UK-based agrotech startup Elaniti has successfully closed its latest funding round, with financial backing from early-stage biotech investor biotope by VIB, Planetary Impact Ventures, and PINC, the corporate venture capital arm of Paulig Group. The funding will support the company’s efforts to roll out a digital decision-support platform that utilizes artificial intelligence and DNA sequencing to analyze soil microbiomes. This technology aims to help farmers make informed decisions that enhance productivity while reducing dependence on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
The new investment adds to Elaniti’s earlier financial support from Innovate UK, which was awarded in January 2025. With this round, Elaniti’s total funding now stands at €1.5 million, marking a crucial step toward the company’s goal of making soil microbiome data accessible and actionable for agribusinesses.
Strategic Investors See Potential in Soil Microbiome Insights
Biotope, one of the key investors in this round, focuses on supporting biotechnology startups addressing sustainability challenges. Annick Verween, Head of Biotope, expressed confidence in Elaniti’s potential to contribute to regenerative agricultural practices. She noted that “At biotope, we invest in pioneering biotech startups that address key sustainability challenges. Elaniti perfectly fits within our mission, as their work enables the transition to regenerative practices. Their technology holds significant potential for improving soil health while ensuring economic viability for farmers. Our biotech ecosystem will help accelerate their development through expertise, partners, and access to early adopters.”
Planetary Impact Ventures also participated in the funding round, recognizing the need for deeper insights into soil microbiomes as part of the transition toward regenerative farming. Mikkel Lehmann, a board member at Elaniti and an investor at Planetary Impact Ventures, emphasized the importance of understanding the complexities of soil health to reduce pesticide use and enhance soil stewardship. According to him, “We urgently need to understand soil microbiomes to transition towards regenerative farming. Elaniti’s ability to decode this complexity and translate it into practical guidance for farmers makes them a key player in this shift. We believe these insights will play a fundamental role in reducing pesticide usage and improving soil stewardship globally.”
PINC, the venture capital arm of Paulig, highlighted Elaniti’s ability to address a pressing issue in the agricultural sector. Senior Investment Manager Rosemari Herrero pointed to the startup’s early revenue generation and technical expertise as strong indicators of its potential to make a meaningful impact. She acknowledged the challenges associated with working in a highly specialized field but expressed confidence in Elaniti’s capacity to drive change in how soil health is managed and understood.
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Strengthening the Team and Expanding Research
With the fresh infusion of capital, Elaniti plans to expand its team and deepen its research efforts. The company is focused on launching its predictive analytics platform, which is designed to provide farmers with data-driven insights on soil biology. By collaborating with agribusinesses, Elaniti aims to ensure that its technology is both scientifically rigorous and practical for real-world application.
Soil microbiomes play a crucial role in determining crop health and yield, yet their impact has been largely overlooked in conventional soil analysis. Traditional soil testing methods often focus on physical and chemical properties, leaving out the biological activity that underpins soil fertility. Elaniti’s platform addresses this gap by linking microbial data with agronomic performance metrics such as disease resistance and crop yield. The goal is to equip farmers with the knowledge to enhance soil resilience and productivity while reducing the need for chemical inputs.
A Step Toward More Resilient Agriculture
The agricultural sector faces increasing pressure to balance productivity with environmental sustainability. Soil degradation, climate change, and geopolitical uncertainties have heightened the urgency for solutions that improve soil health and promote self-sufficiency in food production. By providing detailed insights into soil microbiology, Elaniti aims to help farmers adapt to these challenges and make data-backed decisions that support long-term soil health.
Scott Jarrett, CEO of Elaniti, underscored the importance of restoring soil health as a foundation for sustainable food production. He emphasized that modern farming practices have often depleted soil fertility, but understanding and leveraging the microbiome could be key to reversing this trend. According to Jarrett, “Soil is the foundation of our food system, but modern agriculture has strained its health. The soil microbiome holds the key to restoring fertility, resilience, and reducing reliance on synthetic inputs. By unlocking its potential, we can help farmers produce food sustainably while regenerating the land for future generations.”
With its new funding and strategic partnerships, Elaniti is well-positioned to accelerate the adoption of its technology and support farmers in making more sustainable agricultural decisions. The company’s approach represents a shift toward a deeper understanding of soil ecosystems, paving the way for a more resilient and environmentally conscious farming industry.
