Ac-Planta Inc. Company Profile

Background

Ac-Planta Inc., established on February 7, 2018, is a Tokyo-based agricultural biotechnology startup dedicated to developing biostimulants that enhance plant resilience against environmental stresses such as drought, high temperatures, and salt damage. The company's mission, encapsulated in the term "Greenfulness," focuses on enabling plants to thrive amidst climate change, thereby addressing global food security and environmental challenges.

Key Strategic Focus

Ac-Planta's strategic objectives center on the research, development, and commercialization of biostimulants that bolster plant tolerance to adverse environmental conditions. Their flagship product line, the Skeepon series, leverages acetic acid to enhance drought and heat resistance in plants. The company targets agricultural sectors worldwide, with a particular emphasis on markets susceptible to climate-induced stressors.

Financials and Funding

Ac-Planta has successfully secured multiple funding rounds to support its growth and expansion:

March 2024: Raised ¥480 million in a Series A round led by Universal Materials Incubator Co., Ltd., IT-Farm Corporation, and Norinchukin Innovation Fund L.P. The capital is earmarked for accelerating overseas expansion, especially into the United States, and strengthening the global team structure.

June 2022: Secured $0.6 million in the second close of a pre-Series A round, bringing the total to $1.7 million. Investors included GREE Ventures and Sony Innovation Fund.

April 2022: Obtained $1.2 million in the first close of a pre-Series A round, with participation from Norinchukin Innovation Investment Limited Partnership, KH Neochem Co., Ltd., and SMBC Venture Capital No. 6 Investment Limited Partnership.

Pipeline Development

The Skeepon series represents Ac-Planta's primary product line, designed to enhance plant resilience against environmental stresses:

Skeepon: An agricultural product suitable for a wide range of crops, utilizing acetic acid to improve drought and heat tolerance.

Skeepon Turf: Tailored for lawn care, this product enhances turf resilience against high temperatures and dryness, reducing maintenance efforts and costs.

Since its launch in Japan in 2019, over 10,000 liters of Skeepon have been sold, primarily to farmers and golf courses. The company is actively working on expanding its product reach to international markets, particularly the United States.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Ac-Planta's innovation is rooted in plant epigenetics, focusing on how environmental factors influence gene expression without altering DNA sequences. The company's proprietary technology harnesses acetic acid to induce drought and heat tolerance in plants. This approach is based on research conducted by CEO Dr. Jong-Myong Kim at RIKEN, where it was discovered that acetic acid plays a pivotal role in enhancing plant resilience to water deficit stress.

Leadership Team

Dr. Jong-Myong Kim, Ph.D.: Founder and CEO. Holds a Ph.D. in Bioscience from Nara Institute of Science and Technology. Former research scientist at UCLA and RIKEN, where he pioneered studies linking environmental stress and epigenetics in plants. Also serves as an Associate Professor at the University of Tokyo.

Koji Nakasaka: Chief Operating Officer. Background in environmental studies and international development, with experience in promoting bio-inoculants in Ghana. Joined Ac-Planta to contribute to building a sustainable global society.

Toru Kudo, Ph.D.: R&D Group Leader. Holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural Science from Tohoku University. Expertise in plant productivity research, bioinformatics, and omics data analysis.

Ian Lawson Davis: Chief Legal Officer and Business Strategist. Legal professional with over 15 years of experience, including advisory roles to African embassies in Japan.

Shinichi Sato: Business Administrative Manager. Certified Public Accountant with experience in accounting audits and administrative services in IT companies.

Tomokazu Koshiba, Ph.D.: Guest Researcher. Former professor at Tokyo Metropolitan University with research focus on plant hormones and environmental responses.

Erina Isshiki: PR Group Leader. Background in education, journalism, and public relations, with experience in sales and seminar lecturing.

Leadership Changes

As of the latest available information, there have been no recent significant changes or appointments within Ac-Planta's leadership team.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The global biostimulant market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by the increasing need for sustainable agricultural practices and the mitigation of climate change impacts. Biostimulants, which enhance plant growth and stress tolerance, are gaining traction, particularly in Europe and the United States. The market is characterized by a diverse range of products, including microbial inoculants, humic substances, and seaweed extracts.