# ZeaKal

Startup profile on Capital Atlas: https://capitalatlas.ai/startups/zeakal

- Industry: Agribusiness
- Headquarters: San Diego, US
- Website: www.zeakal.com
- Total disclosed funding: $24M
- Latest round: Series C (Sep 10, 2019)
- Investors on record: 4

## About

ZeaKal Inc. specializes in advanced agricultural technologies, focusing on enhancing crop photosynthesis through its innovative plant trait technology, PhotoSeed™, aimed at improving food production sustainability.ZeaKal Inc. was founded in 2010 and is headquartered in San Diego, US. The company develops technology designed to enhance the photosynthetic capacity of crops. In September 2019, ZeaKal raised USD 5 million in Series C funding, co-led by Finistere Ventures and Middleland Capital, contributing to a total amount raised of USD 5 million. The company has completed four deals to date.ZeaKal's primary product offering is its flagship plant trait technology, PhotoSeed™, which enhances the photosynthetic capacity of crops. This technology is designed to improve the carbon capture, oil composition, and protein density of major agricultural crops, particularly soybeans and corn. By using advanced genetic engineering, ZeaKal aims to create healthier, nutrient-rich food and feed while simultaneously reducing the environmental footprint of agricultural practices. The company collaborates with various stakeholders across the agriculture supply chain, ensuring that its innovations meet the evolving needs of consumers and the environment. ZeaKal's products are marketed primarily to agricultural producers and suppliers in North America, with a growing focus on global markets as part of their sustainability efforts.ZeaKal generates revenue through strategic partnerships and collaborations within the agricultural sector. Their business model is built around an integrated supply chain that incentivizes mutual value creation among participants, ranging from growers to end-users. ZeaKal offers its PhotoSeed™ technology to growers, enabling them to produce higher-quality yields that can achieve better market prices. Partnerships with agricultural companies provide essential agronomic support and processing services, facilitating direct sales to consumers and businesses, thus ensuring equitable distribution of value derived from ZeaKal's innovations among all stakeholders.ZeaKal plans to leverage its recent funding of USD 5 million raised in September 2019 to further develop its innovative technologies and expand its market reach. The company is working on enhancing its PhotoSeed™ technology to introduce new product variants aimed at optimizing crop yields. Additionally, ZeaKal is targeting expansion into international markets, focusing on regions such as Europe and Asia by the end of 2023. These initiatives will support their commitment to sustainable agricultural practices and meeting global food production demands.

## Funding rounds

- Series C, Sep 10, 2019, $5M — Finistere Ventures, Middleland Capital
- Series C, Jun 19, 2019, $10M — RIV Capital
- Series B, Feb 17, 2016, $5.3M — Finistere Ventures, Middleland Capital
- Series A, Mar 26, 2013, $3.8M — Finistere Ventures, Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council

## Investors

- Finistere Ventures (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/finistere-ventures) — Series A, Series B, Series C
- Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council — Series A
- Middleland Capital — Series B, Series C
- RIV Capital (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/riv-capital) — Series C