What is Confluence Genetics?
AI-driven soybean innovation for better feed, food, and fuel
HQ Full Address
St Louis, Missouri, United States
Product Features & Capabilities
- eMERGE® genetics platform using CRISPR and AI
- CropOS® for crop management
- Crop Accelerator for breeding optimization
- Soybean seed varieties for better feed, food, and fuel
- Partner programs for grain processors
- Independent testing with universities
Investment Focus
Benson Hill primarily focuses on three market areas: better feed, better food, and better fuel. These areas aim to meet the demand for higher protein and energy-dense feed ingredients for animal producers, provide more nutritious and sustainable food alternatives for consumers, and develop renewable biofuel feedstocks for environmental sustainability.
Other Considerations
Leverages decades-proven genetics and AI-driven plant science; Targets better feed, food, and fuel industries; Offers independent university testing for validation; Partners with grain processors; Focuses on nature-positive, sustainable soy solutions
Latest Funding Round
Benson Hill recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and is seeking $11 million in financing to maintain operations during the restructuring process. This indicates that there has not been a recent funding round in the traditional sense, as the company is currently focused on stabilizing its financial situation rather than raising new capital. The bankruptcy filing occurred approximately two weeks ago.
Key Innovations
Benson Hill has developed several key innovations and products in the biotech sector, particularly focusing on advanced soybean varieties. Notable innovations include:
- Ultra-High Protein Soybeans: These varieties are designed to enhance the nutritional value of animal feed.
- Low Oligosaccharide Soybeans: This trait reduces anti-nutritional factors in soy, making it more suitable for animal consumption.
- Advantaged Traits for Biofuel: The company is also working on soybean oil and biofuel segments, aiming to improve the efficiency and sustainability of these products.
Awards Recognition
Benson Hill has received several awards and recognitions in the biotech field, including:
1. **Overall FoodTech Company of the Year** awarded by AgTech Breakthrough for two consecutive years, recognizing the company as a leading platform driving the plant-based revolution.
2. **AI-based Solution of the Year** at the AgTech Breakthrough Awards for their CropOS™ platform, which integrates data science and machine learning with biology and genetics.
3. **AgFunder Innovation Award**, recognizing innovative companies in the agriculture space.
Partnerships
- ADM Partnership - Benson Hill entered a strategic partnership with Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) to scale ultra-high protein soy for North American food ingredient markets.
- Collaboration with Rose Acre Farms
- Beck's Hybrids Partnership - Benson Hill partnered with Beck's to co-develop and commercialize a groundbreaking photosynthesis trait, which is expected to improve crop yields.
- GDM Collaboration - Benson Hill collaborated with GDM to leverage its cognitive platform, CropOS, to enhance soybean research programs globally.
- CTC Partnership
- Agribody Technologies Collaboration
- AB InBev Partnership - Benson Hill has also partnered with AB InBev to improve barley quality and sustainability.