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How Elo Life Systems Is Innovating in Sweeteners and Agriculture

How Elo Life Systems Is Innovating in Sweeteners and Agriculture

Elo's sweetener lowers both the environmental footprint and the expenses associated with traditional monk fruit sweeteners that are typically imported from China. Photo courtesy of Elo Life Systems.

 

In the competitive ingredients market, North Carolina’s Elo Life Systems has quickly become a leader in sustainable food solutions. Just a year after raising $24.5 million in Series A funding, the company has earned another $20.5 million in a Series A2 funding round jointly led by DCVC Bio and Novo Holdings.

Founded in 2021, the company has already made a mark with its focus on plant-based sweeteners and crop protection. CEO Todd Rands acknowledges the sector’s challenges, like investor skepticism and rising food prices. Despite these, Elo Life Systems has adeptly combined technology with agriculture, changing how we approach food production.

“At Elo, we’re on a mission to unlock nature’s abilities to make consumers’ favorite foods more delicious, healthy and planet friendly,” Rands said in a press release. “With strong support from our investors, we’re well positioned to scale up our production and stay on track to launch our first product in 2026.”

 


Related: Açaí Bowl Brand OAKBERRY Secures $67 Million in Series C Funding


Monk Fruit Sweeteners and Beyond

Elo Life Systems is set to launch a ground-breaking monk fruit sweetener in 2026. It stands out for being 300 times sweeter than sugar while being calorie-free. This makes it an ideal choice for health-conscious consumers. The sweetener’s versatility in different food and beverage applications adds to its appeal, meeting the growing demand for healthier food options.

“Elo’s sweetener will be a major catalyst in the effort to lower sugar in our diets, improving human health and reducing the societal burden associated with chronic diseases,” said Kiersten Stead, managing partner, DCVC Bio, in the same press release.

But Elo Life Systems is not just about sweeteners. The company is developing a variety of ingredients, from proteins to natural preservatives. It employs advanced techniques like molecular farming and gene editing. This has led to significant developments, such as disease-resistant crops, in collaboration with Dole for a fungal-resistant banana.

Under Rands’ guidance, the company also tackles global challenges. It collaborates with non-government organizations (NGOs) to enhance crops like cassava in developing countries. Its efforts aim to improve productivity and climate resilience, demonstrating Elo Life Systems’ commitment to sustainable agriculture and food security.

How Elo Life Systems Is Scaling Operations for Future Growth

With the monk fruit sweetener’s launch approaching, Elo Life Systems is scaling up. The company is collaborating with various industry stakeholders and has raised a total of $45 million in venture capital. This funding is crucial for expanding its supply chain and team, aiming for a broader impact in the food industry.

Elo Life Systems stands out for its innovative and sustainable approach in the food sector. With its upcoming monk fruit sweetener and other developments, the company is reshaping the food supply chain. It contributes to a healthier, more sustainable world, making Elo Life Systems a key player in the evolving food technology landscape.