Chris Janiec
The March Agri-Tech Innovation Summit suggested the most impactful near-term development in ag could focus as much on partnering for access to customers as on finding new breakthrough technologies.
Impossible Foods’ lawsuit alleging patent infringement by Motif is being closely watched by investors. Impossible's backers include Coatue Management, GV and Khosla Ventures, while Motif's investors include BlackRock, General Atlantic and Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan.
Chief executive Tim Hoerr says the venture firm’s first sector-focused vehicle came after encouragement from ag-related corporates and strong performance of agtech investments within past funds.
Founder Jay Koh says investors are beginning to focus more systematically on physical climate risk to particular sectors and markets.
Investment director Angela Du says covid-19 added urgency to the need to build supply chains for alternative proteins and cultured meat.
Co-founder and CEO Matt Crisp said the mix of investors is a deliberate effort to help its base form a holistic view of change within global food and ag supply chains.
Touchdown Ventures principal Selina Troesch Munster says dedicated venture capital units have become 'almost table stakes' for corporates active in food and agriculture.