Phyllom BioProducts is a technology company.
Phyllom BioProducts has raised $1.0M across 1 funding round.
Phyllom BioProducts has raised $1.0M in total across 1 funding round.
Phyllom BioProducts Corporation is a biotechnology company founded in 2004 and based in Oakland, CA, specializing in safe, non-chemical BioInsecticides derived from a patented strain of *Bacillus thuringiensis* (Bt). It develops and commercializes high-performing products like beetleGONE! and grubGONE! that target devastating pests such as borers, beetles, weevils, and grubs in agriculture, forestry, lawn care, tree/shrub care, and animal health sectors[1][2][3][4]. These products serve lawn care professionals, farmers, organic gardeners, foresters, and retailers, solving the problem of pest damage while replacing bee-killing chemical alternatives like neonicotinoids and chlorantraniliprole—addressing markets worth over $15B globally, with sales now ramping in the U.S. and Canada[1][2][3]. The company operates as a C-corp with about 5 employees and a full product-ready stage, emphasizing USDA National Organic Program compliance and zero risk to beneficial insects, pets, fish, birds, and humans[1][3].
Phyllom BioProducts was founded in 2004 by a team with over 200 years of combined experience in agrichemicals, seeds, and biopesticides, including prior roles at companies like Affymax, Geron, UCSF, Sandoz Agro, Maxygen/Verdia (DuPont), and Siometrix[1][4]. Key leaders include a business manager and scientist with 25 years in biotech (human stem cells, cancer, HIV, aging, biological detection) and 16+ years in biopesticides, handling everything from protein engineering to regulatory approval, manufacturing, and field testing[1]. Another pivotal figure, Kurt, leads sales and marketing with experience licensing industry-leading biobased controls, raising capital for startups since 1998, and managing global units exceeding $100M in sales[1]. The idea emerged from proprietary platforms for discovering highly active pest control genes (the "3 Ps": Products, Platforms, Proteins), leading to launches around 2014-15 targeting unmet needs like Emerald Ash Borer and Japanese Beetle, with early traction via partnerships and direct sales in ramping markets[1][4].
Phyllom rides the surge in sustainable biotech and organic pest control, fueled by bans on bee-toxic neonicotinoids, rising pet poisoning concerns (232,000 U.S. cases/year), and demand for eco-friendly alternatives amid climate-driven invasive pests like Emerald Ash Borer[2][3]. Timing aligns with organic gardening's popularity and $15B+ market growth in crop protection, where chemical resistance and regulations favor biopesticides—Phyllom's Bt strain fills gaps left by 20th-century natural tools modernized for today's needs[1][3][4]. It influences the ecosystem by enabling organic compliance for farmers/foresters, partnering with retailers like Scotts, and promoting safer animal health solutions, reducing environmental pesticide runoff while supporting biodiversity[2][3].
Phyllom's ramping sales in retail and pro channels signal strong growth potential, with expansions into new genes for enhanced products and larger ag/livestock applications via partnerships[1][4]. Trends like stricter chemical regs, organic market boom, and biotech scalability will propel it, potentially through acquisitions by multinationals given its team's track record[1]. Influence may evolve from niche launcher to dominant biopesticide player, solidifying safe alternatives in a $15B+ landscape—positioning it as a biotech innovator protecting ecosystems without compromise, much like its opening promise of bee-safe superiority[1][2][3].
Phyllom BioProducts has raised $1.0M in total across 1 funding round.
Phyllom BioProducts's investors include Obscura.
Phyllom BioProducts has raised $1.0M across 1 funding round. Most recently, it raised $1.0M Seed in February 2015.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 1, 2015 | $1.0M Seed | Obscura |