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CASE STUDIES
Case Study: PhytaGro
In New Zealand, Finistere has developed a unique approach to the development of fundable early stage companies. Finistere’s joint venture company PhytaGro, Inc., demonstrates our “value-add” investment approach to promising New Zealand technologies. The “PhytaGro Model” centers on product development and commercialization of local (in this case AgResearch) attractively valued technologies that address significant global markets in one of our key areas of focus; in this case plant genomics for the global agbio market.
Many early stage New Zealand companies lack Freedom to Operate (“FTO”), which is the right to exploit an invention or innovation without hindrance in the marketplace. In the case of AgResearch, Finistere identified and secured access to a key offshore technology through an investment in Cibus Genetics, LLC, a San Diego based plant sciences company, and in conjunction therewith, secured a license to provide AgResearch the FTO to commercialize its IP. By conducting the majority of its product development activity in New Zealand, PhytaGro also realizes significant cost savings while having access to a world class team of scientists. With a San Diego based management team, PhytaGro is also quickly able to adapt to new U.S. market developments and offer flexibility when working with U.S. partners and customers. We believe this model will allow us to develop more unique and valuable investable companies for the Fund.
