Rootility

Based in Ashkelon, Israel, Rootility operates within the agricultural technology sector, concentrating on enhancing crop performance through advanced plant breeding methods. The company was established in August 2006 by founder Rafael Meissner. A significant milestone for the company was winning the Agrivest competition in 2013.

Rootility's core business revolves around its proprietary root-focused breeding technology, which is designed to increase crop yields and improve plant resilience. The company has developed methods that bolster a plant's root system, thereby improving its ability to absorb water and nutrients. This enhancement leads to greater tolerance for abiotic stresses such as heat, cold, drought, and soil salinity. A key aspect of Rootility's approach is that its methods are non-GMO, relying instead on sophisticated simulation and established breeding techniques to screen and cross crops at high speed and large scale. The primary product offered is specialized rootstocks applicable to a wide variety of crops, including tomatoes, peppers, melons, corn, and sunflowers.

The company's business model is B2B, serving clients in the agricultural and food processing industries. Rootility collaborates with seed companies and food processors, such as the California-based tomato grower Morning Star Co., to implement its technology. Its main geographic markets have been the United States and Europe. The company generates revenue through the commercial sales of its rootstock solutions. Over its history, Rootility has raised approximately $40 million in funding over several rounds, including a Series C round of $10 million in May 2018, which was led by ADM Capital's Cibus Fund with participation from existing investors like GreenSoil Investments and Middleland Capital. This funding was intended to help the company scale its operations and expand into new markets, particularly in Asia.

Keywords: agricultural technology, plant breeding, rootstock, crop yield, non-GMO, abiotic stress tolerance, agtech, seed technology, sustainable agriculture, crop science, drought tolerance, heat tolerance, food processors, root systems, commercial agriculture, farm technology, plant genetics, crop resilience, soil salinity, B2B agriculture, Israel agtech, Rafael Meissner