Moa Technology Secures £22.2 Million in Series C Funding to Innovate Crop Protection Solutions
Moa Technology, a pioneering player in agricultural biotechnology, has recently raised £22.2 million in its Series C funding round, co-led by Oxford Science Enterprises and Supernova Invest. This significant financing is aimed at accelerating their quest to develop revolutionary herbicides that can effectively tackle the widespread issue of weed resistance faced by farmers around the globe.
Founded in 2017 as a spin-off from the University of Oxford’s Plant Sciences Department, Moa Technology has placed itself at the forefront of innovation in crop protection. Over the past two years, the company has established research and development collaborations with leading industry names such as Nufarm, Gowan, Certis Belchim, and Corteva Agriscience. These partnerships are aimed at creating cutting-edge solutions designed to enhance productivity and combat the surge of herbicide-resistant weeds.
The Series C funding has attracted several new investors, including Agri Investment Fund and GrainInnovate, the latter representing the Grain Research Development Corporation from Australia. Existing investors, including Oxford University Innovation, Lansdowne Partners, and Parkwalk, have also contributed significantly. This financial backing is a testament to the robust intellectual property and promising progress that Moa has made in the agricultural sector.
At the core of Moa's innovations are its proprietary technology platforms, which have already identified over 80 novel modes of action that can disrupt the life cycles of resistant weed populations. These discoveries are not just theoretical; they have been validated through successful lab and glasshouse tests, and are currently undergoing rigorous assessments in international field trials.
One of the standout innovations from Moa Technology is the Moa Amplifiers™ category, developed in 2025. While these products are not herbicides by themselves, they have the potential to reduce the amount and concentrations of existing herbicides required, thereby supporting both environmental sustainability and agricultural productivity. This strategic approach not only aims to mitigate crop losses but is also in line with modern agricultural practices that prioritize sustainability.
Martin Fiennes from Oxford Science Enterprises expressed confidence in Moa's path towards providing farmers with new herbicidal solutions. He highlighted that their platform's unique approach addresses the urgent needs within the agricultural market, especially regarding weed resistance management. Supernova Invest’s Alexandre Biau echoed this sentiment, noting that farmers today face increasing yield losses due to expanding weed resistance and the anticipated challenges imposed by climate change.
Moa Technology's CEO, Dr. Virginia Corless, called the funding round a pivotal moment for the company. She emphasized the validation of their progress beyond laboratory successes to establishing vital commercial partnerships across the globe. Furthermore, the involvement of agricultural funds closely tied to the farming sector is envisioned to accelerate the delivery of Moa's innovative solutions to the fields.
In summary, Moa Technology stands at a crucial juncture, equipped with substantial funding and strong partnerships as it continues to innovate in the field of crop protection. The upcoming years will be critical as they work towards commercializing their advanced herbicide programs and expanding their influence in the agricultural biotechnology landscape. For more details, visit www.moa-technology.com.