The environmental biotechnology industry in Latin America is rapidly evolving, driven by innovation and a focus on sustainability. This sector includes startups and established companies that utilize biological processes to improve environmental quality, addressing issues like waste management, sustainable agriculture, and bioenergy. The region is witnessing a surge in initiatives using biotechnology to create eco-friendly solutions. As countries prioritize climate change mitigation, investment in bioproducts, plant-based technologies, and waste treatment solutions is growing. With an increasing demand for sustainable practices, Latin America is poised to become a major hub for environmental biotechnology advancements.


The investment scene for environmental biotechnology in Latin America features a range of players including venture capital firms and corporate investors. Headquartered mainly in Brazil, Chile, and Argentina, these firms vary in size, with many having small teams but significant deal-making activity in 2024. With as many as 56 investments recorded by firms like Bossa Invest, it's evident that these investors are focusing on innovative companies that tackle environmental challenges. Founded between 2007 and 2022, they're responding to a growing demand for solutions in ecological sustainability and biotechnology.


Top 19 Environmental Biotechnology Investors in Latin America


1. bossa invest

  • Website: bossainvest.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 56
  • LinkedIn: bossainvest

Bossa Invest is a venture capital firm based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in investing in innovative startups, particularly in the technology sector, and has made a significant number of investments, totaling 56 in 2024 alone. Bossa Invest provides capital, strategic guidance, and access to a network of co-investors, aiming to empower entrepreneurs and foster growth in the startup ecosystem. Notably, Bossa Invest has participated in funding rounds for companies like BioSolvit, which focuses on sustainable solutions, and Solugen, a biomaterials startup that develops plant-based bio-peroxide technology for household cleaning products. These transactions highlight Bossa Invest's engagement in the environmental biotechnology sector, showcasing their commitment to supporting startups that contribute to sustainability and innovation in this field.


2. SP Ventures

  • Website: spventures.com.br
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
  • Founded year: 2007
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: sp-ventures

SP Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, founded in 2007. The firm specializes in investments in technology-driven solutions for the agriculture and food sectors, particularly in Latin America. They support early-stage startups by providing capital and consulting services to help them innovate and grow. Notably, SP Ventures has been involved in several relevant transactions, including a significant investment in Puna Bio, which raised funds to commercially launch soybean seed treatments and expand field trials for wheat and corn. This investment highlights their commitment to advancing agricultural technologies that can have positive environmental impacts. Additionally, they participated in the Series A funding for Gênica, which also aligns with their focus on innovative agricultural solutions. Overall, SP Ventures is actively engaged in the AgFood sector, making them a relevant player in the environmental biotechnology space.


3. The Ganesha Lab

  • Website: theganeshalab.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Las Condes, Santiago, Chile
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: ganeshalab

The Ganesha Lab is a biotech accelerator based in Las Condes, Santiago, Chile, founded in 2016. It supports early-stage biotech startups in Latin America through various programs, including BIGinBIO and Scale Up. The Ganesha Lab provides mentorship, workshops, and access to funding, helping startups navigate the complexities of the biotech industry and scale their innovations for global impact. Notably, they have been involved in transactions such as Botanical Solutions, which raised $3.3 million in a Seed Round, indicating a focus on innovative solutions that could include environmental applications. Additionally, they have supported startups like Unibaio and Aquit in their early funding stages, which may also align with environmental biotechnology initiatives.


4. Kptl

  • Website: kptl.com.br
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
  • Founded year: 2020
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: inseed-investimentos

Kptl is a venture capital firm based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, founded in 2020. With a team that boasts over 15 years of experience, Kptl has made more than 124 investments, focusing on innovative startups across various sectors. Among its notable transactions, Kptl has invested in Akmey Biotecnologia Têxtil, which specializes in textile biotechnology, and Oxi Ambiental, a company focused on environmental solutions. These investments highlight Kptl's commitment to supporting companies that leverage biotechnology for environmental applications, showcasing its role in fostering innovation in this critical sector.


