupancy and sends the information to cloud for remote monitoring.
CurrentSee (2016, Pittsboro) – Load disaggregation monitoring software and sensors. Understand appliance level energy consumption using a sensor installed on the main electric panel.

LEADER BOARD – ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Products – Lighting – LED – Material & Component Manufacturers
Bridgelux (2002, Sunnyvale, $219M, Acq.) – LED chip manufacturing company. Backed by El Dorado Ventures, VantagePoint Capital Partners, Craton Equity Partners and Passport Capital. Acquired by China Electronics Corporation in 2015.

Products – Lighting – LED – Finished Products
Lighting Science Group (2004, Melbourne, IPO) – Manufactures different shapes of LED bulbs and invented biologically-corrected lighting. Backed by Riverwood Capital and Pegasus Capital. Went public in 2008.
Cree (1987, Durham, IPO) – Manufactures LED components, and semiconductor products for power and radio-frequency (RF) applications. Went Public in 1993.

Products – Lighting – OLED – Finished Products
Novaled (2003, Dresden, $35M, Acq.) – Provides organic materials and complementary technologies for organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) in display and lighting. Acquired by Samsung in 2013.

Products – Thermal Energy – Insulation
Aerogel (2001, Northborough, IPO) – Provides thermal management and energy conservation insulation solutions. Backed by Mount Royal Ventures, Arcapita Ventures, Lehman Brothers, RockPort Capital Partners, Reservoir Capital Group, Tenaya Capital.

Products – Thermal Energy – HVACR – Heating
Thermondo (2012, Berlin, $32M) – Energy efficient residential heating system provider. Backed by Holtzbrinck Ventures, E.on, IBB, Global Founders Capital, Rocket Internet.

Products – Thermal Energy – HVACR – Cooling
TAS Energy (1999, Houston, $60M) – TAS Energy manufactures energy efficient chilling and cooling systems. Backed by KPCB and Element Partners.

Products – Construction – Pre-Fabricated
View Dynamic Glass (2007, Milpitas, $546M) – Smartglass on which tint level can be modified by the user using smartphone to admit only light and reject glare. Backed by Khosla Ventures, DBL Investors, Sigma Partners, Navitas Capital, The Westly Group.

Energy Management Systems – BEMS
GridPoint (2003, Arlington, $294M, Acq.) – Energy management systems using big data analytics to monitor and manage energy-consuming assets, such as HVAC and lighting systems. Backed by Goldman Sachs, Skypoint Capital, Advantage Capital Partners, Craton Equity Partners. Acquired by TFC Utilities in 2015.
Distech Controls (1995, Brossard, $37M, Acq.) – Building energy management system that provides integration of HVAC, lighting, access control, CCTV, energy management, and other building systems. Backed by Export Development Canada, Enertech Capital. Acquired by Acuity Brands in 2015.

Energy Management Systems – IEMS
Energy and Power Solutions (2001, Costa Mesa, $50M, Acq.) – Energy Management System with real-time information collected at the equipment level, across a customer’s entire enterprise. Backed by NGEN, Robeco, Altira Group. Acquired by Ameresco in 2011.

Energy Management Systems – HEMS – AC Management
Nest Labs (2010, Palo Alto, $80M, Acq.) – Provides thermostats for monitoring home energy consumption. Backed by KPCB, Google Ventures, Lightspeed Venture Partners and Shasta Ventures. Acquired by Google in 2014.
Tado (2011, Munich, $57M) – Smart AC management devices for homes. Backed by Target Partners, Shortcut Ventures, BayBG, Siemens.

Energy Management Systems – HVAC Management
Optimum Energy (2005, Seattle, $36M) – Provides data-driven cooling and heating optimization solutions for enterprise facilities.Backed by Columbia Pacific Advisors.

Energy Management Systems – Lighting Control Systems – BLCS
Enlighted (2009, Sunnyvale, $83M) – Provides network platform with wireless sensor to collect and analyze data to intelligently adapt the lighting level. Backed by Intel Capital, KPCB, RockPort Capital Partners.
Sensity Systems (2010, Sunnyvale, $74M, Acq.) – Offers a high-speed, sensor-based, open networking platform to connect lighting systems for improving the experience. Backed by Mohr Davidow Ventures, Cisco Investments, Acuity Brands and Simon Venture Group. Acquired by Verizon in Sep, 2016.

Energy Management Systems – Lighting Control Systems – SLCS
Petra Systems (2006, South Plainfield, $40M) – Advanced street lighting solutions based on solar  power and wireless networking capabilities. Backed by ES Ventures, Element Partners, OnPoint Technologies, Arsenal Venture Partners and Craton Equity Partners.

Energy Management Systems – Power Management Systems
SynapSense (2006, Folsom, $46M, Acq.) – Wireless cooling and data center asset monitoring solution. Backed by  Sequoia Capital, Crosslink Capital, Frontier Venture Capital, Aeris Capital, Nth Power, Robert Bosch Venture Capital and American River Ventures. Acquired by Panduit in 2014.

Data Analytics – Energy Data Management
Opower (2007, Arlington, $65.5M, Acq.) – Cloud-based software comprising energy reports and demand response programs. Backed by New Cycle Capital, Accel Partners and KPCB. Acquired by Oracle Corporation in May 2015.
FirstFuel (2011, Lexington, $44M) – Offers building wide energy analytics that helps in managing energy consumption. Backed by Battery Ventures, Nth Power and RockPort Capital Partners.

Data Analytics – Meter Monitoring
Bidgely (2010, Sunnyvale, $25M) – Home energy management up to appliance level without using any plug-level monitors. Backed by Khosla Ventures, Plug and Play Tech Center, E.on, RWE Global and  Constellation Technology Ventures.
Sense (2013, Cambridge, $19M) – Device to monitor appliances and track energy usages using electronic signatures. Backed by  Charles River Ventures, Capricorn, Bolt, Shell Global, Prelude Ventures and Energy Impact Partners.

Leader board includes all the top funded, IPO and successfully running bootstrapped companies along with their location, founding year and funding amount.

For latest update, visit Energy Efficiency feed.

A daily newsletter summarizing recent activity & interesting start-ups globally 

RECENT NOTABLE ACTIVITY –  GRC SOFTWARE

• Convercent, an enterprise platform for management of corporate compliance risks, cases, disclosures, training, and policies, closed $10M Series D funding round from existing investors Sapphire Ventures and Tola Capital  Link
• Paradata, a provider of tools to help analyze cost, lead-time, risk, and compliance information within your supply chain, raised $10M in Series A from SAP.io, Richmond Global and PivotNorth – Link
• Wynyard Group, a provider of cybercrime fighting and security software, and GRC solutions for enterprise, law enforcement, and national security agencies, raised just $2.8 million from selling the failed crime investigation software developer’s assets in the lead-up to its liquidation. – Link
• Qumram, platform for financial services organizations to record and replay all digital activity and interactions (web, social, mobile), in movie-like form, providing a transparent digital audit trail, raised $1.4M from Mundi Ventures  – Link
• Immuta, a data security platform to collect data from multiple sources and provide admin privacy and control for data scientists to perform analysis, raised $8M in Series A round from Drive Capital, Greycroft Partners, Conversion Capital – Link

SOME INTERESTING STARTUPS FOUND

Masters India (2016, New Delhi) – Provides cloud-based GST compliance solution for automatic GST preparation, GST reconciliation; filing, real-time GST update alerts for any changes in tax rates & rules, accessible reporting, audit trail.

LEADER BOARD – GRC SOFTWARE

Integrated GRC – Horizontal
Metric Stream (1999, Palo Alto, $150M) – Provides integrated GRC and Quality Management Solutions for businesses to manage their risk management programs, quality management processes, regulatory and industry-mandated compliance and corporate governance initiatives. Backed by Goldman Sachs, KPCB, Integral Capital Partners, Gold Hill Capital, Sageview Capital, Saints Capital, Kaiser Permanente Ventures, Blade Ventures, Montage Capital and The Camelot Group.
OpenPages (1996, Waltham, $64M, Acq.) – Provides GRC solution for enterprises to develop a compliance and risk management strategy across various functions including operational risk, financial controls management, IT risk, compliance and internal audits. Acquired by IBM in September, 2010.

Integrated GRC – Industry Vertical – Banking
Fenergo (2009, Dublin, $80M) – Provides client lifecycle management platform for financial institutions to manage the end-to-end regulatory onboarding process from onboarding to management of client and counterparty data and compliance standards. Backed by Insight Venture Partners, Investec and Aquiline Capital Partners.
Guardian Analytics (2005, Mountain View, $61.3M) – Provides behavioral analytics and machine learning solutions for financial institutions to mitigate fraud risk and prevent criminal attacks targeting retail and commercial banking clients. Backed by Foundation Capital, Western Technology Investment, Sutter Hill Ventures and Costanoa Venture Capital.

Integrated GRC – Industry Vertical – Trading
Firm58 (2005, Chicago, $19M) – Provides web-based financial management software to manage the processes associated with fees, commissions, and compliance. Backed by Pritzker Group and North Bridge Venture Partners.

