Decoy Smart Control

Decoy Smart Control operates as a Brazilian biotechnology firm specializing in the research and development of biological pest control solutions for the animal health and agriculture sectors. Founded in 2014 by biologists Lucas von Zuben (CEO) and Túlio Nunes, alongside economist Filipe Dal'Bó de Andrade, the company originated from their academic research into natural and strategic methods for managing animal pests. The founders' background in biology and entomology provided the scientific foundation for exploring alternatives to chemical pesticides, addressing a market gap for biological solutions in animal health.

The company's core business revolves around the concept of biological control, which utilizes natural predators, like fungi, to manage pest populations, thereby eliminating the need for chemical pesticides. This approach targets significant economic losses in the agro-industry, estimated at R$ 10 billion annually in Brazil due to pests like ticks. Decoy primarily serves livestock producers, particularly in the cattle industry, offering products that are non-toxic to humans and animals and leave no residue in meat or milk. Revenue is generated through direct sales and a partnership program with livestock farmers, providing customized treatments and shared technology.

The flagship product, Decoy Bovinos, is a carrapaticide designed to combat cattle ticks. Its principle involves using spores of fungi that are natural enemies of the ticks. The liquid solution is applied via spraying on both the animals and the pasture, targeting the pests in all life stages. This method has a chain effect, as the fungi kill the ticks and produce more spores to infect others. The product boasts an efficacy rate of 82% and has been proven safe in clinical tests, showing no adverse effects on the animals. A significant milestone was reached in 2017 when food industry giants Nestlé and Danone partnered with Decoy to validate the technology. Following this, the company patented its formulation in 2018 and inaugurated its own bio-factory in 2019, significantly increasing production capacity. A substantial R$ 9 million funding round in 2022, led by SP Ventures and Farmabase, was secured to obtain commercial registration for Decoy Bovinos and expand operations throughout Brazil. The company is also developing new products for the pet market (dogs and cats) and the poultry industry.

Keywords: biological pest control, animal health, agtech, biotechnology, cattle tick control, sustainable agriculture, livestock farming, biopesticides, natural pest management, bovine health, pasture management, non-toxic pesticides, agricultural biotechnology, poultry health, pet pest control, fungal biopesticides, Lucas von Zuben, Túlio Nunes, integrated pest management, eco-friendly farming, residue-free products