5. AIR Capital

  • Website: aircapital.vc
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
  • Founded year: 2021
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 13
  • LinkedIn: air-capital-vc

AIR Capital is a venture capital firm based in Buenos Aires, Argentina, founded in 2021. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage startups that focus on disruptive innovations relevant for humanity. AIR Capital provides both investment and consulting services, leveraging insights from their extensive experience in the technology sector. Their portfolio includes a variety of startups across multiple industries, showcasing their commitment to fostering innovation. Notably, AIR Capital participated in the seed funding round for Puna Bio, which raised $3.7 million to commercially launch a soybean seed treatment and expand field trials for other crops, highlighting their engagement in the environmental biotechnology space. Additionally, they have been involved in other ventures such as Ergo Bioscience and FeedVax, although the specific relevance of these transactions to environmental biotechnology is less clear.


6. The Yield Lab LATAM

  • Website: theyieldlablatam.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: theyieldlablatam

The Yield Lab LATAM is a venture capital firm based in Buenos Aires, Argentina, founded in 2017. It specializes in the AgriFoodTech sector, investing in early-stage startups that tackle challenges within the agri-food industry. The firm provides comprehensive support programs, including governance, talent development, and fundraising assistance, while connecting innovative companies with investors across Latin America. Notably, The Yield Lab LATAM has been involved in transactions such as Symbiomics, which raised funds in both a seed round and a venture round, focusing on innovative solutions in the agricultural biotechnology space. Additionally, their investment in Botanical Solutions, a company that develops botanical-based products, further emphasizes their engagement in areas that align with environmental biotechnology, as these products often aim to provide sustainable alternatives in agriculture.


7. Aurus

  • Website: aurus.cl
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Lo Barnechea, Santiago, Chile
  • Founded year: 2008
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: aurus

Aurus is a venture capital firm based in Lo Barnechea, Santiago, Chile, founded in 2008. The firm partners with entrepreneurs and startups, providing strategic advisory, recruitment, and crisis management services to help high-potential businesses navigate challenges and achieve growth. Aurus has been involved in several transactions that highlight its interest in the environmental sector. Notably, they participated in the Series A funding of Ecosea Farming, which raised $5.1 million in 2017, and they were involved in the funding of Ecotr in 2019. Additionally, Aurus was a participant in the Series B funding round for Ceibo, a company focused on advanced copper extraction technology, which raised $30 million in 2023. These investments reflect Aurus's engagement with companies that are likely contributing to environmental sustainability and biotechnology.


8. Positive Ventures

  • Website: positive.ventures
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: positiveventures

Positive Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, founded in 2016. The firm focuses on investing in entrepreneurs who are dedicated to solving social and environmental challenges. With a small team, Positive Ventures has made 8 investments in 2024 alone, showcasing their active engagement in the startup ecosystem. Notably, they have participated in significant funding rounds for companies like Windfall Bio, which raised $28 million in Series A funding to advance its environmental initiatives. They also supported Funga, a company specializing in nature-based carbon removal, which is crucial for environmental biotechnology. Furthermore, their investment in Pachama, which raised $9 million in Series B funding, highlights their commitment to projects that enhance carbon credit systems and forest restoration efforts. Through these investments, Positive Ventures aims to create economic, social, and environmental value, aligning closely with the principles of environmental biotechnology.


9. GRIDS Capital

  • Website: gridscapital.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: grids-capital

GRIDS Capital is a venture capital firm based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, founded in 2016. The firm specializes in deep tech ventures and focuses on providing investment and market analysis services to entrepreneurs and businesses in advanced technology sectors. GRIDS Capital aims to build a diverse portfolio that supports innovation and development in various industries, including artificial intelligence and life sciences. Notably, they have participated in funding rounds for several biotechnology companies, such as Fauna Bio, which focuses on discovering new therapeutic targets for human diseases, and Senti Biosciences, which is involved in developing advanced gene therapies. These transactions highlight GRIDS Capital's engagement in the biotechnology sector, which is relevant to environmental applications.


10. Cites

  • Website: cites-gss.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Sunchales, Santa Fe, Argentina
  • Founded year: 2014
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: cites

Cites is a venture capital firm based in Sunchales, Santa Fe, Argentina, founded in 2014. The firm specializes in supporting the development of scientific and technological startups, providing venture capital investment, mentorship, and access to resources for early-stage companies. Cites has made notable investments in the biotechnology sector, including Ergo Bioscience, which raised over $1.6 million in a seed round in September 2023, and Limay Biosciences, which secured $600,000 in August 2022. These transactions highlight Cites' commitment to fostering innovation in biotechnology, particularly in areas that may intersect with environmental applications.