Integrated GRC – Industry Vertical – Healthcare
MedHOK (2009, Tampa, $77.5M, Acq.) – Provides SaaS platform for healthcare providers to ensure compliance with federal and state requirements, and manage the health plan members’ clinical requirements. Acquired by Hearst in June, 2016.
Enclarity (2005, Aliso Viejo, $15.5M, Acq.) – Provides software solutions for healthcare providers and insurers to improve claims processing, provider directories, regulatory compliance and marketing optimization. Acquired by LexisNexis in September, 2013.

IT GRC
Wynyard Group (2012, Christchurch, IPO) – Provides critical threat assessment and advanced crime analytics software for government and financial services to assess threats and event management. Went public in 2013.
Check Point Software (1993, Tel Aviv, IPO) – Provides security and GRC solution for businesses to manage network security, endpoint security, data security and enhance security management. Went public in 1996.

IT GRC – Security
Qualys (1999, Redwood City, IPO) – Provides cloud-based security and compliance solutions for enterprises to simplify security operations and lower the cost of compliance by delivering critical security intelligence and automating the full spectrum of auditing, compliance and protection for IT systems. Went public in September, 2012.
LogicalApps (2000, Irvine, $14M, Acq.) – Provides automated Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) controls for enterprises to automate GRCactivities like SoD, fraud prevention with continuous monitoring etc. Acquired by Oracle in October, 2007.

IT GRC – Identity and Access Management
Okta (2008, SF, $228.5M) – Provides cloud-based identity and application access management solution for enterprises to securely manage access governance from any device. Backed by Greylock Partners, Andreessen Horowitz, Sequoia Capital, Khosla Ventures, Glynn Capital, Altimeter Capital, Floodgate and Janus.
CyberArk (1999, Petah Tikva, IPO) – Provides security solution for enterprises to secure, manage and monitor privileged account access and activities. Went public in June, 2014.

IT GRC – Enterprise Content Management
M-Files (2001, Dallas, $44M) – Provides enterprise information management solutions to eliminate information silos and provide easy access to the right content from any core business system and device. Backed by Partech Ventures, Finnish Industry Investment and Draper Esprit.
Daegis (1999, Irving, IPO, Acq.) – Provides enterprise information management solution for information archiving, information governance, application development and migration. Acquired by OpenText in November, 2015.

QEHS GRC
Intelex (1992, Toronto, $122M) – Provides Environmental, Health, Safety (EHS) and Quality management software solutions for businesses to ensure safety, mitigate organization-wide risk and maintain compliance with regulatory requirements. Backed by JMI Equity and HarbourVest.
Hara (2008, Minneapolis, $45M, Acq.) – Provides cloud-based software for sustainability professionals to track, report, and execute against cost savings opportunities, compliance requirements, and operational improvements. Acquired by Verisae in October, 2013.

Supply Chain Risk
TraceLink (2009, Woburn, $77M) – Provides an online platform for global distribution, visibility and traceability of pharmaceuticals to limit the sales of counterfeit drugs. Backed by FirstMark Capital, Godman Sachs, Volition Capital, F-Prime Capital Partners.

Product Compliance
ICIX (2003, SF, $52M) – Provides cloud-based supplier collaboration and compliance software for businesses to mitigate supply chain risk, ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and CSR. Backed by Draper Fisher Jurvetson, Starfish Ventures and Wesfarmers.

Leaderboard includes all the top funded, IPO and successfully running bootstrapped companies along with their location, founding year and funding amount.

For latest updates, visit GRC Software feed.

In 2016 with 114 companies emerging in the wearable tech space, total funding dollars dropped off marginally by 21% from previous year.

Stage wise, round count fell across the board-late stage rounds fell by 40%, early by 3% and seed by 35%.

However, late stage investments rose exponentially by 197% followed by early(7%). Seed investments by contrast fell marginally by 7%. The average ticket size only rose for Series B investments by 27% with a 17% drop for Series A and 33% drop for seed.

SOSV with investments in 28 companies and Techstars in 22 companies led the tally of most active investors. By stage of entry, HAX with investments in 15, came out at the top for seed, Khosla Ventures for Series A (7), DCM for Series B (3) and Norwest Venture Partners for later Stage (3).  Top investments in the last year include Codoon raising a Series C round of $50M led by FountainVest Partners and Focus Media, and Chrono Therapeutics raising $48M (Series B). The last year saw nine companies getting acquired among which motion processing solutions provider InvenSense getting scooped up by TDK for $1.3B was the highest disclosed deal value. Since 2014, five companies in this space have taken the IPO route.

Historically, consumer devices has been the most investment friendly business model ($2.7B) with 1121 companies operating in this space, notable ones being Jawbone and GoPro.

Note: You can download the part view of the report here. The full version of this report is available for our paid subscribers. Should you want to access the complete report and explore the Tracxn platform, drop us a note on bd@tracxn.com

Download the Tracxn Industry Report on Wearable Tech

A daily newsletter summarizing recent activity & interesting start-ups globally 

RECENT NOTABLE ACTIVITY – AgriTech

• Developer of biological products for crop nutrition, Inocucor raises $29.1M Series B funding led by TPG Alternative and Renewables Technologies. Link
• Provider of a technology platform for developing crop traits, Benson Hill BioSystem raises $25M Series B funding co-led by Lewis & Clark Ventures and Prelude Ventures. Link
• Developer of non-GMO seeds of an oilseed crop Carinata, Agrisoma Biosciences raises $15.4M Series B funding co-led by Groupe Lune Rouge, Cycle Capital Management, and BDC Capital. Link
• Online B2C retailer of meat, Licious raises $10M Series B funding led by Mayfield India. Link
• Developer of Containerized growing modules for hydroponic cultivation, Freight Farms raises $5.7M Series B funding. Link
• Provider of an online B2B marketplace for fruits and vegetables, NinjaCart raises $5.4 Series B funding from Accel Partners, Nandan Nilekani’s NRJN Trust, Qualcomm Venturers, Mistletoe, and M&S Partners. Link
• Provider of integrated platforms for real-time monitoring of field crops & aquaculture farms and data analytics, The Yield raises $4.9M Series A funding led by Bosch Australia, with participation from KPMG Australia, AgFunder, and David Paradice. Link
• Provider of an integrated platform for real-time monitoring of farm fields and data analytics, Arable raises $4.25M Series A funding co-led by Middleland Capital and S2G Ventures. Link
• Provider of an online B2B marketplace for farm products, Aggrigator raises $3.3M Series A funding. Link
• A greenhouse cultivator of fruits and vegetables, Seak raises $2.7M Series A funding from Green Ventures, Warehouse Terrada, and Mitsubishi UFJ Capital. Link
• Provider of an online platform for companies to finance the planting of trees and monitor the plant’s growth, Treedom raises $2.7M Seed funding led by Ersel. Link
• Startup involved in the breeding research to develop an alternative rotation crop Pennycress, Arvagenix raises $2.4M Series A funding from investors including Monsanto Growth Ventures, St. Louis Arch Angels, Cultivation Capital, BioGenerator, Missouri Technology Corporation, The Yield Lab, and Prelude Ventures. Link
• Provider of a B2B marketplace for imperfect farm produce, Full Harvest raises $2M seed funding led by Wireframe Ventures. Link
• Developer of an integrated platform for real-time monitoring and inducing directed field movements of livestock animals, AgerSens raises $2M seed funding from Gallagher and other investors. Link
• Developer of a pre-designed modular platform for chilling and processing of farm produce, Inspira Farm raises $1.75M Series A funding from Factor(E) Ventures, PYMWYMIC Group, DOEN, Energy Access Ventures, and Montpelier Foundation. Link
• Provider of an integrated platform for the real-time crop health monitoring, Ecoation Innovative Solutions raises $1M Seed funding from Angel Forum and Creative Destruction Lab. Link
• Integrated business for poultry bird cultivation and supply of eggs, Vital Farm raises undisclosed Series D funding from Sunrise Strategic Partners. Link
• Provider of a cloud-based farm management software for field management and precision agriculture decision support, AgShift raises an undisclosed amount of Seed funding after being accepted onto the Thrive Accelerator. Link

SOME INTERESTING STARTUPS FOUND

Piloter SA Ferme (2015, Saint-Beauzire): Online platform for devising marketing strategy for farm produce.
Grin System (2016, Ramla): System for automation of indoor or outdoor micro farming cultivation systems of cannabis.
Geabit (2016, Trikala): Integrated sensor and software platform for real-time farm monitoring of farm fields and data analytics.

LEADER BOARD – AgriTech

Precision Ag
Farm Data and Analytics – Integrated Platforms
The Climate Corporation (2006, SF, $109M, Acq.) – Hardware and software solutions provider for hyper-local weather and farm data with predictive analysis for insurance products. Sold off its insurance business to AmTrust North America in July 2015. Acquired by Monsanto in 2013.
Farmers Edge (2005, Winnipeg, $44M) – Hardware and software solution provider for continuous monitoring of farm fields and predictive analysis for management decision support.

