Demetra, a Brazilian biological metabolite startup, receives investment of R$ 2 million

Date:10-08-2024

Demetra Agroscience, a biological agricultural input startup that develops products from bacterial metabolites, has received an investment of R$ 2 million from Didaciebe (Centro Integrado de Educação Brasil Europa). Didaciebe maintains the Faculty of Technology, Science, and Education and is part of a group that includes other educational and research institutions and the Estância Águas Virtuosas farm, which grows coffee and macadamia.

The invested amount will be used for the structuring of the biofactory, the registration process of the products, and the organization of the company's commercial team. This is the second round of investment; the first was made by the venture builder WBGI, of R$ 260,000, which also provided administrative and financial support, as well as the structure for the development of activities.

Demetra and its main product are the result of the research of its CEO, Renato Zapparoli, who has been dedicated to third-generation biological products for over 25 years. "We develop bio-inputs from bacterial metabolites. Unlike previous biologicals, those of the third generation are not made with living organisms, which increases their efficiency and shelf life, in addition to not requiring refrigeration, having more compatibility with chemicals, and being able to be used in any climatic situation," explains Zapparoli.

The bio-input developed by the startup is in the registration phase and has already shown excellent results as a biofungicide, biobactericide, and bioinsecticide in the efficacy tests conducted by the company, in addition to improving the productivity of some crops. "The results in coffee show excellent control of coffee borer, rust, and eyespot."

Even one of the farms that tested the product was the Estância Águas Virtuosas, owned by Claudio Romualdo, who is also leading the investor group. "The results impressed us a lot, and coupled with the credibility of Renato as a researcher and WBGI as the first investor, we were sure we were making a good deal. In addition, we believe that the future of agriculture lies in sustainable and innovative solutions, and the development of a product that combines pest control with the function of fertilizer is completely aligned with our values and our strategy of commitment to ESG criteria," says Romualdo.