FA Bio

About FA Bio

FA Bio is an agricultural biotechnology company that has developed a microbial discovery platform to identify and develop superior bioproducts as alternatives to chemical inputs. The company was founded in 2015 as FungiAlert by Dr. Angela de Manzanos Guinot and Dr. Kerry O'Donnelly Weaver (née O'Donnelly) while they were completing their PhDs at Imperial College London. Based at the Rothamsted Research Centre, a prominent agricultural science research facility in the UK, FA Bio aims to improve soil health and boost crop productivity sustainably.

The founders' journey began during their doctoral studies, where they developed the initial technology. Dr. de Manzanos Guinot, the CEO, has a background in chemical biology, crop protection, and over 19 years of experience in agriculture. Her expertise guides the company's scientific direction and strategy. The company initially focused on early pathogen detection but pivoted in 2021 to leverage its technology for discovering unique microbes that can be formulated into bioproducts.

At the core of FA Bio's operations is its patented SporSenZ™ technology, an in-field sampling tool that mimics plant root compounds to attract and capture active microbes directly from the soil. This method allows for the collection of hard-to-access, field-adapted microbes. The collected samples are then analyzed using the company's Microbial Discovery Platform, which employs DNA sequencing, bioinformatics, and AI algorithms to identify high-performing microbial strains. This process is reportedly up to 6,000 times faster than conventional lab-based discovery methods. The company then develops these strains into biostimulants, biocontrols, and biofertilizers.

FA Bio operates a B2B business model, partnering with agricultural corporations and crop input manufacturers. The company focuses on licensing its discovered microbial active ingredients for further development and commercialization by its partners. This strategy was validated by field trials in wheat and corn, which showed significant yield increases and improved plant health. The company has raised approximately $10 million in funding over several rounds, including a significant £5.3 million Series A round in early 2024, co-led by Clean Growth Fund and Pymwymic. These funds are being used to accelerate R&D, commercialize the technology, and expand the team.