Seed Stock

You might think this one is some insider slang among venture capitalists. Like, “We’re going to buy some seed stock now and then look for an angel investor down the road.” Nah...it actually means stock in a company that makes seeds.

The term refers to publicly traded firms involved in agribusiness. Typically, these firms are involved in extensive R&D operations, making proprietary seeds. Corn that requires less rainfall. Beets that actually taste good. Artichokes that get up at night and clean out your gutters.

Often, the revenue-generators for these firms aren't just the sales of actual seeds. Like a tech firm, they also trade in patents and intellectual property. They can make money through licensing agreements and patent trolling. Silicon Valley meets Nebraska grain silos...all wrapped up in a publicly-traded company. That situation defines a seed stock.