Farm Data and Analytics – Software Platforms
FarmLink (2004, Kansas, $101M) – Yield benchmarking tool for farmers to assess the impact of inputs. Backed by Open Air Equity Partners.
Farmers Business Network (2014, Davenport, $88M) – Precision agriculture solutions through big data analysis of data gathered from farmers and agriculture machinery. Backed by Kleiner Perkins, DBL Partners, and GV.

Field Operations
AutoAgronom (1988, Yokneam Illit, $180M) – Sensor based measurement of physical and chemical changes in root zone supplemented with computerized analysis and fuzzy control algorithms to automatically activate irrigation and fertilization.
Novariant (1994, Fremont, $60.5M) – Sensor based auto steering hardware solutions for GPS-based navigation through tablets. Backed by Sierra Ventures, Ridgewood Capital, Clearstone.
Blue River Tech (2011, Sunnyvale, $30M) – Develops automated technology solutions which use computer vision for identification and selective killing of unwanted weed. Backed by Khosla Ventures, DCVC, Innovation Endeavors, Pontifax Agtech.
Harvest Automation (2007, Billerica, $28M) – Developer of robotic machinery for farming operations. Backed by Founder Collective, Entree Capital, Cultivian, MassVentures.
Feedlogic (2002, Wilmar, $678k) – Automated feeding machines along with data recording platform for livestock farmers in the USA. Backed by unknown private investors.

BioTech
Farm Inputs – Seeds
Monsanto (1901, St. Louis, IPO) – Developer of genetically modified (GM) seedlings to mitigate risks associated with biotic and abiotic stresses in crops. Went public in 2000.
Syngenta (2000, Basel) – Developer of genetically modified crops and biological agrochemicals apart from engaging in genomic research.
DuPont Pioneer (1926, Des Moines) – Developer of hybrid (non-GM) and GM seeds to mitigate risks against insects, pests and other diseases.

Farm Inputs – Biologicals
Indigo (2013, Cambridge, $163.5M) – Earlier known as Symbiota, it is building technology for delivery of selective plant microbes through seed coatings. Backed by Flagship Ventures, Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation.
AgBiome (2012, Raleigh, $52M) – Developer of biological agrochemicals for crop protection against soil-borne diseases. Backed by Gates Foundation, Monsanto Growth Ventures, Syngenta Ventures, ARCH Venture Partners, UTIMCO, Polaris Partners, Pontifax Agtech, Harris+Harris Group.
Agrivida (2002, Medford, $61M) – Specially engineered enzymes for the nutrition of livestock animals. Backed by KPCB, Middleland Capital, ARCH Venture Partners, Cultivian, DAG Ventures, Bright Capital, Northgate, Prairie Gold.
Zymergen (2013, Emeryville, $174M) – Combination of synthetic biology and machine learning to engineer industry relevant microbes to manufacture chemicals and new materials. Backed by Softbank, Data Collective Venture Capital, True Ventures, AME Cloud Ventures, Iconiq Capital, DFJ, Innovation Endeavours, Two Sigma Ventures, Prelude Ventures, Tao Capital.

Infrastructure
Advanced Animal Diagnostics (2001, Morrisville, $36M) – Diagnostic infrastructure provider for real-time animal health monitoring through white blood cell levels in animals. Backed by Middleland Capital, Cultivian, Kansas Bioscience Authority, LabCorp, Intersouth Partners, Novartis Venture Fund.

Tech Platforms
Kaiima (2006, Lower Galilee, $91M) – Tech platform to enhance inherent productivity and resource usage efficiency in food and feed crops. Backed by KPCB, DFJ, Horizons Ventures, Tamir Fishman.

Waste Management
Cool Planet (2009, Camarillo, $143M) – Utilizes patented process to convert non-food biomass to gasoline and organic soil nutrients. Backed by Northbridge, UBS, Google Ventures, Energy Technology Ventures, Concord Energy, Sustainable Conversion Ventures, British Petroleum.
Wiserg (2010, Issaquah, $37M) – Devices to convert grocery waste into a nutrient rich liquid which can be used as fertilizer for agriculture. Backed by Second Avenue Partners.

Cellular Ag
Impossible Foods (2011, Redwood City, $183M) – Beef-substitute made from a protein called Heme extracted from plants. Backed by Khosla Ventures, Google Ventures, UBS, Horizon Ventures, Viking Global.

Breeding Tech
Prairie Plant (1988, Saskatoon,$6.4M) – Plant breeding research to produce berry and other fruit plants for orchards. Backed by WestCap.

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO)
Oxitec (2002, Abingdon, $20M) – Develops genetically modified pests which act as anti-pests to suppress the population of disease-causing pests in crops. Backed by Oxford Capital, East Hill.

Farm Business Management
Field Crops – Field Management
Granular (2014, SF, $23M) – Farm management software for collection and analysis of data related to farm business processes and planning of resources. Backed by A16Z, Google Ventures, Khosla Ventures, Tao Capital, Fall Line Capital, Emory Investment Management.

Field Crops – Multipurpose
Conservis (2009, Minneapolis, $13.6M) – Cloud-based software platform for single or multi-farm management. Backed by Cultivian Sandbox, Middleland Capital, and Heartland Farms.

Agribusiness
Cultivation – Algae
Sapphire Energy (2007, San Diego, $290M) – Cultivation of algae and using it as a biomass source for production of crude oil. Backed by Monsanto Growth Ventures, ARCH Venture Partners.

Infrastructure
Irrigation
Netafim (1965, Tel Aviv) – Manufactures components for drip irrigation and develops smart irrigation systems. Backed by Permira and Tene Investment Fund.

Aquaculture – Full Stack System
GFA Advanced Systems (2008, Kadima, $5M) – Developer of zero discharge intensive aquaculture system. Backed by Linnaeus Capital.

Market Linkages
Farm Inputs
CloudFarm (2013, Beijing, $26M) – Online retailer of Agri inputs including seeds, fertilizers, agrochemicals, farm equipment, etc.

Farm Produce
Meicai (2014, Beijing, $253M) – B2B mCommerce for fruits and vegetables. Backed by Zhen Fund, Blue Lake Capital.

Finance
ProducePay (2014, Los Angeles, $9.5M) – Digital Platform for real-time tracking of produce movement and arrangement of collateral and loans. Backed by CoVenture, Menlo Ventures, Arena Ventures, Red Bear Angels, Social Leverage, and ELab.

Indoor Agriculture
AgriBusiness – Cultivation
Sundrop Farms (2009, London, $100M) – Hydroponics cultivation of fruits and vegetables while using renewable energy resources in greenhouses. Backed by KKR.
AeroFarms (2004, NYC, $20.5M) – Cultivation of leafy greens in soil-less growth medium using aeroponics. Backed by Middleland Capital, Wheatsheaf, GSR Ventures, Mission Point Capital.

Infrastructure – Hydroponics
GrowLife (1987, Seattle, IPO) – Provides urban hydroponic / soil-less farming systems, components and cultivation supply products. Went public in 2011.
Grodan (1969, Milton) – Vegetative and steerable substrates for indoor cultivation of horticultural crops.

Infrastructure – Lighting
Illumitex (2005, Austin, $67M) – Developer of LED lighting solutions for horticulture, industrial and other use. Backed by NEA, Morgan Creek, Apex, WPG, Syngenta Ventures.

Technology Providers – Data Collection and Analysis
Agrilyst (2015, NYC, $1M) – Software platform for farm data and analytics in indoor farms. Backed by Brooklyn Bridge Ventures, Metamorphic Ventures.

Leader board includes all the top funded, IPO and successfully running bootstrapped companies along with their location, founding year and funding amount.

For latest updates visit AgriTech feed.

A daily newsletter summarizing recent activity & interesting start-ups globally

RECENT NOTABLE ACTIVITY – HR TECH

• Qualtrics, a provider of software to survey employees, markets, and customers, raises $180M in a round led by Insight Venture Partners and Accel with participation from Sequoia Capital. Link
• Decisely, an employee benefits platform secures a $60M commitment from Two Sigma Private Investments and EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a portfolio company of The Carlyle Group.an undisclosed growth equity financing from Summit Partners. Link
• WayUp, a graduate hiring solution, raises $18.5M in Series B round led by Trinity Ventures, with participation from existing investors, including General Catalyst, BoxGroup, Lerer-Hippeau Ventures, Index Ventures, SV Angel, and Female Founders Fund. Link
• LiveHire, a talent community-based recruitment platform raises $12.5M in a post capital raising round from institutional investors in Australia. Link
• Lystable, a freelancer management platform raises $10M in Series A funding led by Peter Thiel, James Fitzgerald, and Andrew McCormack’s Valar Ventures with participation from SciFi VC, Kindred Capital, Goldcrest Capital, Glynn Capital and Wilmount Ventures. Link
• Peakon, an employee engagement platform raises $6.5M in a round led by EQT Ventures. Link
• Teamable, an employee referral platform raises $5M funding in Series A round led by True Ventures with participation from SaaStr Fund. Link
• Beamery, a recruitment marketing platform raises $5M from Index Ventures with participation from investors Edenred Capital Partners, LocalGlobe and GP Ventures.Link
• Wurk, a workforce management and compliance platform for the cannabis industry raises $2M in an extended seed round led by Poseidon Asset Management with participation from Phyto Partners, Salveo Capital, and The Arcview Investor Network. Link
• HackerEarth, a technical hiring solution raises $4.5M in Series A round led by DHI Group with participation from Japanese quartet Beenext, Beenos, Digital Garage, BizReach and existing investor Prime Venture Partners. Link
• Recruitz.io, an AI-based recruitment platform raises $2.1M from Slingshot. Link
• Weploy, an on-demand staff hiring platform raises $750k seed capital from Van Luong, founder of Viet-Uc Seafood Company and an AgTech mogul in Vietnam. Link
• Sideways 6, a London-based innovation management solution raises $618k in a seed round of funding from investors including Brent Hoberman and the 24 Haymarket group. Link
• EngageRocket, an employee engagement tool raises $322k in an angel round of funding. Link
• Looop, a mobile-first microlearning platform raises an undisclosed amount from Ascension Ventures and Exodus Ventures. Link
  
