A significant investment is reshaping the agricultural biotechnology landscape as Norwich-based startup Tropic successfully closed an oversubscribed Series C funding round, raising €91.3 million. This influx of capital will enable the company to expedite the deployment of its gene-edited tropical crop portfolio, aiming to enhance global food security.
The financing was co-led by Forbion, through its Bioeconomy Fund, and Corteva, via its Corteva Catalyst investment platform. Other notable participants included Just Climate, IQ Capital, and new investors ABN Amro and Invest International. Existing backers such as Temasek, Five Seasons Ventures, Sucden Ventures, Genoa Ventures, and Polaris Partners also contributed to this round. As part of the investment agreement, several representatives will join Tropic’s board, including Joy Faucher from Forbion and Tom Greene from Corteva.
Strengthening Tropical Crop Resilience
Founded in 2016 by Eyal Maori and Gilad Gershon, Tropic is committed to developing healthier and more resilient varieties of tropical crops. The company specializes in essential crops that are crucial to global diets but are susceptible to diseases, climate challenges, and supply chain disruptions. Its current research focuses on bananas and rice, aiming to bolster their resilience and productivity to stabilize supply chains.
At the core of Tropic’s innovation is its proprietary GEiGS® platform, which integrates gene editing with gene silencing techniques. This advanced technology allows scientists to target specific genetic components in crops, enhancing disease resistance and improving yields while promoting environmental sustainability. The platform has already produced banana varieties engineered to withstand Panama Disease, a serious fungal threat to banana crops worldwide.
Innovative Breakthroughs in Banana Production
This funding comes on the heels of a pivotal period for Tropic, which in 2025 launched the first new commercial banana varieties in over 75 years. Among these is a non-browning banana that was recognized as one of TIME Magazine’s Best Inventions of 2025. This innovative banana retains its visual appeal and freshness after being cut, a key improvement for both consumers and retailers. Another variety extends the fruit’s shelf life by an additional 12 days, significantly increasing yields and reducing transportation waste by up to 50%.
Additionally, Tropic has advanced its Panama Disease TR4 resistance program, preparing to establish a mother plantation that will lay the groundwork for commercial deployment anticipated in 2027. The new funding will allow Tropic to scale large-scale plant production, enhance supply chains, and deepen strategic partnerships in major banana export markets.
Beyond bananas, the company is set to expand its rice program and explore other crops that could improve food security. With increasing climate pressures and a rising global demand for staple foods, Tropic’s latest funding reflects a growing confidence among investors in technologies aimed at securing the future of agriculture.
Gilad Gershon, CEO of Tropic, expressed enthusiasm about the investment, stating, “This funding is a powerful endorsement of our team’s ability to bring breakthrough products to the hands of growers, exporters, and consumers around the world.” He emphasized the importance of entering a new era where gene-edited crops are poised to significantly enhance food security and sustainability.
As Tropic continues to develop and scale its innovative solutions, it stands at the forefront of agricultural biotechnology, addressing critical global challenges in food production and supply chain stability.
