Green Dot Bioplastics has closed a $6.5 million Series A Preferred Round led by Fulcrum Global Capital. Funds will be used to implement management’s strategic plan to capitalize on rapidly rising demand for more sustainable plastics.

EMPORIA, KANSAS – Award winning material science company, Green Dot Bioplastics has completed a $6.5 million Series A Preferred Round of financing. Fulcrum Global Capital led the investment round with the participation of existing and new investors, including Open Prairie through its Open Prairie Rural Opportunities Fund and iiM (Innovations in Motion).

Governments, advocacy groups and consumers are increasingly aware of the problems associated with traditional plastics and demanding more sustainable solutions. In response, the bioplastic sector is predicted to grow at a brisk pace of 18.8% CAGR to reach more than $68 billion by 2024. To capitalize on this opportunity, Green Dot will use the funds raised to implement management’s strategic plan in key areas: accelerate organic growth, develop and commercialize new bioplastic products and uses, and invest in new IP and capabilities.

Headquartered in Emporia, Kansas, Green Dot Bioplastics is making plastics more sustainable by reducing the amount of petroleum-based feedstocks, maximizing the use of renewable and reclaimed materials, and enhancing the performance of biodegradable materials. The Company began formal operations in 2011, introducing the market’s first compostable elastomeric bioplastic – a soft rubber-like plastic that is strong, pliable, and biodegradable. In 2013, Green Dot acquired a state-of-the-art research facility and commercial manufacturing plant. The Company now offers a full line of bioplastics and biocomposites used in footwear, textiles, home furnishings, electronics cases, pet supplies, toys, outdoor recreation, lawn and garden, horticulture and construction.

“We are delighted to team with Fulcrum, Open Prairie and iiM as we aggressively move to accelerate our growth,” said Mark Remmert, CEO, Green Dot Bioplastics. “I am personally excited to have these highly regarded institutional investors join our Board of Directors and bring their leadership and professionalism to partner with our original investors and management. Together, we are a talented and motivated team seeking to make lasting change for the planet.”

Duane Cantrell, Managing Partner and CEO of Fulcrum Global Capital noted, “There is an increasing global issue with plastic pollution coupled with a growing demand to reduce or eliminate our footprint of plastic pollution in our landfills and oceans. With the increasing global challenge of plastic pollution, we are excited to invest in a company using agricultural byproducts to provide corporations with near-term solutions for truly biodegradable products and packaging that can reduce our use of chemical based plastics and begin to eliminate plastic pollution. As well, we are equally excited to partner with CEO Mark Remmert and the impressive Green Dot team. Mark brings a lengthy and impressive career from the plastics industry and has made remarkable advancements in new bio-based solutions since Green Dot was founded.”

“Green Dot Bioplastics is a leading example of our efforts to support rural-based companies operating at the intersection of science, agriculture, and sustainability. We look forward to working with the Green Dot Bioplastics team as the company enters its next phase of growth and executes on its mission of improving the environment through the implementation of innovative bio-based solutions,” said Matt McKenna, who will represent Open Prairie on the Green Dot Bioplastics Board of Directors.

About Green Dot Bioplastics

Green Dot Bioplastics serves brand-owners, plastics processors and designers, helping them to lighten the environmental footprint of the products that consumers use every day, offering a wide-range of bioplastics and biocomposites designed to meet the growing demand for more sustainable plastics. For more information please visit www.GreenDotBioplastics.com.

About Fulcrum Global Capital

Fulcrum Global Capital (FGC) is an early-stage venture capital fund investing in companies and entrepreneurs disrupting the global food production industry through the agriculture, animal health, and agtech markets.  FGC is especially interested in companies with technologies and approaches which increases yields, reduces food waste, and/or makes food safer and more transparent.  Based out of the Kansas City area, FGC invests both within the U.S. and across the globe. More information on FGC can be found at www.fgcvc.com.

About Open Prairie

Open Prairie, based in the heartland of America with headquarters in Effingham, Illinois, is a multi-faceted private equity fund management firm with deep roots in rural America. Founded in 1997, Open Prairie has consistently focused on facilitating capital accessibility in underserved markets. The Open Prairie team has managed funds ranging from technology-based private equity and venture capital to farmland portfolios. Through its expertise across all functional business disciplines and an extensive network of professionals, Open Prairie works in partnership with its portfolio companies to accelerate growth while providing top-tier returns to its investors. For more information about Open Prairie, please visit www.openprairie.com.

About iiM (Innovation in Motion)

iiM was established to fill the gap in angel financing available to seed stage business in the animal health, human health and agricultural verticals. iiM investor members have founded, grown and run or are running their own companies in these industries and bring active contacts, strategic relationships, industry experience and expertise to companies in the portfolio. Based in Overland Park, Kansas, iiM has no geographic boundaries for investing. For more information about iiM please visit www.iimkc.com.