How a focus on technology and entrepreneurship is transforming the future of the food and agriculture sectors.
In this episode of Launchcast, our CRO, Robbie Butchart, hosts our CEO, Alberio Bathory-Frota, Tall Grass Ventures' Managing Partner, Wilson Acton, and Director of Platform, Marlise Hunter, in an insightful conversation about the growing world of agri-tech, finding the right companies and entrepreneurs to back, and food sustainability.
Introduction: A market less traveled
As industries across the globe grapple with the dual demands of digitalization and sustainability, the agri-food sector stands out as a fertile ground for innovation.
Often overlooked, this sector is ripe for disruption, offering a wealth of opportunities for entrepreneurs and startups.
In a recent podcast episode, leaders from Tall Grass, a Calgary-based investment firm focused on the agricultural and food sectors, shed light on these opportunities and their own journey in this unique landscape.
Decoding the agri-food sector: Challenges and opportunities
Wilson and Marlise note that the agri-food sector has remained relatively under the radar, and while it may not be the first industry that springs to mind for tech innovation, it holds immense potential.
They observe an upsurge in interest in areas like marketplaces, alternative proteins, and technology applications on the farm.
However, they emphasize the need for more entrepreneurs to view agriculture as a viable industry where they can make a meaningful impact.
The macro-economic impact on agri-food
The conversation takes a fascinating turn as Wilson and Marlise delve into the impact of global events and economic forces on the agri-food sector.
The war in Ukraine, rising inflation, and the increasingly apparent impacts of climate change are making consumers more aware of their food sources.
This heightened awareness, combined with the environmental implications of farming and food production, is leading to a growing focus on sustainability and innovation in the sector.
Key areas of focus for future innovation
Some of the areas of focus emerge from the discussion: rethinking fertility and crop protection, reimagining animal production and health, and advancing digitization in agriculture.
The participants emphasize that these areas present complex, multidimensional problems requiring diverse expertise.
From leveraging biology and chemistry to tackle fertility and crop protection issues, to harnessing software development for digitization, the guests stress the potential of these areas to redefine the world of agriculture and food production.
Tall Grass: At the forefront of agricultural innovation
As the discussion unfolds, the guests outline the mission of Tall Grass — supporting early-stage entrepreneurs and fostering innovation in the agri-food sectors.
They underline their commitment to building up the agricultural and food ecosystems, leveraging their history and experience in this space to nurture a new generation of entrepreneurs.
A call to arms: Outreach and engagement in agri-food
The conversation also revolves around the crucial issue of spreading the word about opportunities in the agri-food sectors.
The guests highlight their involvement in various associations and partnerships aimed at fostering a vibrant ecosystem.
The need for outside expertise, from fintech to software, to solve problems within agriculture is discussed, underscoring the cross-disciplinary nature of innovation in this sector.
The road ahead for Tall Grass
As the conversation draws to a close, the guests offer a glimpse into the future of Tall Grass.
They pledge to remain focused on the agricultural and food sectors, maintaining their momentum in driving innovation and supporting entrepreneurship in these spaces.
Tall Grass's growth story, they hope, will inspire more entrepreneurs to venture into the agri-food sector and contribute to its transformation.
Conclusion: The Future of Agri-food
With its focus on nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship, Tall Grass is pioneering a revolution in the agri-food sector.
Their conversation sheds light on the exciting opportunities in this area, underscoring the potential for technological and sustainable advances to reshape the future of food and agriculture.
As the global community grapples with the challenges of sustainability, the agri-food sector presents a promising pathway to solutions. With firms like Tall Grass at the helm, the future looks promising indeed.
