ADM-Genesis Consortium partnership pledges to drive disruptive biology-driven start-ups

03 Jun 2021 --- ADM Ventures, the corporate venture capital arm of ADM, will collaborate with the Genesis Consortium to help accelerate the scale-up and commercialization of biology-driven start-ups. 

ADM will leverage its expertise in fermentation, in particular, to accelerate the commercialization of potentially disruptive start-up innovations.

Genesis is a global alliance of venture capital firms and corporations that supports start-ups that leverage biology to promote human and planetary health. 

The Consortium unites a diverse network of technologists, venture investors and corporations to “translate life science breakthroughs into commercially viable businesses.” 

“Innovative start-ups are unlocking scientific advancements by leveraging biology and fermentation to produce nutritional, health and wellness, and bio-material solutions sustainably and cost-competitively,” says Ian Pinner, ADM’s chief strategy and innovation officer. 

“We view the Genesis Consortium as a conduit through which ADM can collaborate with emerging players in the industry to bring to market new, natural products that simultaneously meet consumer demands and solve pressing global challenges.”

ADM is focused on leveraging its expertise in fermentation to accelerate the commercialization of start-up innovations.The “unstoppable” rise of biology
ADM and the Genesis Consortium share a common focus at the intersection of sustainability, nutrition and health and wellness.

The Genesis Consortium was founded by Silicon Valley-based investors SOSV and Mayfield Fund. 

“The next 20 years will witness the unstoppable rise of biology and bio-manufacturing as the agents of change for a better planet,” says Sean O’Sullivan, managing general partner of SOSV, the parent company of IndieBio, which is a leading start-up accelerator and early-stage investor for biology-centered start-ups worldwide.

“Breakthroughs in bioengineering mean will bring physical abundance that is sustainable and good for everyone’s future.”

The partnership builds on ADM’s active partnership with innovators advancing sustainable, functional and clean-label innovation across the company’s global business. 

ADM has recently engaged with start-up companies such as Air Protein, Spiber and NET Power, underscoring the company’s focus on sustainable innovation.

The clean foods and materials movement
ADM Ventures also seeks start-ups that utilize ADM’s assets and feedstocks to produce sustainable materials, in addition to technologies that enhance the effectiveness or efficiency of ADM’s operations. 

ADM Ventures’ separate internal, incubated new products group creates and operates new product lines and new businesses for ADM.

In addition to acceleration and incubation support for start-ups, the Genesis Consortium’s activities include regular events focused on emerging breakthroughs in life science, frequent tech talks and seminars in the US at IndieBio’s event centers in San Francisco and New York, and an annual corporate engagement conference for venture investors and relevant corporations.

Edited by Missy Green