Investment by CDPQ and S2G supports Benson Hill’s technology and sustainability-focused approach 

Benson Hill, a food tech company unlocking the natural genetic diversity of plants with its cutting-edge food innovation engine to create healthier, great-tasting and sustainable food and ingredient options, has been chosen as the first investment of a three-year, $125 million co-investment partnership to advance climate solutions, formed by Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ) and S2G Ventures (S2G).

 Through the co-investment partnership, CDPQ, a global investment group, and S2G, a leading multi-stage investment firm, are investing behind innovative companies developing concrete sustainability and climate-friendly solutions in the food and agriculture sector. CDPQ and S2G participated in Benson Hill’s recently announced $150 million Series D funding round, which also included other strategic and environmental, social and governance (ESG) focused investors.

Mario Therrien, Head of Investment Funds and External Management at CDPQ, said,”As a company with deep technology expertise across the food and agriculture value chain, Benson Hill is well equipped to deliver more sustainable options to consumers while helping reduce the agri-food industry’s carbon footprint. We are delighted to support its growth while delivering returns for our clients.”

“Benson Hill is an attractive investment not only because of its strong performance and continued growth trajectory, but also because of the way the company and its technology can address looming challenges and add value across the broader food and agriculture value chain, from farmers to end-consumers”, said Sanjeev Krishnan, Chief Investment Officer and Managing Director at S2G Ventures and member of the Benson Hill Board of Directors.

The new investment, as part of Benson Hill’s broader Series D capital raise, will allow the company to continue advancing Cloud Biology® and CropOS™, enhance partner development efforts across the value chain and build out the supply chain for its novel food and feed ingredients to meet the growing demand for plant-based foods and premium animal feed markets.

Benson Hill plans to commercialize a line of Ultra-High Protein soybean varieties this year and also plans to cultivate the same approach on sustainability-focused food and ingredient innovation in other high-growth market segments in the years to come.