Agtech startup Number 8 Bio secures $7m in seed funding to tackle livestock methane emissions

The seed round, which was led by Main Sequence Ventures, also drew the support of Breakthrough Victoria and The March Group which are backing Number 8 Bio’s groundbreaking “Performance Digestion” technology.

Described as a cross between climatetech, biotech and agtech, Number 8 Bio produces a range of products known as BetterFeed that are feed additives for cattle that improve feed efficiency while reducing methane emissions by up to 90 per cent.

Methane is described as a potent greenhouse gas that makes a significant contributor to global warming, with livestock estimated to be responsible for up to 15 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions.

While the Performance Digestion technology has proved to reduce methane emissions from livestock, it is also said to also increase productivity through the inclusion of modifiers that redirect the animal’s metabolic pathways towards growth-promoting compounds.

Number 8 Bio says the dual-action approach not only helps the environment but also optimises the animal’s energy use, leading to increased production of meat, milk and wool.

The Sydney-based startup plans to use the seed capital to advance product development, scale up a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility and forge key commercial partnerships.

"This funding marks a pivotal moment in advancing our efforts to reduce methane emissions in agriculture,” says Number 8 Bio CEO and co-founder Dr Tom Williams.

“Our unique approach not only promises to reduce rumen emissions by up to 90 per cent but also rumen productivity, making a significant return on investment for farmers possible."

Williams says Number 8 Bio can play a key role in the transition to carbon-neutral food production.

“We see methane abatement as an exciting opportunity for farmers, animals and the planet,” he says.

“We’re developing a feed additive that consistently decreases these emissions from livestock, helping the beef and dairy industries decarbonise and retailers reduce Scope 3 emissions.”

Number 8 Bio, which was co-founded in 2022 by Williams and Dr Alex Carpenter, is currently advancing trials in collaboration with Queensland Animal Science Precinct and the University of New England to showcase the technology's effectiveness and consistency.

“To feed a rapidly growing population on a warming planet, there have to be multiple solutions; we all need to do our part,” says Williams.

“At Number 8 Bio, we’re changing feed to feed positive change, helping farmers grow the food we love without the emissions.”

Breakthrough Victoria, which contributed $1.7 million to the seed round, says that in tandem with its investment Number 8 Bio plans to run trials with Agriculture Victoria at Ellinbank SmartFarm, which is among Australia's leading dairy research facilities. The startup has also made a commitment to a research collaboration with Monash University with plans for a regional Victorian manufacturing facility following a Series A funding round proposed.

"Our $1.7 million investment in Number 8 Bio reflects our commitment to sustainable innovation,” says Breakthrough Victoria CEO Grant Dooley.

“Their Performance Digestion technology tackles the critical challenge of reducing livestock methane emissions while boosting productivity.

“We're excited to support this groundbreaking solution, alongside Main Sequence, The March Group and others, as we drive toward a more efficient and sustainable future in food production."

Main Sequence partner Gabrielle Munzer says the investment in Number 8 Bio has been “many years in the making” after the venture capital group looked across the sector “to find the most impactful and market-aligned ways to tackle the urgent problem of agricultural emissions”.

“Our continued support of Number 8 Bio through this seed round is a testament to the company’s important work and impressive progress since our initial investment in 2022,” says Munzer.

“Methane mitigation is critical to protect our planet, and Tom, Alex, and the whole team at Number 8 Bio have made great strides with their well-advanced trials.

“As we confront the urgent need for climate action, Number 8 Bio stands at the forefront of developing practical, scalable solutions that can significantly decarbonise agriculture, with a first focus on reducing methane emissions from livestock.”