Vancouver-based agricultural technology firm Miraterra has successfully closed an oversubscribed $11.6 million seed extension funding round to advance its comprehensive soil intelligence platform. Led by Silicon Valley’s At One Ventures, the financing will scale the company’s technology, which integrates AI, genomics, and spectroscopy to provide deep insights into soil health. This strategic investment follows Miraterra’s key acquisition of assets from American soil biology company Trace Genomics, positioning it for significant growth.
Evolving from Device to Full-Stack Platform
Miraterra has significantly expanded its capabilities from its initial offering, a digital microscope called the Digitizer that used Raman spectroscopy for soil readings. The company now operates a full-stack platform that combines satellite and LIDAR imaging with advanced chemical and biological analysis. This evolution allows for a more holistic understanding of soil composition, moving beyond a single point of measurement to a complete environmental overview.
According to CEO Nate Kelly, providing better insight is crucial for encouraging improved land stewardship among farmers and agricultural producers. He emphasized that understanding soil chemistry is only one part of the equation, as it fails to account for the vital microbial communities that determine overall soil health. Miraterra’s integrated system aims to deliver an unparalleled view of these complex interactions, empowering data-driven decisions for sustainable agriculture.
Strategic Acquisition and Technological Integration
The recent funding builds upon Miraterra’s acquisition of Trace Genomics' intellectual property, analytical tools, and laboratory facilities in Ames, Iowa. This purchase brought a pioneering U.S. soil biology company's assets to Canada, bolstering the nation's position as a hub for soil DNA sequencing. Trace Genomics specialized in full shotgun metagenomics, creating an extensive database of biological components found in soil.
Integrating Trace's assets enables Miraterra to tell the complete story of soil by tracking not only chemical levels but also the associated biology. This combined approach provides a holistic view, translating the land's biological and chemical intelligence into actionable insights for stakeholders. The company plans to use the new capital to accelerate the deployment of its Digitizer and demonstrate the power of its full-stack measurement capabilities.
Strong Investor Confidence and Market Alignment
The seed extension, which brings Miraterra’s total funding to nearly $29 million , saw strong participation from existing and new investors. The round was led by At One Ventures with follow-on financing from S2G Investments, the Sitka Foundation, and iSelect. Farm Credit Canada (FCC) also joined as a new equity investor while providing an additional, undisclosed amount of debt financing.
Tom Chi, Founding Partner at At One Ventures, noted that Miraterra’s unique platform integrates mineralogical, hydrological, and biological systems into a single, scalable measurement tool. This high-confidence, affordable measurement is essential for accelerating the widespread adoption of regenerative agriculture. The strong investor support reflects confidence in the company's trailblazing technology and its steep growth trajectory in the AgTech sector.
Miraterra's mission also aligns with Canadian governmental priorities, including cleantech innovation and sustainable agriculture, as well as the proposed National Strategy for Soil Health Act. The company’s platform is positioned to become a key enabler for evidence-based agricultural policy and investment. This strategic alignment strengthens its role in shaping the future of farming both domestically and globally.
With this new infusion of capital and enhanced technological capabilities, Miraterra is poised to set a new global standard for soil intelligence. The company will focus on accelerating the commercial rollout of its platform, expanding its measurement services beyond soil to plants and food. By giving the land a voice, Miraterra aims to deliver game-changing results for farmers, food producers, and the planet.