• Impress.ai, an automated platform for screening and assessing candidates with an AI-powered chat interface, secures undisclosed amount in Seed funding from Javelin Startup-O Victory Fund. Link
• Engazify, a bot driven performance management platform raises an undisclosed amount from angel investor Vaibhav Domkundwar. Link
• MobileHead, a mobile job recruitment platform raises an undisclosed investment from the former founders and managing directors of YOURCAREERGROUP, Arne Lorenzen and Manuel Konen. Link
• EmpowerTheUser, a corporate learning solutions provider raises an undisclosed amount from City & Guilds group. Link
• Info Edge, the parent company of recruitment portal Naukri.com acquires AmbitionBox, a job and career discovery platform for job seekers for an undisclosed amount. Link
• Dribbble, a social platform to discover and connect with designers and creative experts, acquires Crew, a provider for freelance web design & web developers, for an undisclosed amount. Link
• Move Guides, an employee relocation management platform acquires Teleport, a salary comparison and relocation support solution for candidates. Link

SOME INTERESTING STARTUPS FOUND

Humetriqs (2016, Bangalore)- Humetriqs is a data-driven talent engagement and people analytics platform.
Headstart (2015, Oxford)- Headstart is a recruitment app that uses a series of contextual and predictive algorithms to match graduates to job opportunities.

LEADER BOARD – HR TECH

HR Management Systems
Workday (2005, Pleasanton, IPO) – Cloud-based human resources, payroll and financial management suite. Went public in 2012.
Cornerstone OnDemand (1999, Santa Monica, IPO) – SaaS learning and talent management solution. Went public in 2011.
Zenefits (2013, SF, $584M) – Online payroll, benefits, HR and compliance management solutions. Backed by Fidelity, Andreessen Horowitz, Y Combinator and Khosla Ventures.
Silkroad (2003, Chicago, $192M) – Cloud-based solutions for recruiting, talent management, benefits and analytics. Backed by Azure Capital, Crosslink Capital and Foundation Capital.
Namely (2012, NYC, $158M) – Cloud-based HR, Payroll, and benefits management solution. Backed by Sequoia, Matrix Partners, Lerer Hippeau Ventures and True Ventures.

HRMS – Performance Management
Badgeville (2010, Redwood City, Acq.) – Enterprise gamification solutions for clients and employees. Backed by InterWest Partners, Northwest Venture Partners, El Dorado Ventures and Trinity Ventures.
Betterworks (2013, Palo Alto, $45.5M) – Cloud-based goal setting, tracking and performance management. Backed by KPCB,8VC and FF Venture Capital.

HRMS – Performance Management – Employee Engagement
Guidespark (2008, Menlo Park, $42M) – HR communication tool for employee engagement. Backed by NEA, Storm Ventures and IDG Ventures.
Rewardgateway (2006, London, Acq.) – Cloud-based employee engagement platform. Acquired by International Benefits Holding in 2010.

HRMS – Payroll
Paylocity (1997, Arlington Heights, IPO) – Cloud-based Payroll and Human Capital Management software. Went public in 2014.
Justworks (2012, NY, $53M) –    Cloud-based payroll and benefits management solution. Backed by Redpoint Ventures, Index Ventures, Bain Capital Ventures, Thrive Capital, Bain Capital, Daring Journey Ventures, LocalGlobe.

HRMS – Benefits Management
CastlightHealth (2008, SF, IPO) – Employee healthcare management solutions. Went public in 2014.
Collective Health (2013, San Mateo, $119M) – Self-insurance SaaS platforms. Backed by Google Ventures, NEA, Founders Fund, Red Point Ventures, Maverick Capital, Formation 8 and RRE ventures.
Plansource (2002, Orlando, Acq.) – Cloud-based benefits management and HR solutions. Backed by Great Hill Partners and Lemhi Ventures. Acquired by CoAdvantage in 2008.

HRMS – Workforce Analytics
Visier (2010, Vancouver, $94.5M) – SaaS workforce analytics and planning. Backed by Adam Street Partners, Foundation Capital and Summit Partners.
Evolv (2007, SF, $42M, Acq.) – SaaS workforce performance analytics. Acquired by Cornerstone OnDemand in 2014.

HRMS – ATS Suite
Greenhouse (2012, NYC, $61M) – ATS for recruitment teams. Backed by Benchmark, Felicis, Lumia, Thrive and Social Capital.
Jobvite (2003, San Mateo, $55.5M) – SaaS platform for social recruiting, sourcing and talent acquisition. Backed by CMEA Capital, ATA Ventures and Trident Capital.
SmartRecruiters (2010, SF, $55M) – Cloud-based ATS and hiring platform. Backed by Insight Partners, Mayfield Fund, Salesforce and Rembrandt Venture Capital.

HRMS- ATS – Assessment
Hirevue (2004, South Jordan, $97M) – Web-based video interviewing platform. Backed by Sequoia, Granite Ventures, Investor Growth Capital and Technology Crossover Ventures.
HackerRank (2009, Bangalore, $20M) – SaaS platform to administer coding challenges. Backed by Khosla Ventures, Battery Ventures, SV Angels, YCombinator and ZenShin Capital.

Sourcing
Monster (1994, NYC, Acq.) – Job board and Online Career centre connecting recruiters with potential candidates. Went public in 1996.
Naukri (1997, Noida, IPO) – Career listing and job search portal. Part of Info Edge. Went public in 2006.
Glassdoor (2007, California, $201.5M) – Anonymous employee reviews and job search portal. Backed by Tiger Global, Google capital, Battery Ventures, Sutter Hill Investments and DAG Ventures.
Snagajob (1999, Glen Allen, $149M) – Job-board of hourly employment jobs. Backed by Rho Capital Partner, New Spring Capital, Invus, August Capital, Adam Street Partners, Baird Venture Partners and Croft & Bender.
Hired (2012, SF, $103M) – Pre-assessed technical hiring platform. Backed by Sherpa Capital, Lumia Capital, Google Ventures, NEA, SoftTech VC, Glenmede Trust, Ontario Pension Board and Sierra Ventures.
Jobandtalent (2009, Madrid, $86M) – Job-board that connects candidates to job opportunities. Backed by Kibo Ventures, Qualitas Equity Partners and FJME Ventures.
ZipRecruiter (2010, Santa Monica, $63M) – Web-based, job-board distribution platform. Backed by IndustryVentures, Institutional Venture Partners and Basepoint Ventures.
HunterOn (2012,Shanghai, $60M) – Platform that connects company recruiters with headhunters. Backed by Sequoia Capital, IDG Capital Partners, UOB Venture Management and China Growth Capital.

Contingent Workforce Management
Peoplematter (2009, Charleston, Acq.) – SaaS workforce management suite. Backed by StarVest Partners, Scale Ventures Partners and Harbert Venture Partners.
WorkForce Software (1999, Livonia, $32.48M)- Cloud-based workforce management solutions. Backed by Insight Venture Partners, Triangle Capital, ORIX, K1 Investment Management.

Leaderboard includes all the top funded, IPO and successfully running bootstrapped companies along with their location, founding year and funding amount.

For latest updates visit HR Tech feed.

