Health & Fitness
Combination of Biologicals and Big Data Creates Opportunities
NewLeaf is planning to triple their space in BRDG Park and will be hiring new employees, nearly doubling their staff.
NewLeaf Symbiotics, a venture backed company that is researching and commercializing naturally beneficial plant bacteria for crop health and protection, today announced the acquisition of Intuitive Genomics Inc., a company that writes and implements proprietary algorithms that analyze and interpret genome-scale datasets, providing actionable bioinformatics solutions for customers.
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NewLeaf and Intuitive developed a strong relationship while working in close proximity at BRDG Park and NewLeaf quickly recognized the value of Intuitive’s services and their drive to continually push the envelope in bioinformatics.
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“This is a major step forward for NewLeaf. A deep genomics and bioinformatics capability will be key to unlocking the full potential of our Prescriptive Biologics™ platform, R&D breakthroughs and the positive field results we are demonstrating,” said NewLeaf CEO Tom Laurita. “The intellectual property potential created by this acquisition is substantial. And the ability to attract scientists of this caliber to our company is validation of NewLeaf’s strategic direction.”
Intuitive Genomics co-founders, James C. Carrington Ph.D., president of the Danforth Center will join the NewLeaf Science Advisory Board; Todd Mockler, Ph.D., associate member and Geraldine and Robert Virgil Distinguished Investigator at the Danforth Center will become vice-president of genomics at NewLeaf; and Doug Bryant, Ph.D., director, Bioinformatics Core at the Danforth Center will become vice-president of bioinformatics at NewLeaf.
The use of natural biologicals to control plant disease and increase crop yield is one of the most promising opportunities to address the rapidly expanding global agricultural productivity gap. The acquisition also provides opportunities for a variety of investors.
NewLeaf will present at the highly regarded, 8th annual New England Venture Summit in Boston on Tuesday, December 11, 2013. The summit is the premier industry event connecting venture capitalists, corporate VCs, angel investors, technology transfer professionals, senior executives of early stage and emerging growth companies, university researchers, incubators and premier service providers.