IBI Ag has completed its Series A funding round, raising $10 million to advance its antibody-based bioinsecticide platform. The investment was led by Corteva through its Corteva Catalyst platform, marking the second and final tranche of the round.
The round drew participation from The Trendlines Group (SGX:42T) (OTCQX: TRNLY), Iron Nation, Consensus Business Group, Bandera Capital, and First Imagine Ventures. The Israel Innovation Authority also contributed through a grant, helping the crop protection company close the funding.
The completion represents a notable milestone for IBI Ag, as it steps up to meet the growing demand for biological alternatives in crop protection. This isn't just a small trend; a recent report from ResearchAndMarkets.com shows the global bioinsecticides market was valued at $3.7 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $8.9 billion by 2030. The company's technology offers farmers effective pest control options that reduce ecological footprint compared to conventional chemical solutions.
Global agriculture faces mounting pressure to adopt more sustainable practices while maintaining productivity. Bio-based insecticides like those developed by IBI Ag address this challenge by targeting specific pests without harming beneficial insects or contaminating ecosystems.
The new capital will primarily support product development and regulatory advancement of IBI Ag's biological pest control solutions. The company plans to move its bioinsecticides closer to commercial availability for farmers worldwide.
These funds position IBI Ag to navigate the complex regulatory requirements for biological crop protection products. The company aims to bring its solutions to market faster, addressing urgent needs in sustainable agriculture while supporting both farm productivity and environmental goals.
IBI Ag's proprietary technology uses single-domain antibodies, known as nanobodies, to create biological insect control products. The platform was adapted from pharmaceutical applications and optimized specifically for agricultural use.
The technology introduces new modes of action for protecting high-value crops from both sucking and chewing insects. Unlike broad-spectrum insecticides, these products target specific pest species while leaving beneficial insects unharmed. This selectivity helps maintain ecological balance in agricultural systems.
The company was founded by The Trendlines Group together with Dr. Amir Ayali and Dr. Rony Oren Benaroya, with backing from the Israel Innovation Authority. IBI Ag has positioned itself as an innovator in agri-biotech, focusing on solutions that combine effectiveness with sustainability.
"We're proud to have the continued confidence of our investors and to welcome Bandera Capital and First Imagine Ventures to the IBI Ag family," said Arnon Heyman, CEO of IBI Ag. "With the completion of our Series A, we are well positioned to bring our novel biological solutions closer to farmers worldwide, supporting both productivity and sustainability."
The participation of Corteva, a major player in agriculture, signals strong industry interest in next-generation biological solutions. Corteva's Catalyst platform works with early-stage companies developing technologies that help farmers produce food more sustainably.
"The collaboration between IBI Ag and Corteva is a clear example of how working together can deliver innovation that increases performance and provides more sustainable solutions in crop protection," said Tom Greene, senior director at Corteva and global leader for Corteva Catalyst. "We are excited to continue exploring the development of next generation biologicals and naturally inspired solutions as IBI Ag advances toward commercialization."
The investor syndicate combines strategic corporate backing with venture capital and government support. This mix provides IBI Ag with financial resources, industry expertise, and validation as it works toward commercialization.
