StrongBó Agritech Company Profile

Background

Company Overview

StrongBó Agritech is an Irish-Canadian agricultural technology company specializing in automated livestock management solutions. Founded by Micheál McInerney and Ivan Wahlrab, the company aims to revolutionize the beef production industry by providing farmers with real-time data to optimize livestock performance and enhance farm productivity.

Mission and Vision

StrongBó's mission is to empower beef farmers with data-driven insights, enabling them to make informed decisions that improve animal welfare and farm efficiency. The company's vision is to create a data-based value chain and information network that connects all stakeholders in the beef production sector.

Industry Significance

In an era where precision agriculture is becoming increasingly vital, StrongBó's innovative solutions address the need for accurate, real-time livestock data. By automating the weighing process and providing actionable insights, the company plays a significant role in enhancing productivity and sustainability within the beef industry.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

• Automated Data Collection: Implementing systems that autonomously gather livestock weight data without manual intervention.

• Real-Time Analytics: Providing farmers with immediate access to data for timely decision-making.

• Global Expansion: Extending the reach of their technology to international markets, including North America and New Zealand.

Areas of Specialization

• Automated Weighing Systems: Developing hardware and software solutions that facilitate continuous livestock monitoring.

• Data Analytics: Utilizing big data to offer insights into animal growth rates, health status, and overall farm performance.

Key Technologies Utilized

• Auto Weigher: A portable, automated weighing platform that captures partial body weights and estimates full body weights using proprietary algorithms.

• Cloud-Based Analytics Platform: A system that processes collected data and presents it through an intuitive app interface.

Primary Markets Targeted

• Beef Farmers: Providing tools to enhance livestock management and productivity.

• Feedlots: Offering solutions to monitor and optimize animal growth and health.

• Agricultural Cooperatives: Supplying technology to support collective farming operations.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

In June 2023, StrongBó secured over €750,000 in seed funding to commercialize its Automatic Animal Weighing device.

Recent Funding Rounds

• Seed Round (June 2023): Raised €750,000 led by Gallagher, with participation from Enterprise Ireland's High Potential Start-up (HPSU) program, the 519 Growth Fund, and the Grand River Agricultural Society (GRAS).

Notable Investors

• Gallagher: A New Zealand-based global leader in animal management solutions.

• Enterprise Ireland: Through its HPSU program, supporting high-potential start-ups.

• 519 Growth Fund and GRAS: Canadian investors focusing on agricultural innovations.

Utilization of Capital

The funds are intended to accelerate the commercialization of the Auto Weigher device, expand market reach, and enhance product development.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

• Auto Weigher: An automated weighing system designed for continuous livestock monitoring.

Stages of Product Development

• Prototype Phase: Initial designs and testing conducted in Ireland.

• Market Refinement: Adaptations made for the North American market, including trials in Canadian feedlots.

• Commercialization: Partnership with Gallagher to distribute the product globally.

Target Conditions

• Livestock Weight Monitoring: Providing real-time data on animal growth and health.

• Disease Detection: Utilizing data analytics to identify early signs of illness.

Timelines for Milestones

• 2023: Completion of seed funding round and initiation of global distribution.

• 2024: Expected full-scale commercialization and market penetration.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

• Auto Weigher: A portable device that uses an integrated EID reader and algorithms to estimate full body weight from partial measurements.

Significant Scientific Methods

• Data Analytics Algorithms: Converting partial weight data into full body weight estimates.

• AI-Driven Health Monitoring: Analyzing weight data patterns to detect potential health issues.

Leadership Team

Key Executives

• Micheál McInerney: Co-founder and CEO, leading technical direction and product development.

• Ivan Wahlrab: Co-founder and CTO, overseeing software development and system architecture.

• Marty Metzger: Co-founder and Business Development Lead, focusing on market expansion and partnerships.

Professional Backgrounds

• Micheál McInerney: Background in agricultural technology and innovation.

• Ivan Wahlrab: Expertise in software engineering and data analytics.

• Marty Metzger: Veterinary professional with experience in livestock management solutions.

Key Contributions

• Micheál McInerney: Instrumental in product design and securing funding.

• Ivan Wahlrab: Developed the software architecture and data analytics platform.

• Marty Metzger: Expanded the company's presence in the North American market.

Leadership Changes

In 2021, Marty Metzger joined as a co-founder, bringing valuable market knowledge and access to core clients in North America.