Robigo Series A led by Leaps by Bayer to commercialize engineered microbial biopesticides
- Series A led by Leaps by Bayer with participation from Illumina Ventures, SVG Thrive, Congruent Ventures and Endeavor8.
- Funding will accelerate the US commercial launch of engineered microbial biopesticides for fungal diseases in soybeans and specialty crops.
- Robigo plans pipeline expansion to target additional soil‑borne pathogens across an addressable market of $10 billion.
- The ARGO™ platform uses computationally designed active ingredients and claims to shorten development to under 20 months and deliver one‑time, season‑long protection.
Financing and purpose
Robigo closed a Series A round led by Leaps by Bayer, with participation from Illumina Ventures, SVG Thrive, Congruent Ventures and Endeavor8. Proceeds will accelerate the commercial launch in the United States of engineered microbial biopesticides aimed at fungal diseases in soybeans and specialty crops and fund pipeline expansion against additional soil‑borne pathogens.
Technology and claims
Robigo's ARGO™ platform applies synthetic biology and computational design to engineer living microbes that produce active ingredients in situ. The company says the platform enables novel modes of action that silence pathogens' essential genes and speeds development from computational design through field testing to under 20 months versus an industry norm of three to five years.
Product use and benefits
The engineered microbes are described as a one‑time treatment that continuously produces ARGO™‑designed active ingredients where the plant needs them, providing season‑long protection without changes to grower practices.
Targets and market context
Robigo highlights Sudden Death Syndrome in soybeans and fusarium wilt in lettuce and berries as initial targets; SDS is cited as causing an estimated $200–$500 million in annual U.S. soybean losses. The company cites a $10 billion addressable market and positions its pipeline as complementary to existing crop protection portfolios.
Source: Bayer