Equinom is an Israeli food-tech company founded in 2012 that develops non-GMO, optimized grain seeds and legumes using AI-driven breeding technology, alongside its Manna™ AI software platform for grain analysis and supply chain optimization.[1][2][4] It serves food processors, millers, traders, and manufacturers by providing high-yield crops like shatter-resistant sesame, protein-rich peas, chickpeas, soy, wheat, and corn, solving challenges in ingredient quality, taste, functionality, and sustainability for plant-based foods and milling efficiency.[2][3][4] With operations in 20 countries, farms in the USA, Australia, Europe, and North America as its largest market, Equinom has achieved milestones like US sesame sales, GRAS-approved pea proteins, and SaaS expansion of Manna, driving growth through partnerships with firms like BASF (2019 investment) and Roquette.[1][2][3]
Equinom was founded in 2012 by Gil Shalev, who leveraged genomic sequencing breakthroughs to create revolutionary seed breeding technology, starting with one of the world's most robust seed vaults and the proprietary Manna™ platform.[1][3] Shalev's background in recognizing AgTech potential led to rapid development of high-yield, shatter-resistant sesame, positioning Equinom as the global largest provider with farms across continents.[1] Early traction included non-GMO breeding innovations, US/Canada commercial launches for pea proteins (earning GRAS approval), and expansions into wheat, corn, and AI grading tools, fueled by $20 million funding and partnerships amid global supply disruptions like the Ukraine war.[2][3]
Equinom rides the plant-based food and sustainable AgTech wave, addressing global demands for non-GMO, high-protein alternatives amid climate challenges, supply chain disruptions (e.g., Ukraine war impacting pulses), and rising plant-protein needs for meat substitutes and beverages.[3] Its timing aligns with AI advancements in genomics and precision agriculture, enabling faster breeding to counter food security issues and ingredient shortages, while Manna SaaS democratizes grain insights across the value chain.[2][4] By partnering with giants like BASF and influencing North America/Europe/Asia markets, Equinom boosts the ecosystem through optimized crops that improve milling yields, reduce waste, and support profitability for food innovators.[1][3]
Equinom is poised for accelerated global expansion, scaling Manna AI to new crops like coffee and cacao, deepening North American pea/soy production, and forging more ingredient partnerships amid surging plant-protein demand.[2][3] Trends like AI in AgTech, non-GMO sustainability, and resilient supply chains will propel its growth, potentially unlocking pre-IPO liquidity via platforms like EquityZen.[6] As a leader in AI-bred ingredients, its influence will evolve from seed innovator to essential supply chain optimizer, tying back to its founding vision of revolutionizing food through nature and technology for a healthier planet.[1][3]
Equinom has raised $65.0M in total across 3 funding rounds.
Equinom's investors include FTW Ventures, iSelect Fund, M34 Capital, Mayfield, SOSV, Starlight Ventures, Stray Dog Capital, Synthesis Capital, Wilbur-Ellis [Cavallo], BASF Venture Capital.
Equinom has raised $65.0M across 3 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $35.0M Series D in December 2022.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 1, 2022 | $35.0M Series D | FTW Ventures, iSelect Fund, M34 Capital, Mayfield, SOSV, Starlight Ventures, Stray Dog Capital, Synthesis Capital, Wilbur-Ellis [Cavallo] | |
| Jun 1, 2021 | $20.0M Series C | BASF Venture Capital | |
| Feb 1, 2020 | $10.0M Series B | BASF Venture Capital |
