Benson Hill, a crop improvement company, went public via a SPAC merger with Star Peak II, a SPAC, in a $1.35bn deal. Benson Hill received cash proceeds of around $625m from SPAC cash ($403m) and a PIPE investment. The $225m PIPE investors included BlackRock, Van Eck Associates, Hedosophia, Lazard Asset Management, Post Holdings. “This transaction will empower Benson Hill’s continued rapid growth and commercial expansion, providing access to resources to drive scale by strengthening our proprietary technology platform, growing partnerships across the supply chain, and expanding product commercialization efforts. We believe we are now poised to take Benson Hill to new levels with a partner in Star Peak that shares our commitment to sustainability. We look forward to working closely with the Star Peak team to create value for our shareholders, value chain partners, farmers, and consumers as we help shape the future of food,” Matt Crisp, Benson Hill CEO.