Agricultural technology solutions and climate smart crop solutions are crucial both for addressing climate change and for increased productivity. Venture capitalists play a key role in driving innovation and investment in agricultural technology solutions and climate-smart crop solutions aimed at mitigating the impacts of climate change. By providing funding and strategic guidance to startups and companies in this sector, venture capitalists enable the development and deployment of cutting-edge technologies such as precision agriculture, vertical farming, genetic engineering, and sustainable crop management practices. This article focuses on 5 agtech-focused venture capitalists everyone should know about in 2024.
- Mark S. Brooks, Managing Director at FMC Ventures
About Mark S. Brooks
Currently serving as Managing Director at FMC Ventures, Mark S. Brooks brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the agtech sector. Brooks leads FMC Corporation’s venture capital arm in targeting Seed, Series A, and Series B stage ventures globally. His strategic vision aligns with addressing pressing challenges in agriculture, particularly those related to climate change. Brooks’s involvement extends beyond investment, serving as a Board Observer for AgroSpheres, a company pioneering biodegradable encapsulation technologies for high efficacy biological pesticides.
- Lisa Schmitt, Investment Director at Rentenbank
About Lisa Schmitt
Currently serving as an Investment Director at Rentenbank, Lisa Schmitt leads investments in venture capital firms with a positive impact on agriculture, food, and nature, echoing her commitment to driving meaningful change in these domains. With valuable experience in impact investing and ESG promotion gained during her tenure as an Investment Manager at KfW Capital, Schmitt brings a strategic lens to her role, leveraging her expertise to mentor and support startups in navigating the complex landscape of agri-tech investment and fundraising.
- Emilie Abrams, Principal Investor at The Yield Lab
About Emilie Abrams
Emilie Abrams has cultivated a diverse and impactful career at the intersection of agriculture, technology, and sustainability. As Principal at The Yield Lab, she plays a key role in identifying and nurturing innovative startups that are revolutionising the agricultural landscape. With a solid foundation built during her tenure as Founder of AgTech Mx, Emilie has demonstrated a deep commitment to fostering collaborative spaces and technological advancements within Mexico’s ag sector, positioning the country as a global player in sustainable agriculture.
- Jeff Inman, VC and Corporate Development Manager at Air Protein
About Jeff Inman
Currently serving as Manager of Corporate Development and Strategy and VC at Air Protein, Jess Inman plays a key role in shaping the company’s strategic direction and fostering partnerships to advance sustainable food production. With prior experience as Principal of Venture Investments at TechAccel LLC, Jeff honed his expertise in venture capital within the agriculture, animal health, and food science sectors, positioning him as a seasoned investor in transformative agtech solutions.
- Erkki Aaltonen, Managing Director at Yara Growth Ventures
About Erkki Aaltonen
Currently serving as Managing Director at Yara Growth Ventures, Erkki Aaltonen leads the search for startups building climate-smart crop solutions, soil health initiatives, circular and organic farming practices, as well as innovations in farm connectivity and food value chains. His commitment to fostering disruptive ideas is further demonstrated by Yara Growth Ventures’ investments in new revenue models in agriculture and initiatives for decarbonization, including hydrogen technology. Erkki’s influence extends beyond Yara, as evidenced by his board memberships at Intelecy and Agrofy, where he contributes to shaping the strategic direction of companies at the forefront of agricultural innovation.
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