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Amplifica Capital

microTERRA: Food solutions that combat climate change with a business vision

  • araptis8
  • Jul 7
  • 3 min read



Do you know microTERRA and why its business model is an example of #ClimateTech entrepreneurship? This #startup, led by Marissa Cuevas Flores, is a Mexican company that innovates in the creation of sustainable ingredients to transform the food industry , and through its actions, contributes to mitigating the effects of climate change .

At Amplifica Capital, we find that the intersection of investing in women and Climate Tech is a source of innovation and social and economic transformation . Therefore, we are reaching 2024 with our Fund 1, where 40% of our companies provide solutions that mitigate the negative effects of climate change, in sectors such as Foodtech, Agtech, and Mobility. One of these is microTERRA, a startup that creates food ingredients by harnessing an aquatic plant called Lemna.

We talked with Marissa Cuevas Flores , CEO & founder of MicroTERRA , and tells us how, through biotechnology, he transforms waste that could be contaminants into nutrients.





1. What makes microTERRA different? What is its superpower?


microTERRA's superpower lies in its ability to transform waste, pollution, and environmental challenges into business opportunities. With an innovative approach, microTERRA is positioned as a leader in creating sustainable solutions that benefit not only the environment but also the food industry.


2. How does microTERRA's business model contribute to mitigating the effects of climate change?


Our approach is not limited to climate change; we address environmental challenges holistically. Our mission is to treat agricultural wastewater using an aquatic plant called Lemna to convert it into a high-value component. We then extract the valuable compounds from this plant and reintroduce them into the food industry. In this way, we transform the contamination into a high-quality ingredient.

The amazing thing is that our product not only helps enhance sweetness and flavor, but also reduces the amount of sugar needed in formulations, thus having a positive impact on consumer health.


3. Do you see any relevant challenges in the Climate Tech industry ?


The ' Tragedy of the Commons' is evident in the urgency of caring for the planet. However, it's difficult for individuals to assume this responsibility. In the Climate Tech space, innovations require time and resources, but the urgency is immediate. Furthermore, it's difficult for investors to establish clear metrics to evaluate the real impact of climate startups . This facilitates greenwashing , the practice of pretending to have an environmental impact without actually having one. Startups truly committed to making an impact are thus compared to those seeking only commercial profit. This environment is challenging and competitive.


4. How do you choose your investors? What do you recommend Climate Tech entrepreneurs ask their investors before accepting their investment?


Aligning a company's impact vision and purpose with potential investors is critical. This is especially important in the Climate Tech space, where solutions are less defined and the path to success requires a great deal of flexibility. Investors must also be open to change and share the same vision and purpose in order to be supportive.


"After years of work... our product now has great market value and supports our business model."

5. What are the indicators or KPIs that tell you if your company is evolving along the expected path?


Our KPIs are:


  1. Reduction in ingredient costs

  2. Increase in the amount of clean water generated (m3)

  3. Expansion of our network of partnerships and/or clients

  4. Protection of our intellectual property (number of patents)


6. Tell us about an achievement you have experienced in your entrepreneurial process.


We received our first sales invoice for FLORA—our first ingredient—and it was one of the most memorable moments in our history. After years of work, we had finally capitalized on agricultural wastewater. In the past, our idea had been met with skepticism, but now our product has great market value and supports our business model. It was the culmination of many small battles.


7. What is the most useful lesson you have learned that will help those considering starting their own Climate Tech venture ?


It's essential to maintain an open mind and a balance between determination and flexibility. The path to success isn't linear, and we'll often encounter obstacles that force us to rethink our approach. However, if we're flexible and willing to adapt, we can overcome these obstacles and see progress that will bring us closer to achieving any goal.


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Every day, investment and innovation in the #ClimateTech space are growing, as it's clear that we need a significant transformation toward a more sustainable and resilient future.


Amplifica Capital is keenly aware of the intersectionality of climate change and gender, and we are actively seeking more investment opportunities in the space.


🚀 If you're a #founder from Latin America with a #ClimateTech venture that requires capital, contact us. Register at: https://www.amplifica.capital/funding





 
 
 
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