Puna Bio announced the closing of its Series A funding round, led by Corteva Catalyst and supported by other global investors. The Gates Foundation joined as a new investor in the company. This marks the foundation’s first investment in an Argentine startup.
The funding aims to promote locally led innovation that strengthens sustainable food systems. Puna Bio will use the funds to accelerate the development, production, and distribution of biofertilizers and biostimulants. These products are based on extremophile bacteria that help crops grow under stress. They provide essential nutrients to improve yields, especially for smallholder farmers in developing regions.
The partnership with the Gates Foundation will allow Puna Bio to test and adapt its technologies to local conditions. The companies plan to co-develop new solutions to support global food security. Franco Martínez Levis, CEO and co-founder of Puna Bio, said the partnership aligns with their mission.
He noted that their biological inputs, already used in South America, can boost crop yields reliably and cost-effectively. The company aims to expand its impact to Africa, improving lives and fostering sustainable agriculture worldwide.
Puna Bio’s products, Kunza and Kanzama, are already deployed on over 800,000 acres across the USA, Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. The company focuses on reducing fertilizer use and growing crops on degraded soils. With strategic partnerships and innovation, Puna Bio aims to shape a more sustainable future for agriculture.
Investors in the Series A round include At One Ventures, SP Ventures, Dalus Capital, Glocal LATAM, Builders VC, and Grid Exponential. The new funding will support the company’s growth and global expansion efforts.
