NEW TECH FOODS

Oxford University spinout Wild Bio has secured $60 million in Series A funding to advance its AI-powered precision breeding platform.

The round was led by the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT), with participation from existing backers Oxford Science Enterprises (OSE), Braavos Capital and the University of Oxford.

Founded in 2021 by Ross Hendron and Steve Kelly, Wild Bio uses AI and genomic insights to improve crop productivity, climate resilience and sustainability. The company’s platform analyses evolutionary data from wild plant species to identify beneficial traits and integrate them into modern crop varieties through precision breeding.

Based in Oxford, UK, Wild Bio now employs around 30 people and has active field trials across four countries. The new funding will enable the company to expand its R&D and commercial operations, accelerating the transition of its early field results into market-ready seed varieties.

Ross Hendron said: "Advancing agriculture has limitless potential to help people and the planet. So to achieve meaningful, scalable impact, we need the right investors who are truly aligned with that big vision. I’m deeply grateful to EIT and to our current investors for sharing our excitement about what we’ve accomplished so far, and for their full support as we embark on this ambitious growth journey together."

Steve Kelly commented: "Combining the groundbreaking research at EIT and Wild will create a powerful synergy that could reshape sustainable agriculture on a global scale. Together, we will accelerate our ability to bring new technologies to market and deliver innovative solutions that enhance crop resilience, boost yields and promote environmental sustainability.

Larry Ellison, founder of EIT, CTO and chairman of Oracle, highlighted: "Wild Bio is using AI to better understand the lessons learned over millions of years of evolution encoded in plant genomes. Those insights combined with precision breeding has enabled Wild Bio to develop new varieties of crops with both higher yields and climate resilience."

"The ultimate goal is to grow these new crop varieties on a commercial scale and help provide food security around the world. EIT is committed to working with Wild Bio to reach this goal."

The investment marks the first joint venture deal between EIT and Oxford Science Enterprises. Ed Bussey, CEO of OSE, said the collaboration underscores confidence in Wild Bio’s scientific foundations and commercial potential.