Inari Agriculture’s $103 million Series F was one of the standout investment deals of last year.
It is off to a bang in 2025, announcing the completion of a new $144 million fundraise, which the Cambridge, Massachusetts-based company says is fuelled by the performance of its first-generation products and progress toward commercialisation.
The new fundraise puts its cumulative equity raised at more than $720 million – proof, the company says, in its advanced plant breeding technology and financial strength.
The fundraise attracted significant support from new investors, who represented most of the capital raised in the round – including a wholly owned subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority.
Existing investors including Hanwha Impact, NGS Super, the State of Michigan Retirement System and company founder Flagship Pioneering also contributed.
“This round of funding underscores investors’ steadfast confidence in our business and ability to bring truly impactful solutions to market,” says Inari CEO Ponsi Trivisvavet.
“Inari is poised to redefine the seed technology landscape as we work to empower the industry with high-performing products on a global scale.”
Inari is at the forefront of breeding innovation, combining AI-powered predictive design with multiplex gene editing to deliver step-change outcomes.
Inari claims that multiplex gene editing, a cutting-edge technique that allows for simultaneous modifications of multiple genes within a plant’s DNA, enables precise alterations that can lead to significant improvements in crop yield and resource efficiency, such as reducing water and nitrogen fertiliser needs by up to 40% while increasing yields by 10-20% for crops like corn, soybeans, and wheat,
Its proprietary tech platform, called SEEDesign, combines artificial intelligence with predictive design to create detailed blueprints for genetic modifications. This integration of data analytics helps identify optimal genetic pathways for enhancing plant performance, allowing for more effective and efficient breeding processes compared to traditional methods.
The company is focused on seed technology for large-acre crops with its first wave of products, and its progress in soybeans, corn and wheat to date is attracting seed companies both within and outside the US.
Collaboration over competition
The company also claims it brings a unique approach to the seed industry by focusing purely on innovation and operating an asset-light business model.
It focuses on collaborating with independent seed producers rather than competing against them. It believes this strategy allows it to enhance existing products without introducing competing brands, fostering a cooperative environment that builds trust and mutual value for both seed companies and farmers.
Managing partner at Flagship Pioneering and Inari Board member Stephen Berenson adds: “With its pioneering technology, incredible team and commercial traction, Inari is well poised to create a new paradigm for the seed industry, delivering significant value to seed companies and their farmer customers.”
