5Metis
Overview
5Metis is an innovative biotechnology company focused on developing novel solutions for fungicide resistance in agriculture. Founded in 2021, the company is based in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. 5Metis was established through the collaboration of Boragen Inc. and AgriMetis, LLC. The company has raised significant funding to advance its research, including a $10 million Series A round. The founders are Dr. Brian Green and Xunhai Zheng, who leverage proprietary boron chemistry and natural product screening to create unique agricultural solutions.
Recent Developments
- May 2024: Brian Green was appointed as the new CEO, replacing Steven Tuttle. Green also continues his role as Chief Scientific Officer, integrating leadership with scientific expertise.
- October 2021: The company raised $10 million in a Series A funding round, aimed at enhancing research and development in crop protection and plant health technologies.
- 2023-2024: 5Metis secured grants totaling $5.5 million from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to advance its banana black sigatoka control product, a significant endeavor targeting the mitigation of this damaging foliar disease affecting banana yields worldwide.
Company Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | 2021 |
| Headquarters | Research Triangle Park, North Carolina |
| Founders | Brian Green, Xunhai Zheng |
| Revenue | Not publicly disclosed |
| Profits | Not publicly disclosed |
| Key Investors | Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Alexandria Venture Investments |
| Industry | Biotechnology Research |
| Number of Employees | 11-50 |
Early History
5Metis was founded by merging aspects of two companies: Boragen Inc. and AgriMetis, LLC. Through this merger, 5Metis combined boron chemistry expertise from Boragen with AgriMetis's prowess in synthetic biology. This confluence aimed to tackle longstanding issues of fungicide resistance by developing new modes of action for crop protection. From its inception, 5Metis focused on innovating agritech solutions that are safer and more sustainable, leveraging its proprietary natural products and boron chemistry.
Company Profile and Achievements
5Metis operates with a discovery-based business model focused on creating novel fungicidal solutions that transcend the limitations of traditional products. The company uniquely combines boron chemistry with natural product discovery to develop proprietary compounds. Significant achievements include:
- Intellectual Property Development: 5Metis holds significant IP for its boron chemistry-based solutions, setting new paradigms in fungicide development.
- Strategic Funding: The company raised significant capital through Series A funding to boost its R&D division, emphasizing innovation in crop protection.
- Global Partnerships: Engages in strategic partnerships to enhance the commercialization of its solutions while focusing primarily on the discovery and validation phases.
Current Operations and Market Position
5Metis continues to innovate in the biotechnology space, focusing on its proprietary chemistry to address crop protection needs. Through its NAB platform, the company leads in developing next-generation fungicides. With an emphasis on sustainability and efficacy, 5Metis's solutions reduce application rates and target specific resistance challenges, making significant impacts in the agrichemical industry. The firm pioneers in boron chemistry, providing a competitive edge in the biopesticide market.
Conclusion
5Metis represents a pivotal force in redefining crop protection solutions through its innovative use of boron chemistry and natural product discoveries. The company's strategies and technological advancements address critical needs in agriculture, offering sustainable and efficient solutions to fungicide resistance. Looking ahead, 5Metis is poised to expand its influence in the biotechnology market through ongoing research, strategic partnerships, and continuous innovation in its product offerings.