A daily newsletter summarizing recent activity & interesting start-ups globally

RECENT NOTABLE ACTIVITY – FOOD TECH

• Platterz, a restaurant aggregator for corporate catering raised $6.7M in a seed round led by AltaIR Capital and Globalive Capital. Link
• Munchery, an internet-first startup rasied $5M in recapiatlization financing from existing investors to stay afloat. Link
• Holachef, a food delivery startup that operates inhouse kitchen in Mumbai raised $5M in a series B round led by Kalaari Capital. Link
• Fingerlix, a food delivery startup of ready-to-cook food items raised $3M in a series A round from Zephyr Peacock. Link
• Unilever acquired Sir Kensington’s, a brand of eggless mayo and non-GMO ketchup for $140M. Link
• Allset, a restaurant reservation and pre-ordering app claims to be growing at 30% on month on month basis. Link
• Google and Uber set to launch online food delivery business in Indian market through Areo and UberEats respectively. Link
• Deliveroo, a food delivery startup to order food from partner restaurants launched a platform for restaurants to open delivery-only kitchens. Link
• Juicero’s investors became apprehensive after the revelation that company’s juice bags can be squeezed with bare hands to produce juice. Link
• Green Chef, a recipe box delivery startup claims to be working on reducing packaging and incorporating recycleable material for packaging to reduce carbon footprint. Link 
• Farmer’s Fridge, a Chicago-based company that sells fresh salads through its vending machines plans to add 200 locations in a year. Link
• Mealmade, a healthy food delivery startup launched brick and mortar business from a former McDonald premise. Link

A daily newsletter summarizing recent activity & interesting startups in the energy storage sector globally

RECENT NOTABLE ACTIVITY – OIL & GAS

• Lilis Energy raises $140M in debt financing ahead of NYSE listing. Link
• Torchlight Energy Resources announces private placement of $8M in unsecured promissory notes. Link
• Reveal Energy Services, developer of solutions for hydraulic fracture mapping and monitoring, raises equity funding from Lime Rock Partners. Link
• Utonomy, startup focused on reducing methane bleed from pipelines, secures $1.2M in funding from the Institution of Mechanical Engineers’ Stephenson Fund and the Enterprise M3 Growth Fund. Link
• Noble Energy closes acquisition of Clayton Williams Energy. Link
• SPATCO Petroleum Solutions acquires PetroTech, a supplier of equipment and services to the petroleum industry. Link
• Blackstone Energy Partners to acquire EagleClaw Midstream Ventures. Link
• Kimbell Royalty closes acquisition of 1.1 million gross acres of overriding royalty interests in the Anadarko Basin from Maxus Energy for $15.9M. Link
• Tallgrass Energy Partners acquires an additional 24.99% membership interest in Rockies Express Pipeline. Link
• Parsley Energy announces closing of Double Eagle acquisition. Link
• Antero Midstream GP launches Initial Public Offering. Link
• ONGC plans $11B investment to boost gas production by 30%. Link
• California Resources Corporation and Macquarie announce joint venture to invest up to $300M in Oil & Gas properties. Link
• Edge Natural Resources closed its second PE fund, ENR Partners II, with $650M in total commitments. Link

SOME INTERESTING STARTUPS FOUND

Utonomy ($1.07M, 2016, Southampton) – Develops pressure optimization solution for gas distribution network. The pressure optimization helps reduce and manage the leakage of methane and other greenhouse gases from the distribution network.

LEADER BOARD – OIL & GAS

Horizontal
ExxonMobil (1999, Irving, IPO) – Multinational oil and gas company and one of the world’s supermajors. The company is involved in upstream, downstream and chemical business. Went public in November 1999.
Seven Energy (2004, Lagos, $688M) – Nigerian integrated oil and gas company which explores for, develops, produces and distributes oil and natural gas. Backed by Capital Group, Temasek, IFC, Islamic Development Bank (IDB), IFC Asset Management Company, Plant Asset Management (Petrofac), FBNQuest, Standard Chartered, and FCMB.

Exploration & Production
Devon Energy (1971, Oklahoma City, IPO) – Engages primarily in exploration, development, and production of oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids (NGLs) in North America. Went public in March 1988.
Venari (2012, Dallas, $2.8B) – Explores and produces oil and natural gas with focus on subsalt plays. Backed by Kelso and Company, Warburg Pincus, The Jordan Company, Temasek.
Seven Generations Energy (2008, Calgary, $2.2B) – Natural gas exploration and production company focused in the Kalwa River Basin in Canada. Backed by Triangle Peak Partners, Azimuth Capital Management, CPP Investment Board.

Midstream
Spectra Energy (2006, Houston, IPO) – Integrated Midstream company in US and Canada. Provides transmission and storage, distribution, and gathering and processing. Went public in July 2007.
Caiman Energy II (2009, Dallas, $800M) – Provides Gas Gathering, Compression, Treating, Processing & Transportation, Condensate Handling, NGL, Fractionation, storage and Marketing. Backed by Highstar Capital, EnCap Flatrock Midstream, Williams Companies.
MODA Midstream (2015, Houston, $750M) – Provides terminal, storage, and distribution solutions to refiners and petrochemical manufacturers. Backed by EnCap Flatrock Midstream.

Downstream
GreatPoint Energy (2004, Chicago, $562M) – Developed technology of catalytic process, hydromethanation, by which coal, petroleum coke and biomass are converted directly into natural gas. Backed by yet2Ventures, The Dow Chemical Company, Suncor, Kleiner Perkins, Khosla Ventures, SevenMile Capital Partners, Presidio Ventures, ATV, Hercules Technology Growth Capital, AES Corporation, DFJ.

Equipment & Services
Schlumberger (1926, Paris, IPO) – Integrated oilfield services company providing technology, project management, survey and monitoring, information solutions to the international petroleum industry. Went public in January 1978.
Sidewinder Drilling (2011, Houston, $125M) – Provides contract drilling services to exploration and production companies targeting unconventional resource plays in North America. Backed by Avista Capital Partners.
Welltec (1994, Alleroed, $116M) – Provider of robotic, well intervention solutions and completion products for the oil and gas industry. Backed by Summit Partners, EXOR SPA.

Data Analytics
Drillinginfo (1999, Austin, $205M) – Data analytics company which provides data, analytical tools, and advisory services to oil and gas exploration decision support applications. Backed by Eastern Advisors, Delta-V Capital, Battery, Cross Creek Advisors, Insight Partners.

Technology Developer
Glori Energy (2005, Houston, $39M) – Technology developer of a biotechnology process for increasing oil recovery from existing reservoirs. Backed by OMZEST, Malaysian Life Sciences Capital Fund, Energy Technology Ventures, Kleiner Perkins, Advantage Capital Partners, Gentry Venture Partners, Oxford Partners, GTI Capital Group, Hercules Technology Growth Capital, Oxford Bioscience Partners.
Foro Energy (2009, Boulder, $21M) – Developed long-distance laser technology to break ultrahard rocks for faster drilling and completion. Backed by Presidio Partners, Formation, North Bridge, Chevron.

Leaderboard includes all the top funded, IPO and successfully running bootstrapped companies along with their location, founding year and funding amount.

For latest updates visit Oil & Gas feed.

A daily newsletter summarizing recent activity & interesting start-ups globally

RECENT NOTABLE ACTIVITY – PAYMENTS

• Token, a tokenization-as-a-service provider to banks and other financial institutions, secured $15.7M funding in Series A round from Octopus Ventures, EQT Ventures and OP Financial Group. Link
• Iyzi Payments, a Payment Gateway provider for e-commerce ventures, secured $15M funding in Series C round led by Vostok Emerging Finance, with participation from International Finance Corporation, 212, and Amadeus Capital Partners. Link
• Pockit, a general purpose reloadable prepaid card and a mobile banking service provider, secured £2.9M ($3.7M) funding. Link
• Paymetric, a SAAS-based payment processing platform, was acquired by leading merchant acquirer Vantiv for an undisclosed amount. Link
• 2Checkout, a payment gateway provider, was acquired by Avangate, for an undisclosed amount. Link
• helloPay, a Singapore-based payment gateway, was acquired by Ant Financial for an undisclosed amount. Link

SOME INTERESTING STARTUPS FOUND

One Touch Trust (2016, Phoenix, undisclosed) – A transaction fraud prevention tool for online merchants, verifying customer ID after a transaction is flagged.

LEADER BOARD – PAYMENTS

Payment Gateway
Safecharge (2006, British Virgin Islands, IPO) – A customized payment acceptance portal for merchants. Went public in 2014.
Stripe (2010, SF, $466M) – A merchant acquirer and a payment gateway API provider for web and mobile payments. Backed by Y Combinator, American Express, VISA, Redpoint Ventures, Andreessen Horowitz, Salesforce, Morgan Stanley, Sequoia Capital, SV Angel, Khosla Ventures, Goldman Sachs, Founders Fund, KPCB, General Catalyst Partners, Thrive Capital, Lowercase Capital, Allen & Company, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Alven Capital, TrueBridge Capital Partners, Entree Capital, Square Peg Capital, Golden Gate Ventures, Playfair Capital, Barclays, Designer Fund, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Darwin Ventures, BoxGroup, Google Capital.
Clear2Pay (2001, Brussels, $127M, Acq.) – Provider of payment solutions to financial institutions. Also provides white label remittance services. Acquired by Fidelity Information Services in September 2014 for $493M.

Acquirer Processor
First Data Corporation (1971, Atlanta, Acq, IPO) – A global payments service provider specializing in merchant transaction processing, private label cards and e-check acceptance services. Was acquired by KKR in 2007 for $27.5B. Went public in October 2015.
Vantiv (1971, Cincinnati, IPO) – An electronic payment processor, payment gateway API and PoSsolutions provider. Went public in 2012.
WorldPay (1993, London, IPO) – A London-based payment processing company offering gateway and PoS services. Went public in October 2015.
Total System Services (1982, Columbus (Georgia), IPO) – A merchant acquirer and white label prepaid card solutions provider. Went public in 1983.
Adyen (2006, Amsterdam, $266M) – An internet-first merchant acquirer and omnichannel payment solutions provider. Backed by General Atlantic, Index Ventures, Felicis Ventures, Temasek, Iconiq Capital.

