Tropic Secures $105 Million to Expand Crop Innovation
Tropic, a company based in Norwich, England, has successfully raised $105 million in a Series C funding round. The company is recognized for its work in transforming agriculture through advanced genetic innovation, focusing on developing productive and sustainable solutions for growers. This latest funding round is set to bolster Tropic's efforts in scaling its operations globally.
Details of the Funding Round
The Series C round was co-led by Forbion and Corteva, with participation from several other investors including Just Climate, IQ Capital, ABN Amro, Invest International, Temasek, Five Seasons Ventures, Sucden Ventures, Genoa Ventures, and Polaris Partners. The funding was announced on March 13, 2026.
Company Background
Tropic was founded by Eyal Maori, who serves as the Chief Technology Officer, and Gilad Gershon, the company's Chief Executive Officer. The company specializes in gene-editing technologies aimed at improving tropical crops, with a current focus on banana and rice varieties. These crops are engineered for higher yields, increased disease resistance, and improved sustainability.
Use of Funds
The $105 million raised will be directed toward expanding the global reach of Tropic's gene-edited crops, particularly its banana and rice varieties. The company plans to scale up production, strengthen supply chains, and enhance commercial partnerships across major export markets. Additionally, Tropic aims to accelerate its research and development efforts for new climate-resilient crops.
Recent Achievements and Future Plans
In 2025, Tropic introduced new banana varieties, including a non-browning banana and a variety with extended shelf life, which have been well-received in the market. These innovations were highlighted as significant advancements in the agricultural sector. The company is also working on developing resistance to Panama Disease (TR4), a critical threat to the global banana industry.
The funding will also allow Tropic to extend its research across its rice portfolio and explore other high-impact crops to enhance agricultural resilience and sustainability.
Leadership and Strategic Vision
With the new investment, Tropic will add strategic representation to its leadership team. Joy Faucher from Forbion, Tom Greene from Corteva, and Siddarth Shrikanth from Just Climate will join the company's Board of Directors. This strategic input is expected to guide Tropic as it navigates its next phase of growth.
In summary, Tropic's recent funding round marks a significant milestone in its mission to innovate and sustain tropical agriculture through cutting-edge genetic technologies. The company's focus on production expansion and research promises to contribute to solving global food security challenges.