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Genesis

The problem

The application of the scientific method and its transfer to industrial and social applications have radically transformed humanity’s possibilities regarding health, well-being, and food production. However, significant challenges remain, including climate change, population growth, and the increasing demand for nutritious food, along with the urgent need to care for and regenerate our planet.

Birth of the idea

SF500 was established to support scientists and entrepreneurs who believe, as we do, that human creativity, the scientific method, and innovation —alongside venture capital— are essential tools for tackling these pressing challenges.

Experience

We draw inspiration from the potential of the Argentine scientific system, understanding its inner workings, obstacles, and the challenges in translating scientific advances into real-world solutions. Leveraging the extensive experience of our team, investors, advisors, and startup founders, we strive to transform more ideas into impactful projects that break through laboratory walls, ultimately improving the lives of millions globally and benefiting our planet.

Impact thesis

SF500 aims to assist scientists and entrepreneurs in converting science into actionable solutions that address urgent global human and planetary challenges, in alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through this mission and a community-oriented approach, we foster startup ecosystems that enhance regional innovation hubs.

Work pillars

Symbiotic evolution

New global challenges demand innovative approaches to building and investing in solutions. SF500 originated from a collaborative initiative between its investors —Bioceres Group, a leading Argentine biotechnology firm listed on the stock exchange—, and the province of Santa Fe. This public-private partnership underscores our commitment to collaboration.

Create, invest, grow

We have developed a business creation program that trains the next generation of founders, equipping them to face the challenges of transforming scientific projects into biotech startups. Our investment fund supports these new ventures and, exceptionally, others that have not completed the program, ensuring they have a strong foundation to take their first steps. Additionally, we have a dedicated team that closely monitors the portfolio to guide startups until their next investment round.

First Time Founders

From the outset, we work closely with founders. Creating a startup is a significant challenge that requires a mindset shift, continuous learning, and decisive action—all of which will be critical to the company’s future success and the well-being of its team.

We grow in community

All of us, including founders, mentors, and investors, understand that none of us can succeed in isolation. Together, we are stronger, moving forward and reaching new heights. Fostering a collaborative community is essential to our vision, where we learn from one another’s perspectives and experiences, support each other, and celebrate collective achievements.

VC Vision

A crucial aspect of the mindset shift we promote among founders is the understanding that a startup is not simply a scientific project, thesis, or paper. In addition to creating a positive impact, building a company requires a solid business vision and a grasp of venture capital dynamics—ultimately aimed at developing unique products that the market desires.

Environmental and social commitment

All startups in which SF500 invests are evaluated based on environmental and social criteria established in the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework. Learn more about our Environmental and Social Policy here: Download policies.

Location and context

Headquarters in the center of Argentine biotechnology

SF500 was founded in Rosario, Santa Fe, a pioneering city in biotechnology. We are deeply integrated into this ecosystem, with our primary headquarters at the Rosario Agrobiotechnology Institute (INDEAR).
Out of the 340 biotech companies in Argentina, 77 are located in Santa Fe, with nearly half founded in Rosario. This city is recognized as the birthplace of biotechnology in Argentina—the location of the country’s first biotechnology degree program at the National University and home to Dr. Raquel Chan, inventor of the groundbreaking HB4 technology. Notably, Leonardo Marrifini, one of the developers of the CRISPR gene-editing technique, also studied here.
Rosario is also where companies like Keclon—Argentina’s first biotech startup—and Bioceres, one of our principal investors and the first Latin American biotech company listed on Nasdaq, were established.
Many researchers from SF500’s portfolio have founded their companies and built their teams in Rosario.
INDEAR
Rosario Agrobiotechnology Institute
INDEAR
Rosario Agrobiotechnology Institute

Future

Reach maximum regional potential

Latin America has made significant strides in advancing biotech companies in recent years, but much work remains. Therefore, while our focus begins in Argentina, we are also eager to support projects from other Latin American countries and the next wave of biotech startup founders, provided they showcase distinct scientific innovation, committed teams, and alignment with our vision.