Confluence Genetics Emerges Stronger Post Benson Hill Acquisition
Deal News | Jun 16, 2025 | S2G Ventures LLC
Benson Hill's core assets were acquired by Confluence Genetics, backed by S2G Ventures LLC and Expedition Ag Partners, in May 2025. This acquisition marks the end of Benson Hill's Chapter 11 process, which began in March 2025, and a strategic transition to an asset-light model focusing on nutrient-dense soybean traits. S2G's initial involvement with Benson Hill started in 2017, focusing on developing genetically advanced plants enhancing crop resilience and sustainability. Despite market shifts between 2021 and 2023 that challenged the alt protein and agrifood sectors, Benson Hill adapted by pivoting to an asset-light, licensing, and direct sales model. The transition, aligning with S2G's sustainability goals, is backed by extensive research confirming the value addition of Benson Hill's soybean variants, especially in the poultry and animal feed sectors. The acquisition by Confluence Genetics, led by industry veterans, aims to further advance the company's innovative genetic programs with a focus on improving agricultural productivity and environmental outcomes.
Sectors
- Agriculture
- Private Equity & Venture Capital
- Food Technology
- Biofuels
Geography
- United States – The companies involved, such as S2G Ventures, Benson Hill, and Confluence Genetics, operate primarily within the U.S., specifically with ties to St. Louis.
Industry
- Agriculture – The article discusses crop innovation and agricultural strategies, including soybean genetics and breeding advancements.
- Private Equity & Venture Capital – S2G Ventures, a private equity firm, is instrumental in financing and managing the acquisition and restructuring processes of Benson Hill to Confluence Genetics.
- Food Technology – The development and commercialization of nutrient-dense soybeans reflect significant advances in foodtech, aiming to improve nutrition while reducing environmental impacts.
- Biofuels – The strategic transition includes diversifying into markets like biofuels, indicating relevance in this sector.
Financials
- – No specific financial figures like deal price or EV are mentioned in the article.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Confluence Genetics | Acquired Entity | Company | A new entity, Confluence Genetics, acquired the core assets of Benson Hill after its Chapter 11 process. |
| Benson Hill | Target Company | Company | The company undergoing Chapter 11 and acquired by Confluence Genetics, previously focused on plant genetics and innovation. |
| S2G Ventures LLC | Private Equity Firm | Company | Backed the acquisition and transition to the asset-light model for Confluence Genetics, emphasizing sustainable agriculture. |
| Expedition Ag Partners | Syndicate Partner | Company | Partnered with S2G Ventures to support Confluence Genetics in its transition post-Benson Hill acquisition. |
| Mike DeCamp | Co-Founder of Expedition Ag Partners | Person | Co-founded Expedition Ag Partners and facilitated the transition in partnership with S2G Ventures. |
| Kim Hurst | CEO | Person | CEO at Confluence Genetics, leading the company's new strategic initiatives. |
| Aaron Robinson | Vice President of Product | Person | Vice President at Confluence Genetics overseeing product development and market strategy. |