In the face of climate change and the need to feed two billion people globally, Village Capital's new report "Growing a Sustainable Food System" compiles lessons, case studies and trends from the longest-running agriculture accelerator in the US. Read about Wexus Technologies & other startups applying tech to reinvent our approach to food security & sustainability.
Download the report from Village Capital to learn about:Highlights from the Report:
Investors should look to the Heartland
There’s a disconnect between where investors live and where food is produced. 75% of venture capital investment in the US flows to three urban metro areas: New York City, Boston and San Francisco. We made made a point to seek out startups in agricultural hubs that have been home to food and agriculture innovation for centuries. In the final count, 88% of the companies we interviewed for our accelerator program were incorporated outside these metro areas.
Policymakers should consider ag innovation
As 2019 begins, there is a rare opportunity for Congress to jumpstart agriculture innovation through a “Green New Deal”. Any successful agriculture innovation policy should promote rural broadband and the widespread adoption of precision agriculture.
Silicon Valley-style “disruption” isn’t always the answer
There has been a lot of hype around lab-grown meats, vertical farms, and other top-down ideas to “disrupt” global food systems. But in “real-world industries” like agriculture that impact our everyday lives, “Ask for forgiveness, not permission” may not be the best approach.”