Payment Network
VISA (1958, Foster City, IPO) – An association of banks and other financial institutions, which facilitates card payment transactions. Went public in 2008.
MasterCard (1966, Purchase, IPO) – An interbank association facilitating card payments. Went public in 2006.
Vocalink (2007, Rickmansworth, $114M, Acq.) – A UK-based ATM switching platform and interbanknetwork. Aquired by MasterCard for £700M ($926M) in July 2016.
Ripple (2012, SF, $90.5M) – An open source, decentralized protocol to provide real time cross border payments and settlements. Backed by Standard Chartered, AME Cloud Ventures, Seagate, CME Group, IDG Capital Partners, RRE Ventures, Venture 51, Core VC, ChinaRock Capital Management, SBI Holdings, Route 66 Ventures, Camp One Ventures, Blockchain Capital, Santander InnoVentures, Digital Currency Group, SCB Digital Ventures.

PoS Suite
VeriFone (1981, San Jose, IPO) – Provides all kinds of PoS devices, along with a payment gateway. Went public in 2005.
Ingenico Group (1980, Paris, IPO) – A payment processing service provider specializing in NFC enabled PoS terminals, gateways and cross-border e-commerce solutions. Went public in 1985.

Wallet
PayPal (1998, San Jose, Acq., IPO) – An online payment and money transfer service, offeringpayment gateway, merchant accounts and wallet solutions. Acquired by eBay in July 2002 for $1.5B. Went public in July 2015.
Mozido (2008, Austin, $288.5M) – A white label web and mobile wallet solutions provider. Backed by MasterCard, TomorrowVentures, Atlanticus, Brentwood Associates, Wellington Management, Quabbin Capital.
Dashlane (2009, NYC, $52.5M) – A fully-featured password manager and secure digital wallet app. Backed by Bessemer Venture Partners, FirstMark Capital, Rho Ventures, TransUnion, FinTech Innovation Lab.
Xapo (2012, Palo Alto, $40M) – A bitcoin wallet provider with cold storage facility. Backed by Greylock Partners, Index Ventures, Benchmark, Fortress Investment Group, Ribbit Capital.

Alternate Payment Methods
PayNearMe (2009, Sunnyvale (CA), $90M) – Provides offline payment services for online solutions. Backed by Khosla Ventures, Maveron, True Ventures, GSV Capital, Kapor Capital, Bullpen Capital, Floodgate, August Capital, Fenwick & West, Endeavour Partners.
TrialPay (2006, Mountain View, $56M, Acq.) – Enables merchants to offer free action based rewards to their customers. Acquired by VISA in February 2015 for an undisclosed amount.

Security
Kount (2007, Boise, $80M) – A SAAS based fraud prevention service provider for card-not-present transactions. Backed by CVC Capital Partners.
ThreatMetrix (2005, San Jose, $92M) – A payment fraud prevention service and context-based authentication solution provider. Backed by US Venture Partners, Silicon Valley Bank, Adams Street Partners, Tenaya Capital, August Capital, Technology Venture Partners, In-Q-Tel, Talu Ventures.
Ethoca (2005, Toronto, $45M) – A secure network for card issuers and merchants to connect and work outside the payment network. Backed by Spectrum Equity.

Enablers
Fidelity Information Services (1968, Jacksnville, IPO) – PCI Compliance, technology outsourcing and other payment security and back-end solutions for businesses and Financial Institutions. Went public in June 2001.
Trustwave (1995, Chicago, $60M, Acq.) – Provides cloud-based enterprise security solutions for threat detection, prevention & risk mitigation, including PCI compliance. Acquired by Singtel in September 2015 for $770M.

B2B Payments
GlobalCollect (1994, Netherlands, Acq.) – An international B2B money transfer and payment gateway service provider. Acquired by Ingenico in September 2014 for $1.1B.
Viewpost (2012, Maitland, $79M) – e-Invoice exchange and electronic payment solutions provider. Backed by Western Technology Investment.

Payment Cards
Green Dot Corporation (1999, Monrovia (CA), IPO) – Reloadable prepaid card provider. Went public in 2010.
BlackHawk Network (2001, Pleasanton (CA), IPO) – Provider of white-label solutions for merchants and corporates. Also provides a marketplace for branded retail gift cards and reloading services for third-party prepaid cards. Went public in 2013.
Nubank Brasil (2013, Sao Paulo, $178M) – A MasterCard flagged credit card with mobile app. Backed by Sequoia Capital, Goldman Sachs, Founders Fund, QED Investors, Tiger Global Management, DST Global, Kaszek Ventures.

Leaderboard includes all the top funded, IPO and successfully running bootstrapped companies along with their location, founding year and funding amount.

For latest updates visit Payments feed.

A daily newsletter summarizing recent activity & interesting start-ups globally

RECENT NOTABLE ACTIVITY – BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATIONS

• Mediachain, a digital media association built on Blockchain, has been acquired by Spotify. Link
• Humaniq, an Ethereum blockchain-based banking solution provider, raised $5M in crowd token sale. Link
• Baoquan, a China-based Blockchain solutions provider, raised 35M CNY ($3.6M) funding in Angel round from Dingfeng Capital, Zhejiang Tsinghua Yangtze River Delta Research Institute of Hangzhou Branch, Jia Hui Ze Co., and Dr. Lu Chunquan. Link
• Factom, a Blockchain-as-a-Service provider for protecting enterprise data, raised $2.7M funding in an extended Series A round, taking the total funding in the round to $8M. Link
• Symbiont, a smart securities issuance and trading platform, raised an undisclosed amount of funding in Series A round, from Hundsun Technologies. Link

SOME INTERESTING STARTUPS FOUND

Amani (2016, Windsor) – End-to-end purchase order placing to payment solution on Ethereum-based blockchain.
Kyck (2016, Singapore) – A blockchain enabled KYC solution which facilitates first level KYC for businesses.

LEADER BOARD – BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATIONS

Financial Services
Circle (2013, Boston, $136M) – Digital currency wallet and international money transfer service provider. Backed by Accel Partners, Goldman Sachs, Baidu, General Catalyst Partners, IDG Capital Partners, Oak Investment Partners, CICC, CreditEase, China Everbright, Fenway Summer, Breyer Capital, Pantera Capital, Wanxiang America, Digital Currency Group.
Ripple (2012, SF, $90.5M) – Open source payment protocol. Backed by Standard Chartered, AME Cloud Ventures, Seagate, CME Group, IDG Capital Partners, RRE Ventures, Venture 51, Core VC, ChinaRock Capital Management, SBI Holdings, Route 66 Ventures, Camp One Ventures,Blockchain Capital, Santander InnoVentures, Digital Currency Group, Tusk Ventures, CRCM Venture Capital, SCB Digital Ventures.
Digital Asset Holdings (2014, NYC, $67M) – Blockchain-based trade settlement solution provider. Backed Accenture, IBM, Goldman Sachs, Broadridge Financial Solutions, Citigroup, J.P. Morgan, CME Group, BNP Paribas, ABN AMRO Bank, Australian Securities Exchange, PNC Financial Services Group, Deutsche, DTCC, ICAP, FinTech Innovation Lab, Santander InnoVentures.

Enterprise
Filament Networks (2012, Reno, $36M) – A decentralized Internet of Things stack. Backed by Intel Capital, CME Group, Techstars, Crosslink Capital, Bullpen Capital, Resonant Venture Partners, Amherst Fund, Samsung Venture Investment, Pantera Capital, Detroit Innovate, Bullpen Capital, Verizon Ventures, Flex technology accelerator program Lab IX, Digital Currency Group, Working Lab Capital, Zenstone Venture Capital, VTF Capital, JetBlue Technology Ventures, Backstage Capital, Tappan Hill Ventures, Samsung NEXT.
Keybase (2013, NYC, $11M) – Identity mapping service via a public key encryption tool. Backed by Andreessen Horowitz, Corazon Capital.

Technology
Blockstream (2014, SF, $76M) – Provides sidechain solutions to improve blockchain. Backed by Khosla Ventures, AME Cloud Ventures, Innovation Endeavors, Data Collective, Horizons Ventures, Ribbit Capital, Real Ventures, Digital Garage, DG Incubation, SK Ventures, Future Perfect Ventures, Maiden Lane, Mosaic Ventures, Blockchain Capital, Digital Currency Group, AXA Strategic Ventures, Seven Seas Partners.
BitFury (2012, SF, $95M) – Full-service blockchain technology company. Backed by Credit China Holdings, DRW, Investment Fund, Crypto Currency Partners, Binary Financial, ZAD, BlockchainCapital, QueensBridge Venture Partners, iTech Capital.
Chain (2014, SF, $44M) – Provider of blockchain networks and applications to businesses. Backed by Capital One, VISA, Nasdaq, SV Angel, Khosla Ventures, Thrive Capital, RRE Ventures, Betaworks, Homebrew, Fiserv, Orange, Firestartr, Pantera Capital, Citi Ventures,Blockchain Capital, Digital Currency Group, BoxGroup.

Consumer
FirstBlood Technologies (2016, Boston, $5.5M) – Blockchain-based eSports platform.
Augur Project (2014, SF, $5M) – Decentralized prediction market based on Blockchain.

