Quercus Biosolutions Raises $5 Million Seed Round to Develop AI-Designed Protein Herbicides

Quercus Biosolutions Secures $5 Million Seed Funding

Ag biotechnology startup Quercus Biosolutions has raised an oversubscribed $5 million seed round to accelerate the development of AI-designed protein-based crop protection products aimed at combating herbicide-resistant weeds.

The round was led by Serra Ventures, with participation from Starshot Capital, Grantham Foundation for the Protection of the Environment, Flyover Capital, Rootstock Capital, Iowa Corn Opportunities Fund, AgriCap Fund, Kentucky Corn Plus, AgVentures Alliance, and Ag Startup Engine.

Using AI to Create a New Generation of Herbicides

Founded in 2024 by Dr. Jonathan Lightner and Matt Crisp, Quercus Biosolutions is applying AI technologies originally developed for drug discovery through its partnership with Ordaos Bio to design miniature proteins that target weeds and agricultural pests.

Unlike conventional chemical herbicides, the company's engineered proteins bind to validated biological targets using a different mechanism, allowing them to remain effective even when weeds have developed resistance to existing herbicides.

According to the company, it currently has five active development programs, with multiple field trials already underway.

Funding to Expand Research and Product Development

Quercus Biosolutions said the seed funding will be used to:

• Expand its herbicide target portfolio

• Strengthen its intellectual property portfolio

• Advance regulatory development

• Scale protein manufacturing research

• Explore new applications against fungi, insects, and other agricultural pests

The company is also collaborating with precision fermentation specialists to produce its designer proteins using microbial systems such as E. coli and Pichia, with the goal of reducing production costs and improving manufacturing scalability.

Addressing Herbicide Resistance

Quercus aims to develop broad-spectrum crop protection products capable of controlling multiple resistant weed species while meeting growing regulatory and environmental requirements.

The company expects to partner with major seed and crop protection companies, as well as regional agricultural cooperatives and retail distribution networks, as it advances toward commercialization.