TechAccel hops in $3.2M round for Lincoln-based ag tech firm
March 9, 2017 | Meghan LeVota
Kansas City-based TechAccel is joining an investment round in a Nebraska agriculture tech firm that aims to improve crop yields.
The area venture firm is among a group of investors in Lincoln-based Epicrop Technologies Inc., which raised a total of $3.2 million in its Series A round, which was led by North Forty Ventures. TechAccel — which joined Nelnet, Speedway Properties and Allen & Company as investors — declined to disclose the value of their investment.
TechAccel said in a release that the firm is committed to support scientific advancements such as those produced by Epicrop, which developed an “epigenetic” technology. Epigenetics is the study of changes in organisms caused by modification of gene expression, rather than altering the genetic code.
“We’re excited to have TechAccel in our corner, both as an investor and a research partner advancing our technology,” Epicrop CEO Dr. Michael Fromm said in a release. “Their expertise and support will help Epicrop accelerate its programs demonstrating the enormous potential of epigenetics to increase yields and stress tolerance in a variety of crops.”
Combining epigenetics with agriculture, Epicrop co-founder Dr. Sally Mackenzie created a technology that uses conventional plant breeding techniques with molecular markers, enhancing yield in select plants. Greenhouse trials show that Mackenzie’s technology increased yields and stress tolerance for soybeans, tomatoes and sorghum.
“The pressure is on all of us in agriculture to deliver higher performing plants in the face of challenges like climate change and increasing global demand,” Dr. Mackenzie said in a release. “This technology is a critical step forward in addressing those problems head on.”
In December, TechAccel announced a $250,000 partnership with Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, a St. Louis-based nonprofit research institute. Founded in 2014, TechAccel specializes in ag and animal health technology. The firm invests in, sources and acquires early-stage innovations through collaborations with various institutions.
2017 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Major network provider taps SquareOffs for ‘Rant Offs’
SquareOffs recently landed a client that may place its web-based debate technology in front of millions of more people. The company partnered with digital media network Rant Inc. to offer its online debate and polling tech to engage Rant’s readers and increase their advertising revenue. “It’s one of the bigger contracts that we’re apart of,”…
Week of events creates startups, builds entrepreneurial community
The Kansas City entrepreneurial community is prepping for a week-long celebration of startups and entrepreneurship. 1WeekKC, which kicks off on May 29 and continues throughout the entire first week of June, will include a series of events created to empower entrepreneurs to come together, share ideas, get inspired, celebrate and connect. A group of community…
Techweek, Launch KC winners have shot at more money
The winning company at a demo day competition during Kansas City’s coming Techweek conference will earn a chance at nabbing significantly more dough. In addition to a $50,000 LaunchKC grant, the winning firm would have a shot at an added $50,000 from a national competition. LaunchKC — an initiative to attract 10 tech firms to relocate to Kansas…
KC coworking studios align to create cohesion, understanding
A cadre of Kansas City coworking studio leaders are working together to bring awareness to their trade through a new alliance. Twelve organizations thus far have banded together to collectively raise their profiles to attract more businesses, entrepreneurs and individuals to use the array of coworking studios in Kansas City. “Coworking is really starting to…