B4A Raises R$3 Million for Soil Diagnostics Technology

B4A, a São Paulo-based agtech firm specializing in soil microbiology analysis, has secured a significant investment of R$ 3 million in its latest funding round. The investment, led by Rural Ventures and supported by Bossa Invest and Setter Tech, aims to enhance B4A’s market expansion efforts and bolster its technology’s reach in critical agricultural regions.

The funds will primarily be used to expand the company’s presence in key areas such as the Cerrado, a vital biome where soil health is a major concern. B4A’s technology, which utilizes metagenomics to map soil microbiota, provides detailed insights into soil microorganism diversity and functional deficiencies. This approach helps in tailoring regenerative management strategies to improve soil health and productivity.

Leonardo Gomes, CEO of B4A, emphasized that the investment will facilitate the broader application of their technology, which has already been utilized by over 300 clients and covers more than 500,000 hectares. B4A’s diagnostic services assess over 4,000 nutrient indicators and 1,400 protection indicators, offering precise recommendations for soil treatment and management.

The company’s technology has been developed and refined over several years, and is positioned to play a critical role in advancing regenerative agriculture practices. B4A’s method compares soil samples from different areas of the same farm to identify variations and propose strategies to enhance productivity. This approach has proven effective, with significant differences in soil microbiology detected in over 95% of cases studied.

Rural Ventures, which led the investment, views B4A’s technology as a key enabler in the transition to low-carbon, regenerative agriculture. Fernando Rodrigues, managing partner at Rural Ventures, highlighted the importance of precise measurement and prescription in maximizing the effectiveness of biological inputs.

B4A has been recognized for its innovation and leadership in sustainability within the agribusiness sector, further underscored by its inclusion in the Agrishow Startups 2022 awards. The company’s continued advancements in soil diagnostics reflect a growing trend towards integrating scientific technology in agricultural practices to enhance efficiency and sustainability.