Researcher tending seedlings in a laboratory environment. PHOTO: FREEPIK
Bindwell is testing a simple idea: use AI to design smarter, more targeted pesticides built for today’s farming challenges.
Updated
November 14, 2025 10:48 PM
Researcher tending seedlings in a laboratory environment. PHOTO: FREEPIK
Bindwell, a San Francisco–based ag-tech startup using AI to design new pesticide molecules, has raised US$6 million in seed funding, co-led by General Catalyst and A Capital, with participation from SV Angel and Y Combinator founder Paul Graham. The round will help the company expand its lab in San Carlos, hire more technical talent and advance its first pesticide candidates toward validation.
Even as pesticide use has doubled over the last 30 years, farmers still lose up to 40% of global crops to pests and disease. The core issue is resistance: pests are adapting faster than the industry can update its tools. As a result, farmers often rely on larger amounts of the same outdated chemicals, even as they deliver diminishing returns.
Meanwhile, innovation in the agrochemical sector has slowed, leaving the industry struggling to keep up with rapidly evolving pests. This is the gap Bindwell is targeting. Instead of updating old chemicals, the company uses AI to find completely new compounds designed for today’s pests and farming conditions.
This vision is made even more striking by the people leading it. Bindwell was founded by 18-year-old Tyler Rose and 19-year-old Navvye Anand, who met at the Wolfram Summer Research Program in 2023. Both had deep ties to agriculture — Rose in China and Anand in India — witnessing up close how pest outbreaks and chemical dependence burdened farmers.
Filling the gap in today’s pesticide pipeline, Bindwell created an AI system that can design and evaluate new molecules long before they hit the lab. It starts with Foldwell, the company’s protein-structure model, which helps map the shapes of pest proteins so scientists know where a molecule should bind. Then comes PLAPT, which can scan through every known synthesized compound in just a few hours to see which ones might actually work. For biopesticides, they use APPT, a model tuned to spot protein-to-protein interactions and shown to outperform existing tools on industry benchmarks.
Bindwell isn’t selling AI tools. Instead, the company develops the molecules itself and licenses them to major agrochemical players. Owning the full discovery process lets the team bake in safety, selectivity and environmental considerations from day one. It also allows Bindwell to plug directly into the pipelines that produce commercial pesticides — just with a fundamentally different engine powering the science.
At present, the team is now testing its first AI-generated candidates in its San Carlos lab and is in early talks with established pesticide manufacturers about potential licensing deals. For Rose and Anand, the long-term vision is simple: create pest control that works without repeating the mistakes of the last half-century. As they put it, the goal is not to escalate chemical use but to design molecules that are more precise, less harmful and resilient against resistance from the start.
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The Influencer Evolution: Recognizing the Power and Potential of Each Type.
Updated
November 14, 2025 1:58 PM
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A group of people filming a video for social media. PHOTO: UNSPLASH
In an era where social media reigns supreme, influencers have emerged as powerful players in the marketing game. They have the ability to sway opinions, drive trends, and create waves of engagement that brands can only dream of. But not all influencers are created equal; they come in various shapes and sizes, each with a unique approach to connecting with their audience. Under standing the different types of influencers can illuminate how they impact our daily lives and the choices we make. Let’s dive into the captivating world of influencers and explore the diverse categories that define them.
When you think of influencers, mega influencers are often the first that come to mind. These are the A-list celebrities, athletes, and global icons with millions of followers on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Their immense reach allows brands to tap into vast audiences, making them highly sought after for endorsements.
Mega influencers have the power to generate instant buzz around a product or campaign. Their celebrity status lends credibility, and fans are often eager to emulate their lifestyles. However, this type of influencer can come with a hefty price tag, making them suitable for brands with substantial marketing budgets.
Just below the mega influencers are macro influencers, who typically boast between 100,000to 1 million followers. While they may not have the same level of fame as celebrities, macro influencers often command a loyal and engaged audience. They are usually experts in specific niches, such as fitness, beauty, travel, or technology.
Macro influencers combine reach with relevance. Their targeted expertise allows brands to connect with specific demographics, making them an ideal choice for campaigns aimed at niche markets. Their followers often view them as relatable and trustworthy, which can lead to higher engagement rates.
Micro influencers are the rising stars of the influencer world, typically having between 10,000 to 100,000 followers. What sets them apart is their authentic connection with their audience. They often have a more intimate relationship with their followers, leading to higher engagement and trust.
Brands are increasingly turning to micro influencers for their ability to create genuine conversations around products. The cost-effectiveness of partnering with micro influencers also allows brands to run multiple campaigns across different influencers, amplifying their reach while maintaining authenticity.
At the bottom of the influencer hierarchy are nano influencers, who have 1,000 to 10,000 followers. While their follower count may be modest, nano influencers often possess a highly engaged audience that views them as close friends, families or peers rather than celebrities.
Nano influencers are perfect for brands looking to create grassroots campaigns. Their genuine enthusiasm and relatability can lead to strong word-of-mouth marketing. Engaging with nano influencers often comes at a lower cost, making them an attractive option for small businesses and startups.
Brand ambassadors are influencers who have a long-term relationship with a brand, often representing them across multiple campaigns. They can fall into any of the previous categories but are distinguished by their commitment to the brand and its values.
By cultivating brand ambassadors, companies can create consistent messaging and foster loyalty among customers. These influencers often resonate with audiences more deeply, as they embody the brand’s identity and promote its products authentically over time.
The world of influencers is as diverse as it is dynamic, with each type offering unique advantages for brands looking to connect with consumers. From the glitzy allure of mega influencers to the genuine relatability of nano influencers, understanding these categories can help brands make informed choices in their marketing strategies. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the role of influencers will only grow, shaping trends and driving engagement in ways we are just beginning to comprehend. By leveraging the right type of influencer, brands can effectively navigate this vibrant ecosystem, ensuring their message resonates with the audiences that matter most.