A Gatineau biotech startup that’s developing a soil-free system to grow herbs and leafy vegetables has gained a high-profile financial backer as it pushes toward its market launch.
Plantaform has raised $500,000 in seed funding since it was founded in early 2020, and recently landed another $250,000 from Gatineau entrepreneur Olivier Benloulou.
The multimillionaire businessman – who started Quebec-based weight loss company Ideal Protein in 2004 – has quickly become a trusted adviser to Plantaform co-founder Alberto Aguilar after the two met through mutual friend and fellow investor William Fisher a few months ago.
Aguilar said Benloulou is helping the company navigate the typical supply chain, distribution and manufacturing hurdles young enterprises face while “opening up the doors” to potential retailers such as Canadian Tire, Costco, Home Depot and Walmart.
Read more at obj.ca