Dewey Scientific Company Profile

Background

Founded in 2018 by Ph.D. molecular plant scientists from Washington State University, Dewey Scientific is an agtech company dedicated to advancing the cannabis industry through innovative genetics, sustainability, and collaboration. The company's mission is to leverage science and data-driven insights to enhance cannabis cultivation, providing growers with reliable, high-performance solutions. By integrating scientific rigor into every stage of production, Dewey Scientific aims to elevate the standard of cannabis cultivation, delivering both economic resilience and market leadership.

Key Strategic Focus

Dewey Scientific's strategic focus centers on developing genetically stable hybrid seeds to improve the quality and genetic diversity of cannabis crops. The company employs genomics, data science, and classical breeding methods to create disease-resistant and high-yielding cultivars. Key areas of specialization include:

Potency and Yield: Developing cultivars with high potency and above-average yields to meet consumer demand and enhance cultivator profitability.

Pest and Disease Resistance: Breeding plants with natural genetic resistance to pests and diseases, such as powdery mildew, to reduce crop losses and improve production efficiency.

Terpene Profiles: Utilizing advanced terpene profiling to create unique flavors and experiences for consumers.

The primary markets targeted include cannabis cultivators seeking reliable and high-performance genetics to optimize their operations.

Financials and Funding

Dewey Scientific has successfully secured funding to support its research and development initiatives:

Series A Funding: In August 2021, the company raised $3.2 million through a warrant to purchase Series A preferred units sold to The Hawthorne Collective, Inc. This funding is dedicated to acquiring cutting-edge equipment and advancing genetics research and development.

Seed Round: In October 2019, Dewey Scientific completed a seed funding round, raising $1.25 million from private investors to support the development of genetically superior marijuana and hemp strains.

The capital raised is intended for the acquisition of advanced equipment, expansion of research and development efforts, and the establishment of a franchise system to collaborate with cultivators nationwide.

Pipeline Development

Dewey Scientific's pipeline focuses on developing proprietary cannabis genetics with significant advancements in standardization, quality, and resiliency. Key cultivars include:

Honeycomb: Known for its vigorous growth and high potency, commonly above 30%, making it a favorite among experienced users.

Happy Trails: Characterized by its substantial size and high yield, suitable for various cultivation practices.

Crème Brûlée: Features powdery mildew resistance and above-average yields, appealing to high-volume growers.

These cultivars are developed to address industry challenges such as disease resistance, yield optimization, and unique terpene profiles.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Dewey Scientific distinguishes itself through its proprietary technologies and scientific methodologies:

Genomic Breeding Technologies: Utilizing genetic markers to develop high-quality cannabis varieties with unique traits, including disease resistance and enhanced terpene profiles.

Powdery Mildew Resistance: Identified the first powdery mildew resistance gene in cannabis, addressing one of the most widespread diseases in the industry.

Aroma Science: Employing advanced terpene profiling to enhance sensory profiles, creating unique flavors and experiences for consumers.

Leadership Team

Dewey Scientific's leadership comprises experienced professionals with deep expertise in plant science and business operations:

Jordan Zager, Ph.D.: Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Zager is a pioneering scientist and entrepreneur specializing in cannabis genetics and biotechnology. He holds a Ph.D. in Molecular Plant Science from Washington State University and has authored multiple research papers in trichome development and metabolism.

Mark Lange, Ph.D.: Co-Founder and Chief Science Officer. Dr. Lange is a leading authority on terpene biochemistry and natural product biosynthesis. He is a professor at Washington State University and has published over 100 peer-reviewed publications on terpene biosynthesis and metabolic engineering.

Todd Larson: Vice President of Business Operations.

Charles Moehs: Senior Vice President of Research.

Logan Alden: Vice President of Sales and Marketing.

In 2021, Dewey Scientific expanded its leadership team with the addition of Todd Larson as Vice President of Business Operations, Charles Moehs as Senior Vice President of Research, and Logan Alden as Vice President of Sales and Marketing. These appointments aim to bolster the company's research and development capabilities and enhance its market presence.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The cannabis industry has experienced significant growth, with cannabis becoming the fourth most valuable crop in the U.S. in 2021, placing it alongside major agricultural commodities like corn and soy. However, the industry faces challenges such as disease management, genetic diversity, and standardization, which companies like Dewey Scientific aim to address through scientific innovation.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors in the cannabis genetics and biotechnology sector include:

Shire: A biotechnology company focusing on rare diseases, with a division dedicated to cannabis-based therapies.

Vertex Pharmaceuticals: Specializes in developing therapies for serious diseases, including research into cannabinoid-based treatments.

Bio-Techne: Provides tools and reagents for research, including those used in cannabis research.

Illumina: A leader in genomic sequencing, offering technologies applicable to cannabis genomics.

Sciex: Develops analytical instrumentation, including tools for cannabinoid analysis.

Genentech: Engages in biotechnology research, with interests in cannabinoid-based medicines.

IDEXX Laboratories: Provides diagnostic and testing solutions, including those relevant to cannabis quality control.

These companies focus on various aspects of biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, with some engaging in cannabis-related research and product development.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Dewey Scientific has established significant partnerships to enhance its market position and innovation capacity:

The Hawthorne Collective, Inc.: In August 2021, Dewey Scientific sold a warrant to purchase Series A preferred units to The Hawthorne Collective for $3.2 million. This partnership aims to advance genetics research and development.

Selway Holdings: Collaborating with Selway Holdings, which plans to build a $1.8 million cannabis greenhouse, to secure use of the planned state-of-the-art facility.

Operational Insights

Dewey Scientific's strategic considerations include:

Market Position: Positioning itself as a leader in cannabis genetics by leveraging scientific research to develop superior cultivars.

Competitive Advantages: Utilizing proprietary genomic breeding technologies and a strong scientific team to differentiate its offerings.

Expansion Plans: Establishing a franchise system to collaborate with cultivators nationwide, licensing out Dewey Scientific genetics to share its success in other cannabis markets.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Dewey Scientific's strategic roadmap includes:

Research and Development Expansion: Continuing to advance genetics for varieties focused on key traits, with the recent addition of a world-class agronomist to oversee cultivation practices.