Benson Hill is a developer of soybean genetics, seeds, and related programs for agriculture. The company's soybean trait business under Confluence Genetics focuses on high-protein soybean genetics, its AI-driven CropOS breeding platform and a speed-breeding facility. Benson Hill has raised a total of $407M over 23 rounds and was previously backed by major institutional investors including Google Ventures and S2G Investments.
Cyborg Score Rationale
Benson Hill filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on March 20, 2025 after facing significant financial pressures. Confluence Genetics purchased the business assets of Benson Hill following Delaware bankruptcy court approval, relaunching the soybean trait business in Creve Coeur, Missouri. The company's technology remains relevant, but operational and financial distress significantly undermines near-term prospects.
Top Insights
Benson Hill filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on March 20, 2025, marking a dramatic reversal for a formerly well-funded agtech company
Confluence Genetics, backed by Expedition Ag Partners and S2G Investments, acquired Benson Hill's assets out of bankruptcy in May 2025 to relaunch the soybean trait business
As of March 31, 2026, the latest employee count at Benson Hill is 108, representing significant workforce reduction from its pre-bankruptcy peak
Benson Hill's core focus remains on seed innovation in delivering improved soybean genetics and quality traits for food, feed, and fuel
Named Competitors
Cibus — Gene editing and crop improvement for sustainable agriculture
Pairwise — CRISPR-based plant breeding and specialty crop development
Phylos Bioscience — Cannabis genetics and breeding science
Recent Developments
(March 2025) Filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection with $137.5 million in assets and $110.7 million in debts
(May 2025) Acquired by Confluence Genetics out of bankruptcy; soybean trait business relaunched in Missouri
(January 2025) Ultra-high protein soybean meal validated in Tyson Foods feeding trial
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