Leaderboard includes all the top funded, IPO and successfully running bootstrapped companies along with their location, founding year and funding amount.

For latest update, visit Blockchain Applications feed.

A daily newsletter summarizing recent activity & interesting startups in the energy storage sector globally

RECENT NOTABLE ACTIVITY – BIOENERGY

• Biofuel producer Cool Planet raises $19.28M in new funding from BP, Google Ventures and other new investors. Link
• Agrisoma closes $15.4M Series B funding round led by Groupe Lune Rouge, Cycle Capital Management and BDC Venture Capital. Link
• Airex Energy, a developer of biomass torrefaction systems raises $10M from existing investors Cycle Capital Management and Desjardins-Innovatech and other new investors. Link
• LXP Group, a developer of 2G biomass conversion process, closes Series A financing from MIG Capital. Link
• Pennycress feedstock developer for biofuels Arvegenix raises $2.4M in funding. Link
• Ecovia Renewables, a developer of biobased materials and fuels, awarded NSF Grant to develop high-performance superabsorbent biopolymers. Link
• Comet Biorefining, a developer of cellulosic dextrose, closes equity financing. Link
• BioEnTech, monitoring solutions for methanisation, receives nearly $1M funding. Link

SOME INTERESTING STARTUPS FOUND

Drinor (2016, Karlstad, Undisclosed) – Large-scale commercialization technique for dewatering of pellets and other materials. The mechanical process is energy efficient compared to the thermal process and also increases the capacity in existing facilities.

LEADER BOARD – BIOENERGY

Production – Horizontal
Sapphire Energy (2007, San Diego, $290M) – Produces a renewable source of crude oil from algae biomass and operates algae-to-energy facility. Backed by ARCH Venture Partners, Wellcome Trust, Arrowpoint Partners, Venrock and Department of Energy.
Joule Unlimited (2007, Bedford, $190M) – Technology developer to produce drop-in fuels using waste carbon dioxide (CO2) feedstock and waste brackish water. Backed by Flagship Ventures.
Sundrop Fuels (2008, Longmont, $155M) – Proprietary bio reforming system to transform cellulosic biomass into clean, affordable, renewable gasoline, jet and diesel fuels. Backed by Chesapeake Energy Corporation and Oak Investment Partners.

Production – Biodiesel
Renewable Energy Group (1996, Ames, IPO) – Advanced biodiesel producer and developer of renewable chemicals. Went Public in January 2012.
Amyris (2003, Emeryville, IPO) – Partnered with Total Oil to produce biodiesel. Backed by KPCB, TGP Growth, Khosla Ventures and DAG Ventures. Went Public in September 2010.

Production – Bioalcohol – Bioethanol
Fulcrum Bioenergy (2007, Pleasanton, $302M) – Manufactures bioethanol from MSW. Backed by Rustic Canyon Partners and US Renewables Group.
Enerkem (2000, Montreal, $284M) – Manufactures bioethanol from MSW. Backed by Braemar Energy Ventures, Rho Capital Partners and BDR Capital.

Production – Bioalcohol – Biobutanol
Cobalt Technologies (2005, Mountain View, $89M) – Manufactures drop-in-fuel biobutanol. Backed by Pinnacle Ventures, VantagePoint Capital Partners and Malaysian Life Sciences Capital Fund.

Production – Biogas
Stormfisher (2006, Toronto, $350M) – Builds, owns and operates biogas plants. Backed by Denham Capital.

Technology Developer – Horizontal
Virent Energy (2002, Madison, $103M, Acq.) – Technology developer and manufacturer for biofuels and biochemicals. Backed by Royal Dutch Shell, Cargill, Stark Investments and Venture Investors. Acquired by Tesoro in September 2016.

Technology Developer – Biodiesel
Aurora Biofuels (2006, Hayward, $102M) – Technology developer for the production of biodiesel from algae. Backed by OAK Investment Partners, Gabriel Venture Partners and Noventi Ventures.

Technology Developer – Bioalcohol – Bioethanol
Mascoma (2006, New Hampshire, $138M, Acq.) – Technology provider and licensor for Bioethanol production. Backed by   Atlas Venture, Khosla Ventures, KPCB, General Catalyst Partners, Pinnacle Ventures, Flagship Ventures, GM Ventures, VantagePoint Capital Partners etc. Acquired by Lallemand in November 2014.

Technology Developer – Biomass
Renmatix (2007, Kennesaw, $152.5M) – Technology developer and manufacturer for cellulosic sugar. Backed by KPCB, Total Ventures and BASF Venture Capital.

Technology Developer – Catalyst
Rive Technology (2006, Monmouth Junction, $67M) – Catalyst technology developer for petroleum and renewable industry. Backed by Charles River Ventures, Advanced Technology Ventures and Nth Power.

Feedstock – Oilseeds
SG Biofuels (2007, Encinitas, $37M) – Biomass and plant oils manufacturer and supplier. Backed by Flint Hills Resources, McNerney & Partners and Finstere Ventures.

Leaderboard includes all the top funded, IPO and successfully running bootstrapped companies along with their location, founding year and funding amount.

For latest updates visit Bioenergy feed.

A daily newsletter summarizing recent activity & interesting start-ups globally

RECENT NOTABLE ACTIVITY – ADTECH

• Chymera VR, a VR advertising network and monetization platform, has raised Angel funding. Link
• Twine Data, a mobile data monetization platform has raised an $5M in Series A funding from Aligned Partners. Link
• PubGuard, a digital ad verification and malware detection tool has raised an undisclosed Seed funding from Mercia Fund Management. Link
• Advrty, an Advertising platform for games and apps in VR and AR has raised $570K in Angel funding. Link
• OpenSlate, an online video content data provider for advertising has raised $7M in Series C funding from NorthBaseMedia. Link
• MobiExchanger, a mobile demand-side platform for advertising has raised an undisclosed Series C funding from Envision Capital. Link
• AdAsia Holdings, an advertising network which offers integrated solutions for advertisers and publishers has raised $12M in Series A funding from JAFCO Asia. Link
• Entravision Communications, a California-based media corporation has acquired DataXpand, an audience data management platform. Link
• Oracle, an integrated stack of cloud applications and platform service provider has acquired Moat, an ad analytics platform for real-time optimization. Link
• Dentsu Aegis Network, a digital media and creative communication service provider, has acquired SVG Media, a digital media advertising network. Link

A daily newsletter summarizing recent activity & interesting start-ups globally 

RECENT NOTABLE ACTIVITY – AgriTech

• Developer of alternative feed ingredients for aquaculture and livestock animals, Calysta raises $40M Series D funding led by Mitsui, with participation from Temasek Holdings, Cargill, the Municipal Employee Retirement System (MERS) of Michigan, Walden Riverwood Ventures, Aqua-Spark, and Pangaea Ventures. Link
• An integrated cannabis grower and processor for developing pharmaceutical products, Aphria raises $25M Debt funding from the WFCU Credit Union. Link
• A Canadian grower and processor of cannabis crops for developing pharmaceutical products, CannabCo raises $24M Series B funding. Link
• Developer of a fruit picking robot, Abundant Robotics raises $10M Series A funding led by GV, with participation from BayWa Ag, Tellus Partners, Yamaha Motor Company, KPCB Edge, and Comet. Link
• Provider of an online B2C marketplace to connect farmers and consumers, FarmDrop raises $8.9M Series A funding led by Atomico. Link
• Provider of an integrated platform for real-time monitoring of farm fields, data analytics, and precision agriculture decision support, Taranis raises $7.5M Series A funding co-led by Finistere Ventures and Vertex Ventures, with participation from Eshbol Investments, Mindset Ventures, OurCrowd, and angel investor Eyal Gural. Link
• Provider of services for on-demand aerial image capturing and data analytics, Ceres Imaging raises $5M Series A funding led by Romulus Capital. Link
• Developer of biological livestock disinfectant solutions and crop protection solutions, Thymox Technology raises $4.6M Series B funding co-led by Cycle Capital Management and Desjardins Innovatech. Link
• Provider of a cloud-based software platform for big data analytics and decision support to Cannabis growers, MJ Freeway raises $3M Series B extension funding from Tao Capital and Angel Investor Roger McNamee. Link
• An integrated business for cultivation and processing of algae, Swedish Algae Factory raises $397k seed funding from Chalmer Ventures, Almi Invest, and KIC InnoEnergy. The company also won $196k grant from the Swedish Energy Agency. Link
• Developer of an automated micro farming system for household hydroponics cultivation of fruits & vegetables, Crop Stacks wins $250k grant from Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center’s India Program. Link
• Developer of solar-powered smart irrigation systems, SunCulture raises $150k as part of an ongoing Series A funding round from PG Impact(Verein). Link
• Provider of services for genomic big data analytics to plant breeders for developing hybrid plant varieties, QTLomics wins $73k grant from the Government of Karnataka. Link
• An integrated business for cultivation and processing of edible insects, Hargol FoodTech wins TLV startup challenge and $10k grant. Link
• An integrated business for cultivation and processing of Cricket insects for developing pet foods and agrochemicals, Midgard Farms raises undisclosed PE funding from Dane Creek Capital. Link
• Developer of an automated micro farming system for household soil-less cultivation of fruits & vegetables, Agrilution raises undisclosed Series A funding from Osram’s venture capital arm FluxUnit. Link
• Developer of biological feed additives for livestock animals and of cultured food ingredients, Agro BioSciences has been acquired by Church & Dwight for $75M. Link
• Cultivator of Mini apple variety Rockit, Rockit Global has sold its controlling stake to Pioneer Capital and Oriens Capital for $17M. Link
• Provider of a cloud-based software platform for big data analytics using satellite images and precision agriculture decision support, HydroBio has been acquired by the Climate Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Monsanto. Link

SOME INTERESTING STARTUPS FOUND

Eleos Robotics (2016, Surrey): Robots for autonomous monitoring and elimination of weeds and pests in farm fields.
FarmerLabs (2016, Paris): Cloud-based software platform for automated diagnostic of plant health using various image sources.
Plant Di-Tech (2016, Rehovot): Sensor-based plant physiology phenotyping tools.

