Tidal Vision secures $140M in Series B funding to develop chitosan-based agriculture solutions

Tidal Vision, a startup that works on chitosan-based chemistries, has successfully closed a $140 million Series B financing round that would help it accelerate global expansion and enhance its supply chain with new production facilities in Europe, Texas, and Ohio. Through its newly established arm, Tidal Grow AgriScience, the company plans to tackle agriculture problems and innovate farming practices. The round attracted a diverse group of investors, including Cambridge Companies SPG, Eni Next (the corporate venture arm of Eni), Milliken & Company, KIRKBI Climate, Convent Capital, and the Oman Investment Authority’s IDO Investments, among others.

Chitosan, derived from the natural biopolymer chitin which exists in the shells of crustaceans (sea crabs, shrimps, etc.) and various fungi, presents a range of benefits in agriculture, leveraging its unique properties to enhance crop health and productivity. As a biodegradable and biocompatible material, it poses no harm to humans or the environment. Its positive electrostatic charge enables it to bind effectively with various substances, enhancing its functionality in agricultural applications.

Chitosan acts as a plant elicitor, triggering systemic responses in plants that improve their resistance to pests and diseases, thereby reducing the reliance on synthetic chemicals. Additionally, it serves as a biostimulant, enhancing plant growth and yield by stimulating beneficial physiological processes. Its versatility and safety make chitosan a promising component in sustainable agricultural practices, contributing to the broader movement towards eco-friendly farming solutions.

With the new funding, Tidal Vision aims to scale up its chitosan chemistries, improving performance, cost-efficiency, and ease of adoption. The company plans to invest in expanding research and development resources and commercial-scale facilities, making chitosan solutions more accessible worldwide. “With the new infrastructure, we can better serve industries that require clean water, efficient agriculture production, and innovative materials,” noted Craig Kasberg, CEO of Tidal Vision.

Tidal Vision positions itself as a global leader in providing scalable biomolecular solutions for essential industries, including water treatment, agriculture, and material science. The company’s mission is focused on creating a significant environmental impact by promoting the adoption of economically and functionally superior chitosan-based technologies.