Equinom enters US market with non-GMO seed breeding technology

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Israeli startup Equinom is bringing its non-GMO seed-breeding technology to the US to serve the North American market, where it will connect food and food ingredients companies directly to its plant protein supply chain.

Equinom’s technology breeds non-GMO seeds stocks with higher nutritional profiles (i.e. higher protein and oil content) and improved organoleptic properties to produce tastier plant protein ingredients.

Last month, the company closed a $10m Series B funding round led by BASF Venture Capital, Germany, to expand its business and 

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Rick Mignella, Equinom EVP and managing director (Tali Talmid/Tali Talmid)

infrastructure globally.

Gil Shalev, CEO of Equinom, who founded the company eight years ago, said that it plans to introduce its high-protein pea variety in 2021.

"This exciting move to new shores marks the next phase of growth for Equinom,” said Shalev.

US operations

The company has hired Rick Mignella as EVP and managing director to lead the US team and focus on scaling up the business and expanding Equinom’s presence in the plant protein market in North America. Mignella’s previous experience includes holding several strategic development positions at Ingredion and Cargill.

“Equinom can significantly contribute to the plant-based revolution and the broader food industries by changing the way food systems currently operate,” said Mignella.

“Equinom’s non-GMO technology can help facilitate the creation of clean food products, increase protein content, and tailor key nutrients to the specific requests of food product developers and manufacturers. Our mission of connecting the farming industry with the food companies will build the next-generation mutual ecosystem for food production.”