11. Vale

  • Website: vale.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Centro, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
  • Founded year: 1942
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: vale

Vale is a corporate investor based in Centro, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, primarily known as a mining company specializing in the extraction and production of metals like iron ore and nickel. Founded in 1942, Vale operates a comprehensive logistics network to efficiently transport its products across various industries, including construction, automotive, and manufacturing. In recent years, Vale has expanded its investment portfolio to include companies in the environmental biotechnology sector. Notably, Vale participated in the Series A funding round for Allonnia, a bio-ingenuity company that raised $30 million to expedite the development of its biotechnology products. Additionally, Vale has invested in Mantel, which raised $30 million in Series A funding, and Electrified Thermal Solutions, which raised $19 million in a venture round. These transactions highlight Vale's strategic interest in supporting innovative solutions that align with environmental sustainability and biotechnology.


12. MOV Investimentos


MOV Investimentos is an impact investment firm based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, founded in 2012. The firm specializes in providing investment management and consulting services to entrepreneurs, focusing on innovative businesses that address social inequalities and environmental challenges. In 2023, MOV Investimentos participated in funding rounds for Symbiomics, which raised $2,152,937 in a Seed Round and an undisclosed amount in a subsequent Venture Round, indicating their support for innovative solutions that may align with environmental biotechnology. Additionally, they were involved in the funding of TriCiclos, a Chilean startup focused on recycling and the circular economy, further demonstrating their commitment to sustainable business practices. Overall, MOV Investimentos actively seeks to invest in companies that contribute positively to society and the environment, making them a relevant player in the environmental biotechnology sector.


13. Vertical Partners


Vertical Partners is a venture capital firm based in Medellin, Antioquia, Colombia, founded in 2020. The firm accelerates the growth of tech-based startups by providing investment, strategic support, and access to a collaborative ecosystem. They focus on empowering entrepreneurs across various sectors, including logistics, Fintech, and deeptech, to drive innovation and achieve sustainable success. Notably, Vertical Partners has participated in several transactions relevant to environmental biotechnology, including Mantel, a developer of a novel solution to carbon capture, which raised $2 million in funding. They also invested in IUS.Earth and Rewind Sustainable Life, both of which are involved in sustainable practices, further demonstrating their commitment to supporting environmentally-focused innovations.


14. Fen Ventures

  • Website: fenventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Las Condes, Santiago, Chile
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: fen-ventures

Fen Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Las Condes, Santiago, Chile, founded in 2012. The firm specializes in early-stage investments within the Latin American tech sector, providing capital, strategic support, and networking opportunities to entrepreneurs. Fen Ventures has shown a commitment to fostering innovation and positive change in the region. Notably, they have participated in significant funding rounds for companies like Bioeutectics, which raised $2.1 million for their development of green solvents, and Michroma, which secured $6.4 million for its sustainable bioproducts. These transactions highlight Fen Ventures' engagement in the environmental biotechnology space, showcasing their interest in supporting startups that contribute to sustainability and environmental solutions.


15. Jbs

  • Website: jbs.com.br
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
  • Founded year: 1953
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: jbs

JBS S.A. is a leading food processing company based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, specializing in the production of beef, pork, poultry, fish, and plant-based products. Founded in 1953, JBS operates globally and serves a diverse range of customers, including food retailers and restaurants. The company has made significant strides towards sustainability and responsible practices in its operations. Notably, JBS has engaged in several key acquisitions that highlight its commitment to environmental biotechnology. In 2021, JBS acquired BioTech Foods, a company focused on cultured meat technology, which represents a shift towards sustainable meat alternatives. Additionally, the acquisition of Vivera, a prominent plant-based protein producer, further emphasizes JBS's strategy to expand its offerings in sustainable food products. Furthermore, JBS's acquisition of Huon Aquaculture, Australia's second-largest salmon producer, marks its entry into the aquaculture sector, which is increasingly recognized for its potential to provide sustainable seafood options. These transactions illustrate JBS's proactive approach to integrating environmental biotechnology into its business model.


