Key Takeaways
- Foundation of AgFunder: Michael Dean and Rob Leclerc established AgFunder ten years ago to boost investment and innovation in the agriculture and food.
- Monsanto and Climate Corporation Deal: The acquisition of Climate Corporation by Monsanto marked a significant turning point in agrifoodtech history.
- Emphasis on Accurate Reporting: AgFunder has focused on maintaining objectivity, accuracy, and science-driven reporting and investment decisions, as inspired by Climate Corp. founder Dave Friedberg’s ethos.
- Celebration of Community Growth: The 10-year journey of AgFunder highlights the remarkable expansion of the agrifoodtech community, involving startups, researchers, and investors.
- Unique Report Insights: An 83-page report by AgFunder offers a comprehensive overview of the last decade in agrifoodtech, including major deals, industry trends, and prospects.
Foundation and Mission
In a move that would significantly impact the agrifoodtech sector, Michael Dean and Rob Leclerc founded AgFunder a decade ago. Their mission was straightforward yet ambitious: to invigorate the agriculture and food sectors with enhanced investment and innovation. This initiative coincided with a pivotal moment in the industry: Monsanto’s acquisition of Climate Corporation, a deal that remains a landmark in agrifoodtech history.
Pivotal Industry Moments
The Monsanto-Climate Corporation deal highlighted the dynamic nature of the agrifoodtech sector. Dave Friedberg, founder of Climate Corp., openly addressed the controversy surrounding Monsanto, advocating for decisions and opinions rooted in thorough research and scientific understanding. His message resonated with the principles of AgFunder and its subsidiary, AgFunderNews.
Commitment to Objectivity and Science
From its inception, AgFunder has championed the values of objectivity, accuracy, and scientific rigor in its investment strategies and editorial policies. This approach is mirrored in the company’s separate but equally rigorous investment and editorial teams, ensuring unbiased and well-informed public communication.
Celebrating Community Growth
Over the past decade, AgFunder has witnessed and contributed to the extraordinary growth of the agrifoodtech community. This includes the rise of numerous startups, researchers, and entrepreneurs, all of whom have played vital roles in shaping the industry.
A Decade in Review: The Special Report
AgFunder’s special 83-page report offers a deep dive into the last ten years of agrifoodtech. It’s a reflection and a celebration of the industry’s progress. The report blends data, interviews, and analysis to showcase critical developments, including major acquisitions, funding trends, and the evolution of sectors like indoor agriculture and cultivated meat.
Notable Highlights from the Report
- Reflections on the $1 billion Climate Corp acquisition.
- A decade-long overview of funding in agrifoodtech.
- Top 30 agrifoodtech deals from 2013 to 2023.
- Significant exits in the sector since 2013.
- Analysis of trends in indoor agriculture and cultivated meat.
- Insights into the progress of companies like Farmers Business Network and Eat.
AgFunder’s 10-year journey is not just a story of a company but a narrative of an entire industry’s evolution. Their commitment to accurate, science-based reporting and investment, along with the celebration of community achievements, sets a precedent for the future of agrifoodtech. AgFunder’s role in shaping its trajectory remains crucial as the sector evolves.
Read the report here.
Image provided by AgFunder
