2024 Dealmakers of the Year Honorees
Erica Barnell
Chief Medical and Science Officer
Geneoscopy
Developer of a diagnostics technology designed to treat digestive diseases and also offer cancer screening services.
- After raising $105M of Series B venture funding through a combination of debt and equity the company continue to grow and formulate partnerships with other companies in the St. Louis region.
Michael DeCamp
President & CEO
CoverCress Inc.
Developer of a novel rotational oilseed crop called CoverCress®, a rotational cash crop which combines grain production with the environmental benefits of a cover crop; is grown between corn and beans; gives farmers a 3 cash crop in a traditional 2 cash crop system; has a low carbon intensity score; and is an ideal feedstock to produce renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel.
- Bayer, in 2022, bought a majority stake in CoverCress by purchasing all equity interests in CCI other than what is currently held by Bayer and CCI’s other strategic investors, Bunge and Chevron.
- The deal creates a unique structure with three strategic owners, which allows CCI to continue as an independent company while leveraging the expertise and backing from, leaders in fuels, soybean crushing, logistics, and crop sciences.
- The deal also positions CCI to deliver on its full potential via a supply chain that understands its crop’s production, growth, processing, and delivery needs from the ground up.
Elizabeth Gallegos & Barry Goldman
CEO; Chief Science Officer
Pluton Biosciences
Pluton discovers novel microbes and develops world-changing solutions to the planet’s big problems, addressing challenges to climate and agriculture by tackling carbon sequestration and crop protection, sustainably improving the way we grow food.
- Raised $17.58 million of Series A venture funding in a deal led by Illumina Ventures and RA Capital Management in February of 2023. Fall Line Capital and seven other investors also participated in the round.
- Had two subsequent closes, the last one was in mid-October 2023.
- The funds will be used to accelerate the development of the company's flagship product through field trials and towards commercial partnerships and will also help to expand the team, advance a microbial-derived pesticide to combat the fall armyworm and harness the full potential of the platform to swiftly identify tailored products for agriculture.
Herb Golterman
CEO
Golterman and Sabo
G&S offers a range of acoustical, tackable, and sound diffusing wall and ceiling products, including polyester baffles, printed wall panels, and ceiling clouds.
- Herb and Ned Golterman, announced the more than 75-year-old company sold to a newly formed Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
- As company owners, the loyal and talented employees are more committed than ever to conducting business as usual to continue the multi-generational legacy and success of Golterman & Sabo.
John Hopper
CEO
Gateway Dealer Network
Provider of sales, rental, parts, and service for compact construction and related equipment
- The company was acquired by Tuckahoe Holdings through an LBO on February 13, 2024
- John Hopper stayed with the company to lead in the transition
Dr. Han Ko
President & CEO
USAKO Group
An international investment and consulting firm catering to both the U.S.A. and Asian markets, is proud to announce its strategic focus on technology and investment sectors, including Real Estate Investment Trusts (REIT).
- Over the past years, USAKO Group has made significant investments over $10M in various industries with innovations including AI, healthcare, image processing, blockchain and manufacturing.
- Notably, USAKO Group has recently entered numerous investment agreements with Main Info (a high tech image processing company), Native AI (AI based market data research platform), Dawa (a cutting-edge ESG solution company), and TH Holdings (a manufacturing firm specializing in high-tech environmental solutions).
- Some of these are positive results of the "Go Global with USAKO Group" initiative, a program jointly organized by USAKO Group and the South Korean government to foster international business expansion opportunities.
- USAKO Group and its associates are dedicated to achieving success not just in international investments but also in cultivating better regional economic development with the community.