16. Suzano Ventures

  • Website: suzanoventures.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
  • Founded year: 2022
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: suzano-ventures

Suzano Ventures is a corporate venture capital entity based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, founded in 2022. The firm is dedicated to fostering innovation within the bioeconomy sector, providing capital, expertise, and access to global markets for startups that develop sustainable solutions based on planted forests. Their investment focus spans various verticals, including biomass, sustainable packaging, and carbon management, which are integral to environmental biotechnology. In 2023, they participated in funding rounds for companies like Marvin, which raised capital in seed rounds, indicating their support for early-stage innovations. Additionally, they were involved in a significant Series A funding for Simplifyber, which raised $12 million in 2025, further showcasing their commitment to advancing sustainable technologies. Through these investments, Suzano Ventures aims to support entrepreneurs in their quest for sustainable development and environmental solutions.


17. Glocal Latam

  • Website: glocalmanagers.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: glocal-managers

Glocal Latam is a venture capital firm and startup accelerator based in Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina, founded in 2015. The firm focuses primarily on the AgriFoodTech sector, providing acceleration programs, investment opportunities, and mentoring to early-stage startups. Their mission is to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of the agri-food supply chain by supporting innovative solutions. Notably, Glocal Latam has participated in several transactions that highlight their commitment to environmental biotechnology, including investments in Puna Bio, which raised funds to develop sustainable agricultural products such as soybean seed treatments. Additionally, they have invested in microTERRA, which focuses on sustainable agricultural practices. These transactions demonstrate Glocal Latam's active role in promoting environmentally friendly technologies within the agricultural sector.


18. Zentynel Frontier Investments


Zentynel Frontier Investments is a venture capital firm based in Santiago, Chile, founded in 2017. The firm specializes in biotechnology investments, providing financial backing and management expertise to innovative startups in the sector. Zentynel focuses on high-growth potential companies, helping them navigate funding challenges and market entry. Among their notable transactions, they participated in the seed funding of microTERRA, which could potentially align with environmental biotechnology initiatives. Additionally, they led a $10 million Series A-1 financing round for Autem Therapeutics, which is developing a novel bioelectric oncology treatment platform. While this is primarily a therapeutic application, the firm's engagement in biotechnology indicates a broader interest that could extend to environmental applications. Other investments include Xeptiva Therapeutics and MultiplAI Health, further showcasing their active role in the biotechnology landscape. Overall, Zentynel's commitment to supporting innovative biotech startups positions them as a relevant player in the environmental biotechnology sector.


19. ChileGlobal Ventures


ChileGlobal Ventures is a not-for-profit venture capital organization based in Vitacura, Santiago, Chile, founded in 2008. The organization focuses on providing funding, mentorship, and consulting services to innovative startups in Chile and Latin America, helping them to grow and succeed in competitive markets. Among their notable transactions, they have invested in FreshWater Solutions, which focuses on water-related technologies, and Circular Action, which is involved in sustainability initiatives. Additionally, they have supported Sensegrass Inc, which develops solutions for soil health and agricultural efficiency, and Kuwala, which also aligns with environmental sustainability. Through these investments, ChileGlobal Ventures plays a significant role in fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem that includes environmental biotechnology solutions.



Environmental Biotechnology Insights: Key Investors in Latin America


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
bossa investSao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil11-50201156
SP VenturesSao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil1-1020073
The Ganesha LabLas Condes, Santiago, Chile1-1020165
KptlSao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil11-5020205
AIR CapitalBuenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina1-10202113
The Yield Lab LATAMBuenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina11-5020175
AurusLo Barnechea, Santiago, Chile11-5020081
Positive VenturesSao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil1-1020168
GRIDS CapitalSao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil1-1020161
CitesSunchales, Santa Fe, Argentina51-20020142
ValeCentro, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil10001+19423
MOV InvestimentosSao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil1-1020122
Vertical PartnersMedellin, Antioquia, Colombia1-1020204
Fen VenturesLas Condes, Santiago, Chile1-1020125
JbsSao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil10001+19531
Suzano VenturesSao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil1-1020223
Glocal LatamRosario, Santa Fe, Argentina1-1020151
Zentynel Frontier InvestmentsSantiago, Santiago, Chile1-1020174
ChileGlobal VenturesVitacura, Santiago, Chile11-5020080


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