Fulcrum herds oversubscribed $13.2M round for KC cattle tech startup with KCRise Fund, iiM in the corral
September 28, 2021 | Startland News Staff
A Kansas City-based precision livestock company will use its fresh Series A funding harvest to accelerate genetic progress and sustainably deliver more protein with fewer inputs, its top executive announced Tuesday.
Kerryann Kocher, Vytelle
“Our mission is clear, and we are grateful for the support of our investors who join us on our journey to ensure meat and milk are viable food choices for future generations,” said Kerryann Kocher, CEO of Vytelle.
The cattle tech startup announced Tuesday an oversubscribed funding round worth $13.2 million — co-led by Overland Park-based Ag-tech venture-based Fulcrum Global Capital and the private equity firm Open Prairie, through the Open Prairie Rural Opportunities Fund. The financing also included participation from Kansas City’s KCRise Fund II and Innovation In Motion, Illinois-based Serra Ventures, and existing investor UK-based Wheatsheaf Group.
Vytelle’s platform — combining a breakthrough in vitro fertilization (IVF) technology, an animal performance data capture system, and an artificial intelligence based genetic analytics engine — provides progressive cattle producers the technology to multiply the impact of elite livestock productivity and profitability. It’s seen rapid growth since its launch in 2020, currently serving cattle producers in 21 countries.
Click here to learn more about Vytelle.
“Vytelle’s ability to scale globally is a game changer for the cattle industry to produce a more efficient and sustainable global cattle herd,” explained Duane Cantrell, CEO of Fulcrum Global Capital — a firm especially interested in companies with technologies and approaches which increases yields, reduces food waste, and/or makes food safer and more transparent.
Click here to explore Fulcrum’s other portfolio companies.
Kerryann Kocher, Vytelle
The funding reflects Vytelle’s aggressive expansion strategy, which includes propelling the platform’s IVF offering to strategic markets worldwide and investment in new ways to create more predictable genetic selections for global cattle operations, the company said.
“We’ve been searching for another agtech investment in the KC region with a large addressable market, proven traction, seasoned agriculture investors and experienced team,” Darcy Howe, founder and managing director of KCRise Fund. “Kerryann and her team, board and investors exceed every measure and we are excited that our KC-based investors will be a part of this global/local growth story.”
Click here to learn more about KCRise Fund’s portfolio.
This story is possible thanks to support from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, a private, nonpartisan foundation that works together with communities in education and entrepreneurship to create uncommon solutions and empower people to shape their futures and be successful.
For more information, visit www.kauffman.org and connect at www.twitter.com/kauffmanfdn and www.facebook.com/kauffmanfdn
Featured Business
2021 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Google Fiber names local duo as digital inclusion leaders
After a successful first year, Google Fiber — in partnership with the Nonprofit Technology Network — has announced its second round of Digital Inclusion Fellows. As part of the program, fellows will create and lead digital literacy efforts in the 11 metro areas with Google Fiber, including Kansas City. Initiatives include assisting adults with high…
Can downtowners ditch the Dodge? Zipcar expands in Kansas City
Downtown Kansas City residents have another compelling reason to become car-less converts. The on-demand car rental service Zipcar is expanding its area presence to Kansas City’s downtown, providing its growing population another flexible transportation option. The international car-sharing service is beefing up local offerings — which already includes two cars at Kansas City International Airport…
Plexpod Westport Commons exhumes obscured mural of Kansas City
For an update on this piece, click here. Amid the dust and drilling at the yet-to-be-open Plexpod Westport Commons is a little-known artistic gem for Kansas City. At the heart of a project that marries history and innovation, the colossal coworking facility that was formerly Westport Junior High features a vibrant — albeit deteriorating —…
GUILDit feeds starving artists with tools to monetize their crafts
If good entrepreneurs are money-motivated, great ones know that it’s going to take more than that to be successful. In contrast, artists oftentimes develop a “love-hate relationship” with money. As anyone who has seen a “starving artists” moving van can attest, an artist’s passion doesn’t always lead to food on the table. For artists whose…