IMIO raises $12M to scale freeze-dried biologicals that unlock crop residue nutrients

Chicago-based IMIO has raised a $12M seed round led by Sofinnova Partners to scale its IMIO biologicals, which break down crop residues to release nutrients for the next crop. Chipotle’s Cultivate Next, Starshot Capital, Grow Together Salinas, Earth Foundry and Serra Ventures also took part.

The company’s flagship product, Re-Gen, applies concentrated, naturally occurring microbes directly to residue such as corn stover. IMIO freeze-dries individual strains before blending them into a powder with a shelf life of more than 12 months, which founder and CEO Charles Smith told AgFunderNews delivers higher microbial activity and more consistent batches than competing products.

IMIO says it has sold to more than 100 customers in row crops and specialty crops, and that produce growers have saved about $120 per acre on tillage. The new capital will fund a headquarters, lab and biomanufacturing operation in Chicago.

Reliability remains the sector’s main hurdle. CropLife’s 2026 Biologicals Survey found 39% of ag retailers and advisors cite trust as the main barrier to adoption. Investors continue to back microbial nutrient products, including BioConsortia’s $15M raise for its nitrogen-fixing seed treatment earlier this month.

Source: AgFunderNews