SOSV, established in 1995 and headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey, is a global venture capital firm specializing in early-stage investments. It focuses on deep tech innovations in the health and environmental sectors, supporting founders with breakthrough technologies through its HAX and IndieBio startup development programs. SOSV provides resources, facilities, and lab equipment to accelerate product development and scale, with a track record of helping its portfolio companies secure subsequent funding rounds led by top-tier investors.
The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency established in 1950 and based in Alexandria, Virginia. It is dedicated to supporting research and education in science and engineering across a wide range of disciplines. The NSF provides significant non-dilutive funding, up to $1.5 million, to startups and small businesses through its America's Seed Fund initiative, which is part of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program mandated by Congress. With an operating budget of approximately $7.8 billion, the NSF is committed to advancing fundamental research and education, thus fostering innovation and technological development in the United States.
MassChallenge is a global nonprofit startup accelerator headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, established in 2009. It supports early-stage entrepreneurs across various industries, including technology, healthcare, and social impact, by providing mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities. With locations in Israel, Mexico, Switzerland, Texas, and the UK, MassChallenge connects high-potential startups with industry experts and investors to foster innovation and facilitate growth. The accelerator operates on a non-equity model, allowing entrepreneurs to maintain full ownership of their companies while benefiting from strategic partnerships and tailored training programs. Through its diverse initiatives, such as targeted accelerator programs like MassChallenge HealthTech and FinTech, the organization aims to drive impactful change and enhance the global innovation ecosystem.
AgFunder, established in 2013, is a venture capital firm headquartered in San Francisco, California, with an additional office in the United Kingdom. It specializes in seed and early-stage investments in agritech and food tech companies that are driving meaningful environmental and social impact across the global food system. AgFunder evaluates each investment based on ESG principles and its potential to contribute to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. The firm manages multiple funds, totaling over 50 portfolio companies, and also operates a global media platform, AFN, with over 90,000 subscribers.
Techstars is a global platform that invests in and supports early-stage technology companies. Founded in 2006, it operates a mentorship-driven accelerator program, providing seed funding, intensive mentorship, and access to a network of investors and entrepreneurs. Techstars has programs in various locations worldwide, including Boston, Boulder, New York, Seattle, London, Chicago, and Austin. It invests $118,000 in each company, with $18,000 in seed funding and an optional $100,000 convertible debt note. Techstars also has industry-specific accelerator programs, such as Techstars Retail and Techstars Music, focusing on retail and music technology, respectively. Its portfolio includes over 1,000 companies with a combined market cap of $8.1 billion.
Founded in 2014, S2G Ventures is a Chicago-based investment firm focusing on venture and growth-stage businesses in the food and agriculture sectors. The company aims to support entrepreneurs driving innovation towards sustainable and healthy food systems.
Omnivore, established in 2010 and based in Mumbai, is a venture capital firm focusing on early-stage companies in India. It invests in entrepreneurs operating in the agriculture and food sector, with a particular interest in areas such as farmer platforms, precision agriculture, and agri-biotech.
Established in 2020, the European Innovation Council supports innovative startups and researchers with promising ideas, focusing on early-stage companies with positive environmental, social, or governance impacts. It co-invests alongside private investors.
IndieBio is an accelerator that supports startups using biology to solve major problems, delivering four-month programs for companies and teams with ideas. Based in San Francisco with an office in New York, it focuses on life sciences, biotechnology and synthetic biology, investing in seed and early-stage ventures that place biology at the core of their technology across products, processes and software. The program favors teams with two or more co-founders and generally provides equity-based funding in the early stages, often combining direct investments with additional financing options. Founded in 2014, IndieBio operates within the SOSV accelerator network, a global platform that supports portfolio companies through mentorship, resources and cross-border programs.
Y Combinator, established in 2005, is a prominent American technology startup accelerator and venture capital firm. It provides funding and mentorship to early-stage companies, primarily in the United States. The firm's core program involves investing a small amount of capital in exchange for equity, typically around 6-7%, and providing intensive support to startups over a three-month period. This includes refining business models, developing products, and honing investor pitches. Y Combinator serves a wide range of industries, with a focus on technology, healthcare, and finance. Additionally, Y Combinator Continuity, a dedicated investment fund, supports founders as they scale their companies, investing in later-stage alumni companies and helping cash-intensive businesses.
Established in 1948, British International Investment is a UK government-backed development finance institution and impact investor. It focuses on long-term economic growth and sustainability in emerging markets by investing in infrastructure, health, agribusiness, and other sectors.
Yield Lab, LLC is a venture capital firm based in Saint Louis, Missouri, specializing in early-stage investments in the agrifood technology sector. Founded in September 2014, the firm focuses on innovative solutions that enhance agricultural practices and sustainability. Yield Lab invests primarily in agriculture technology, agricultural machinery and equipment, and other areas related to food production, such as animal health, digital agriculture, logistics, and food ingredients. It aims to support startups by providing initial funding in the range of $100,000 to $1.5 million in exchange for equity stakes, primarily targeting companies with the potential to significantly disrupt and improve existing agricultural systems. Yield Lab also operates through regional branches, including specific entities for Asia Pacific and Europe, reinforcing its commitment to fostering sustainable agricultural innovations globally.
Innovate UK is a non-departmental public body established in 2007 and based in Swindon, United Kingdom. Funded by a government grant, it supports innovation in science and technology by providing funding services to businesses across various sectors and regions. The organization aims to drive productivity and economic growth by facilitating advancements that contribute to the UK’s economic landscape. In addition to funding, Innovate UK offers a range of services and information related to business and economic development, thereby fostering a supportive environment for innovation.
