Puna Bio receives investment from Corteva Catalyst

Rhea-AI Summary

Puna Bio, an Argentina-based agricultural technology company, has secured new funding led by Corteva (NYSE: CTVA) through its Corteva Catalyst platform. The company specializes in biological solutions using extremophile organisms for regenerative agriculture.

Puna Bio's non-GMO seed treatments, derived from ancient bacteria found in Argentina's La Puna desert, increase productivity by 10-15% in fertile soils and can revitalize degraded soils. Their products, Kunza and Kanzama, have been used on over 800,000 acres across three commercial seasons.

The investment will support product portfolio expansion and market entry into the United States, Brazil, and Paraguay. The funding round includes participation from existing investors At One Ventures, SP Ventures, SOSV, Builders VC, and new investor Dalus Capital.

Positive

• Secured new funding from S&P 500 company Corteva (NYSE: CTVA)
• Products demonstrate 10-15% productivity increase in fertile soils
• Commercial products already deployed on 800,000 acres in three seasons
• Expanding into major agricultural markets (US, Brazil, Paraguay)
• Regulatory approvals and commercialization progress in target markets

Negative

• None.

Argentina-based agricultural technology company specializing in biological solutions for regenerative agriculture to expand into new markets, fueled by new capital infusion

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina, April 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today Puna Bio announced that it had closed a new round of founding led by Corteva, Inc., through its Corteva Catalyst platform.

The investment from one of the world´s leading agricultural technology companies, and other investors, will support the further development of Puna Bio's product portfolio based on extremophile organisms.

Unlike traditional pesticides and fertilizers, Puna Bio's innovative products are based on natural solutions that enhance nutrient uptake, tolerance to stress and crop quality. Their biological (non-GMO) seed treatments are based on the unique capabilities of extremophiles isolated from the highest and driest desert on Earth, La Puna of Argentina.

"Our solution, based on ancient bacteria dating back 3.5 billion years, maximizes productivity by 10 to 15 percent in fertile soils and revitalizes degraded soils that would normally be too acidic or salinized to be productive," explains Franco Martínez Levis, Puna Bio's CEO and co-founder. "With so much of the world's agricultural land on the path to degradation and weather patterns becoming more extreme worldwide, our discovery platform ensures that we can continue feeding the global population in a sustainable way"

Puna Bio received its initial funding in 2022, led by At One Ventures, a US venture firm with deep roots in Silicon Valley. The capital enabled the establishment of the company's first laboratory and growth of its core team.

The new round of funding led by Corteva, Inc., a global pure-play S&P 500 agriculture company [NYSE: CTVA], as well as participation from existing investors At One Ventures, SP Ventures, SOSV, Builders VC, and joined by new investor Dalus Capital.

"With its focus on new, more sustainable ways to enhance productivity, we see significant potential in Puna Bio and its technology," said Tom Greene, senior director at Corteva and global leader for Corteva Catalyst. "We remain encouraged not only by Puna Bio's unique approach to developing biological inputs, but by strong field results with new technology that presents an opportunity to enhance farmer profitability while promoting soil health and environmental sustainability."

The new investment will enable Puna Bio to focus on deeper innovation and the development of new products. Additionally, the company will expand its business to the United States, Brazil, and Paraguay, where it has already made progress in regulatory approvals and commercialization.

About Puna Bio

Puna Bio is advancing agricultural resilience by harnessing extremophiles. Their innovative biological inputs help farmers boost yields, reduce fertilizer use, and grow crops on degraded soils.

With operations across   USA, Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina, their two current commercial products—Kunza (for soybeans, cotton, and beans) and Kanzama (for wheat and barley)—have already been deployed on over 800,000 acres in just three commercial seasons. Through strategic partnerships and relentless innovation, Puna Bio is shaping a more sustainable future for global agriculture.

For more information, please visit www.puna.bio or contact us at info@punabio.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/puna-bio-receives-investment-from-corteva-catalyst-302433659.html

SOURCE Puna Bio

FAQ

What is the productivity increase reported by Puna Bio's biological solutions?

Puna Bio's solutions increase productivity by 10-15% in fertile soils and can revitalize degraded acidic or salinized soils.

How many acres have Puna Bio's products Kunza and Kanzama been used on?

The products have been deployed on over 800,000 acres across three commercial seasons.

Which markets is Puna Bio expanding into with the Corteva (CTVA) investment?

Puna Bio is expanding into the United States, Brazil, and Paraguay markets.

What are the main products offered by Puna Bio?

Puna Bio offers two main products: Kunza for soybeans, cotton, and beans, and Kanzama for wheat and barley.

Who are the investors participating in Puna Bio's latest funding round?

The funding round was led by Corteva (CTVA), with participation from At One Ventures, SP Ventures, SOSV, Builders VC, and new investor Dalus Capital.