# Aphea.Bio NV

Startup profile on Capital Atlas: https://capitalatlas.ai/startups/aphea-bio

- Industry: Biotechnology
- Headquarters: Ghent, Belgium
- Website: www.aphea.bio
- Total disclosed funding: $78M
- Latest round: Series C (Jul 27, 2023)
- Investors on record: 15

## About

Based in Belgium, Aphea.Bio NV is an agritech company focused on developing innovative biocontrol and biostimulant products that promote sustainable agriculture through natural alternatives to chemical pesticides and fertilizers.Aphea.Bio NV, founded in 2017, operates from Ghent, Belgium, and specializes in developing microbial solutions for agriculture. The company has conducted 5 deals, with its most recent funding round occurring on November 4, 2024. In this round, Aphea.Bio raised EUR 1.9 million from returning investor Agentschap Innoveren & Ondernemen, bringing its total amount raised to EUR 1.9 million. Steven Vandenabeele is the founder, while Isabel Vercauteren serves as CEO.Aphea.Bio specializes in the development of biocontrol and biostimulant products aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture. The company utilizes its innovative APEXbio™ R&D platform to harness the diversity of microorganisms, creating natural alternatives to chemical pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. Key product categories include advanced biostimulants and biofungicides, with notable products in the pipeline such as bioherbicides and bioinsecticides. Aphea.Bio serves a diverse clientele in the agricultural sector, including farmers and distributors, by offering solutions that enhance crop yield and health across various segments, particularly cereals. The products are marketed primarily in European countries, with a focus on regions that prioritize sustainable agricultural practices.Aphea.Bio generates revenue through the direct sale of its microbial-based agricultural products, including its flagship offerings, VALORIA™ and VIRTUOSA™, which are biofungicides currently undergoing regulatory approval. The company's transaction structure operates predominantly on a B2B model, providing products directly to agricultural businesses and distributors rather than through general retail channels. Pricing plans for these products are structured based on volume and specific client agreements, allowing flexibility in procurement for large-scale agricultural operations. In 2022, the company reported an EBITDA of EUR -8,159,207.60. Revenue streams are expected to be bolstered by recent funding initiatives, which aim to expand commercial potential and accelerate product development within the biostimulant market.In November 2024, Aphea.Bio SA raised EUR 1.9 million in venture funding from returning investor Agentschap Innoveren & Ondernemen. The company will utilize this funding to expand the market of its biostimulant INITI? by Aphea.Bio™ for maize in the US and Brazil. The expansion efforts target these two significant agricultural markets to enhance their product offerings and market reach.

## Funding rounds

- Series C, Jul 27, 2023, $48M — Gates Foundation Trust, BNP Paribas Fortis, Korys, Belgium Federal Holding Company, Agri Investment Fund, Innovation Industries, Astanor Ventures, ECBF
- Series B, Oct 21, 2020, $21M — K.U. Leuven Research & Development, Vives, PMV, VIB, Agri Investment Fund, Qbic Fund, V-Bio Ventures, Astanor Ventures
- Series A, Jun 29, 2017, $8.4M — K.U. Leuven Research & Development, Vives, PMV, VIB, Agri Investment Fund, Qbic Fund, V-Bio Ventures, Group De Ceuster N.V.

## Investors

- K.U. Leuven Research & Development (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/k-u-leuven-research-development) — Series A, Series B
- Vives (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/vives) — Series A, Series B
- PMV (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/pmv) — Series A, Series B
- VIB — Series A, Series B
- Agri Investment Fund (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/agri-investment-fund) — Series A, Series B, Series C
- Qbic Fund (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/qbic-fund) — Series A, Series B
- V-Bio Ventures (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/v-bio-ventures) — Series A, Series B
- Group De Ceuster N.V. — Series A
- Astanor Ventures (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/astanor-ventures) — Series B, Series C
- Gates Foundation Trust — Series C
- BNP Paribas Fortis — Series C
- Korys (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/korys) — Series C
- Belgium Federal Holding Company — Series C
- Innovation Industries (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/innovation-industries) — Series C
- ECBF (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/ecbf) — Series C