LEADER BOARD – AgriTech

Precision Ag
Farm Data and Analytics – Integrated Platforms
The Climate Corporation (2006, SF, $109M, Acq.) – Hardware and software solutions provider for hyper-local weather and farm data with predictive analysis for insurance products. Sold off its insurance business to AmTrust North America in July 2015. Acquired by Monsanto in 2013.
Farmers Edge (2005, Winnipeg, $44M) – Hardware and software solution provider for continuous monitoring of farm fields and predictive analysis for management decision support.

Farm Data and Analytics – Software Platforms
FarmLink (2004, Kansas, $101M) – Yield benchmarking tool for farmers to assess the impact of inputs. Backed by Open Air Equity Partners.
Farmers Business Network (2014, Davenport, $88M) – Precision agriculture solutions through big data analysis of data gathered from farmers and agriculture machinery. Backed by Kleiner Perkins, DBL Partners, and GV.

Field Operations
AutoAgronom (1988, Yokneam Illit, $180M) – Sensor based measurement of physical and chemical changes in root zone supplemented with computerized analysis and fuzzy control algorithms to automatically activate irrigation and fertilization.
Novariant (1994, Fremont, $60.5M) – Sensor based auto steering hardware solutions for GPS-based navigation through tablets. Backed by Sierra Ventures, Ridgewood Capital, Clearstone.
Blue River Tech (2011, Sunnyvale, $30M) – Develops automated technology solutions which use computer vision for identification and selective killing of unwanted weed. Backed by Khosla Ventures, DCVC, Innovation Endeavors, Pontifax Agtech.
Harvest Automation (2007, Billerica, $28M) – Developer of robotic machinery for farming operations. Backed by Founder Collective, Entree Capital, Cultivian, MassVentures.
Feedlogic (2002, Wilmar, $678k) – Automated feeding machines along with data recording platform for livestock farmers in the USA. Backed by unknown private investors.

BioTech
Farm Inputs – Seeds
Monsanto (1901, St. Louis, IPO) – Developer of genetically modified (GM) seedlings to mitigate risks associated with biotic and abiotic stresses in crops. Went public in 2000.
Syngenta (2000, Basel) – Developer of genetically modified crops and biological agrochemicals apart from engaging in genomic research.
DuPont Pioneer (1926, Des Moines) – Developer of hybrid (non-GM) and GM seeds to mitigate risks against insects, pests and other diseases.

Farm Inputs – Biologicals
Indigo (2013, Cambridge, $163.5M) – Earlier known as Symbiota, it is building technology for delivery of selective plant microbes through seed coatings.
AgBiome (2012, Raleigh, $52M) – Developer of biological agrochemicals for crop protection against soil-borne diseases. Backed by Gates Foundation, Monsanto Growth Ventures, Syngenta Ventures, ARCH Venture Partners, UTIMCO, Polaris Partners, Pontifax Agtech, Harris+Harris Group.
Agrivida (2002, Medford, $61M) – Specially engineered enzymes for the nutrition of livestock animals. Backed by KPCB, Middleland Capital, ARCH Venture Partners, Cultivian, DAG Ventures, Bright Capital, Northgate, Prairie Gold.
Zymergen (2013, Emeryville, $174M) – Combination of synthetic biology and machine learning to engineer industry relevant microbes to manufacture chemicals and new materials. Backed by Softbank, Data Collective Venture Capital, True Ventures, AME Cloud Ventures, Iconiq Capital, DFJ, Innovation Endeavours, Two Sigma Ventures, Prelude Ventures, Tao Capital.

Infrastructure
Advanced Animal Diagnostics (2001, Morrisville, $36M) – Diagnostic infrastructure provider for real-time animal health monitoring through white blood cell levels in animals. Backed by Middleland Capital, Cultivian, Kansas Bioscience Authority, LabCorp, Intersouth Partners, Novartis Venture Fund.

Tech Platforms
Kaiima (2006, Lower Galilee, $91M) – Tech platform to enhance inherent productivity and resource usage efficiency in food and feed crops. Backed by KPCB, DFJ, Horizons Ventures, Tamir Fishman.

Waste Management
Cool Planet (2009, Camarillo, $143M) – Utilizes patented process to convert non-food biomass to gasoline and organic soil nutrients. Backed by Northbridge, UBS, Google Ventures, Energy Technology Ventures, Concord Energy, Sustainable Conversion Ventures, British Petroleum.
Wiserg (2010, Issaquah, $32.5M) – Devices to convert grocery waste into a nutrient rich liquid which can be used as fertilizer for agriculture.

Cellular Ag
Impossible Foods (2011, Redwood City, $183M) – Beef-substitute made from a protein called Heme extracted from plants. Backed by Khosla Ventures, Google Ventures, UBS, Horizon Ventures, Viking Global.

Breeding Tech
Prairie Plant (1988, Saskatoon,$6.4M) – Plant breeding research to produce berry and other fruit plants for orchards. Backed by WestCap.

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO)
Oxitec (2002, Abingdon, $20M) – Develops genetically modified pests which act as anti-pests to suppress the population of disease-causing pests in crops. Backed by Oxford Capital, East Hill.

Farm Business Management
Field Crops – Field Management
Granular (2014, SF, $23M) – Farm management software for collection and analysis of data related to farm business processes and planning of resources. Backed by A16Z, Google Ventures, Khosla Ventures, Tao Capital, Fall Line Capital, Emory Investment Management.

Field Crops – Multipurpose
Conservis (2009, Minneapolis, $13.6M) – Cloud-based software platform for single or multi-farm management. Backed by Cultivian Sandbox, Middleland Capital, and Heartland Farms.

Agribusiness
Cultivation – Algae
Sapphire Energy (2007, San Diego, $290M) – Cultivation of algae and using it as a biomass source for production of crude oil. Backed by Monsanto Growth Ventures, ARCH Venture Partners.

Infrastructure
Irrigation
Netafim (1965, Tel Aviv) – Manufactures components for drip irrigation and develops smart irrigation systems. Backed by Permira and Tene Investment Fund.

Aquaculture – Full Stack System
GFA Advanced Systems (2008, Kadima, $5M) – Developer of zero discharge intensive aquaculture system. Backed by Linnaeus Capital.

Market Linkages
Supply Chain – Farm Inputs
CloudFarm (2013, Beijing, $26M) – Online retailer of Agri inputs including seeds, fertilizers, agrochemicals, farm equipment, etc.

Supply Chain – Farm Produce
Meicai (2014, Beijing, $253M) – B2B mCommerce for fruits and vegetables. Backed by Zhen Fund, Blue Lake Capital

Finance
ProducePay (2014, Los Angeles, $9.5M) – Digital Platform for real-time tracking of produce movement and arrangement of collateral and loans. Backed by CoVenture, Menlo Ventures, Arena Ventures, Red Bear Angels, Social Leverage, and ELab

Indoor Agriculture
AgriBusiness – Cultivation
Sundrop Farms (2009, London, $100M) – Hydroponics cultivation of fruits and vegetables while using renewable energy resources in greenhouses. Backed by KKR.
AeroFarms (2004, NYC, $20.5M) – Cultivation of leafy greens in soil-less growth medium using aeroponics. Backed by Middleland Capital, Wheatsheaf, GSR Ventures, Mission Point Capital.

Infrastructure – Hydroponics
GrowLife (1987, Seattle, IPO) – Provides urban hydroponic / soil-less farming systems, components and cultivation supply products. Went public in 2011.
Grodan (1969, Milton) – Vegetative and steerable substrates for indoor cultivation of horticultural crops.

Infrastructure – Lighting
Illumitex (2005, Austin, $67M) – Developer of LED lighting solutions for horticulture, industrial and other use. Backed by NEA, Morgan Creek, Apex, WPG, Syngenta Ventures.

Technology Providers – Data Collection and Analysis
Agrilyst (2015, NYC, $1M) – Software platform for farm data and analytics in indoor farms. Backed by Brooklyn Bridge Ventures, Metamorphic Ventures.

Leader board includes all the top funded, IPO and successfully running bootstrapped companies along with their location, founding year and funding amount.

For latest updates visit AgriTech feed.