Iyris, a Saudi Arabia-based agritech startup, has secured $16 million in a Series A funding round led by the Ecosystem Integrity Fund (EIF). The company, founded in 2018 by Ryan Lefers, Derya Baran, and Mark Tester, aims to enhance global crop yields through innovative solutions such as greenhouse covers, nets, and advanced plant genetics.
Formerly known as RedSea, Iyris focuses on addressing global food security challenges while minimizing the environmental impact of farming. The new funding will bolster the startup’s international sales pipeline for its flagship products, including the SecondSky greenhouse covers and nets. These products are designed to extend growing seasons in regions with challenging environmental conditions.
“There are few problems more challenging than feeding the world sustainably,” said John Keppler, Executive Chairperson of Iyris. “Iyris is assembling the necessary toolkit to help farmers improve crop yields with fewer resources, making it easier for farmers to grow fresh produce in increasingly difficult climates.”
The technology behind Iyris was originally developed by scientists at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia. This innovation aims to transform domestic agriculture in a region where climate change and extreme heat severely limit sustainable growth.
As agricultural companies in the region grapple with environmental challenges, innovative solutions are emerging. For instance, in Dubai, ReFarms is establishing the world’s largest vertical farm, an indoor fresh food factory utilizing LEDs and recycled waste products to reduce operational costs and enhance efficiency in the UAE’s harsh climate.
With the new funding, Iyris is poised to expand its impact, providing farmers globally with the tools needed to sustainably increase their yields and ensure food security in the face of growing environmental challenges.
