Bio-herbicide startup WeedOUT is off to battle aggravating weeds after notching a $4.2 million Series A round.
Founded in 2016, the Israeli-based team is stopping weeds in their tracks using a unique biological approach: sterilization.
How it works:
- Apply WeedOut while weeds are flowering and outcompete the naturally occurring weed pollen.
- WeedOUT fertilizes the ovules.
- The formation of aborted seeds positions the weed’s reproductive system against itself.
Game over. Sterility 101.
Add in the fact this is a green, non-toxic, bio-based solution, and investors see dollar signs. But results have to prove it.
WeedOUT’s first target: Palmer amaranth.
The aggressive and glyphosate-resistant weed has plenty going for it to have a target on its back:
→ Grows 2-3 inches per day
→ Produces up to a million seeds per plant
→ Packs huge genetic variation, creating resistance issues
It’s a tall task, but WeedOUT’s leadership is no B-team.
Enter, the Monsanto MasterClass: The co-founders are former Monsanto Israel science leaders and the new Board Chair is a former Monsanto M&A and growth platforms guy. These dudes know weeds.
Big picture: Killing weeds is big business. If WeedOut can tackle the weed resistance market, a big pay day is in their future.