LaSemilla, a South Korean startup specializing in the development of advanced seeds to combat climate change, has secured approximately USD 550K(KRW 750 million) in Series A bridge funding from Korea Investment Accelerator. Leveraging its proprietary HiSeedX™ platform—a fusion of big data, AI, and biotechnology—LaSemilla holds multiple patents in the development of high-performance genetically modified (GM) and gene-edited (GE) seeds designed to address the global climate crisis.

LaSemilla’s core competitive edge lies in its next-generation biotechnological transformation technology, applicable to a wide range of crops, including corn, soybeans, and rice. By maximizing water-use efficiency, the company has achieved a remarkable 30% increase in crop yields under drought conditions compared to conventional seeds, outperforming existing solutions from global seed companies. Furthermore, LaSemilla’s technology enables a reduction in nitrogen fertilizer use by up to 40%, according to the company. This innovation is poised to contribute significantly to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing food security, addressing two critical challenges in global agriculture amid escalating climate crises.

Led by CEO Jukon Kim, who brings extensive experience in drought-resistant rice technology and a strong track record in licensing deals, LaSemilla boasts a robust leadership team. The company includes Yonghwan Kim, former CEO of global seed giant Syngenta, and Sejun Oh, a former head of biotechnology seed registration. Since 2021, LaSemilla has established international research hubs in collaboration with South Korea’s National Institute of Agricultural Sciences and Uruguay’s national research institutions, actively pursuing commercialization research and field validation to penetrate the global seed market. This latest investment is expected to accelerate LaSemilla’s global market expansion through localized field trials.

Woo-hyun Nam, team leader at Korea Investment Accelerator, commented, “As the climate crisis intensifies, crop cultivation ranges and productivity are increasingly impacted. LaSemilla stands out with its innovative seed development technology and a strong foundation for global commercialization, moving beyond laboratory-stage advancements.”

CEO Jukon Kim expressed confidence in the company’s mission, stating, “In the face of persistent extreme weather, food security challenges, and the push for carbon neutrality, LaSemilla’s technology has the potential to transform the future of global agriculture. This funding will fuel our efforts to advance our technology and accelerate our entry into international markets.”