Inari, a company specializing in seed technology through its proprietary SEEDesign platform, has announced the successful completion of a US$144 million funding round. This financial boost comes as the company continues to build on the success of its initial products and progresses toward broader commercialization. With this latest funding, company’s total equity raised surpasses US$720 million, solidifying its financial stability and supporting its strategic objectives for long-term growth.
The funding round drew substantial interest from new investors, who accounted for the majority of the capital raised. Among these were a wholly owned subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) and a prominent financial investor with plans to collaborate on upcoming agricultural projects. Existing stakeholders, including Hanwha Impact, NGS Super, the State of Michigan Retirement System, and Flagship Pioneering, Inari’s founding organization, also contributed to the round.
“This round of funding underscores investors’ steadfast confidence in our business and ability to bring truly impactful solutions to market. Inari is poised to redefine the seed technology landscape as we work to empower the industry with high-performing products on a global scale. In being a true business partner with seed companies, we aim to achieve our vision of a sustainable food system by designing seeds that support a thriving planet, food security, and farmer well-being.”
Advancing Seed Technology with Innovation
Inari’s approach to seed development is rooted in advanced breeding techniques that combine AI-powered predictive design with an extensive multiplex gene editing toolkit. This innovative strategy enables the company to achieve significant advancements in crop performance. Focusing on large-acre crops such as soybeans, corn, and wheat, Inari’s early products have garnered attention from seed companies within and beyond the United States.
By adopting an asset-light business model, the company focuses on fostering innovation without directly competing with its customers. Instead, the company aims to support seed companies by providing advanced tools and technology.
“With its pioneering technology, incredible team, and commercial traction, Inari is well poised to create a new paradigm for the seed industry, delivering significant value to seed companies and their farmer customers.”
Inari’s Predictive Design Approach
Inari’s predictive design method centers on a comprehensive understanding of plant genetics. By leveraging advances in genomics and artificial intelligence, the company analyzes extensive data sets, covering everything from genetic sequences to field performance. This process allows scientists to create detailed blueprints for precise gene editing, ensuring the most effective modifications.
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Plant genomes, such as the wheat genome—five times larger than the human genome—present complex challenges. Many impactful traits are governed by intricate networks of genes. Inari’s predictive design capabilities enable it to identify and implement the most beneficial genetic edits with confidence.
Multiplex Gene Editing Capabilities
A key component of Inari’s innovation is its multiplex gene editing technology. This advanced approach allows the simultaneous modification of multiple genes using various editing techniques. Scientists can switch genes on or off, adjust their expression levels, or make precise replacements through Inari’s patented PRIDE technology.
Unlike traditional breeding methods, which require more time and resources, Inari’s techniques produce highly precise results in a fraction of the time. These modifications align with the natural genetic makeup of plants, mirroring traditional outcomes but with enhanced efficiency and accuracy.
Looking Ahead
The successful completion of this funding round marks a pivotal moment for Inari as it continues to drive progress in seed technology. By focusing on innovation and collaboration, the company aims to empower the agricultural industry with tools that address critical challenges in food security, sustainability, and crop performance.