The International Finance Corporation (IFC), established in 1956, is a member of the World Bank Group dedicated to fostering private sector development in emerging markets. It provides financial services, including loans and equity investments, ranging from $1 million to $100 million, with a focus on projects that drive economic growth and social impact. IFC invests across various sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, education, technology, and financial services.
Established in 2016, SproutX is an Australian AgTech accelerator that facilitates innovation in agricultural technology. It offers an accelerator program and a national co-working space network, fostering collaboration among corporate entities, academia, and government bodies to advance the agricultural sector.
Bpifrance is a financial institution dedicated to supporting companies throughout their development stages, particularly those preparing for stock market listing and seeking credit equity. The organization provides a range of financial solutions, including financing, innovation assistance, and capital investment. By integrating various entities such as OSEO and CDC Entreprises, Bpifrance aims to deliver tailored financial support that addresses the specific needs of businesses. The institution is committed to fostering innovation and helping companies transition toward sustainable growth, ensuring they are well-equipped to face future challenges.
Innova Memphis, established in 2007 by the Memphis Bioworks Foundation, is a venture capital firm located in Memphis, Tennessee. The firm specializes in pre-seed, seed, and early-stage investments in high-growth companies within the biosciences, technology, and agri-tech sectors. Innova aims to connect capital with innovative ideas to develop groundbreaking products and services. By investing in start-ups, the firm not only supports their growth but also facilitates partnerships with established corporations for licensing or further investment opportunities. With a team experienced in management and market expertise, Innova is equipped to transform concepts into viable business units ready to compete in the market. Their approach combines technical knowledge, proven staffing, and appropriate funding to maximize the potential for success in the competitive landscape.
Antler, established in 2017 and headquartered in Singapore, is an early-stage venture capital firm focused on investing in technology companies. It supports exceptional founders from day one, providing access to a global network of co-founders, talent, advisors, and expansion support, along with capital. Antler's funds, including Antler UK Fund and Antler India Fund, target various sectors such as information technology, climate tech, healthtech, software, energy services, and SaaS, with investments ranging from USD 0.2 to 0.4 million.
Scottish Enterprise, established in 1991, is Scotland's principal economic development agency, operating as a non-departmental public body of the Scottish Government. Its mission is to stimulate Scotland's economic growth by fostering an innovative, high-wage, and productive economy with a strong international presence. The agency partners with both public and private sectors to identify and capitalize on opportunities that drive significant, lasting economic impact. Scottish Enterprise provides comprehensive support to businesses, including helping companies secure appropriate finance, strengthening management teams, and facilitating growth and export initiatives. It works closely with Scottish SMEs, as well as UK and international investors, such as business angels, venture capital groups, and corporate investors. The agency operates across Scotland in collaboration with Highlands and Islands Enterprise, aiming to increase the supply of finance for businesses and support the SME funding market.
FMO, the Dutch entrepreneurial development bank, is a financial institution based in The Hague, Netherlands, founded in 1970 through a collaboration between the Dutch government and various financial entities. It focuses on supporting the private sector in developing countries and emerging markets across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Central and Eastern Europe. FMO provides a diverse range of financial products, including long-term project financing, private equity, loans, guarantees, and mezzanine financing. Its investment portfolio is primarily allocated to financial institutions, energy, agribusiness, food and water, and private equity. By offering capital, expertise, and networks, FMO aims to foster sustainable economic development and empower local businesses and projects.
Founded in 2021, Ponderosa Ventures is a venture capital firm based in New York. It focuses on investing $100-750k in pre-seed and seed-stage companies operating within the food, agriculture, and ocean sectors.
The U.S. Department of Energy is a government agency established in 1977, located in Washington, D.C. Its primary mission is to ensure the security and prosperity of the nation by tackling energy, environmental, and nuclear challenges. The Department focuses on promoting transformative scientific and technological solutions to address these issues, thereby supporting the country's energy needs and environmental sustainability.
Syngenta is a global agriculture company dedicated to bringing plant potential to life. With over 28,000 employees in nearly 90 countries, Syngenta develops innovative crop solutions, including seeds, pesticides, and biotechnology, to help farmers increase yields and improve sustainability.
SP Ventures, established in 2007, is a São Paulo-based venture capital firm with a focus on early-stage technology companies. It manages funds such as Fundo de Inovação Paulista (FIP), launched in 2014, which invests in tech startups located in the state of São Paulo. SP Ventures targets passionate entrepreneurs with strong technical backgrounds and market-oriented attitudes, seeking proprietary technologies with high scalability potential and large target markets. The firm's investment tickets typically range from R$ 2 million to R$ 6 million per company, with a maximum of R$ 15 million including follow-ons. SP Ventures has a track record of analyzing over 1,200 companies and making 8 investments from 2007 to 2013 through its Criatec I Fund. The firm primarily invests in sectors such as Information and Communication Technologies, Agricultural Technologies, Health Technologies, New Materials, and Nanotechnologies.
Cavallo Ventures, Inc. is a venture capital firm established in 2016 and based in San Francisco, California. As the venture capital arm of Wilbur-Ellis Holdings, it focuses on investing in innovative companies within the livestock feed, pet nutrition, aquafeed, and ingredient formulation sectors. The firm is dedicated to supporting pioneering entrepreneurs who aim to build successful businesses while adhering to high standards of integrity and quality. In addition to its core areas of investment, Cavallo Ventures also explores opportunities in human and animal nutrition, health, alternatives to industrial chemicals, agriculture, novel agrochemical active ingredients, water management, irrigation, soil biology, and resource conservation.
Established in 1898, Rabobank is a global cooperative banking institution headquartered in Utrecht, Netherlands. It specializes in serving the food, beverage, and agribusiness sectors across 46 countries, offering tailored products and services backed by industry expertise.
RootCamp is an agrifood-tech innovation hub and accelerator based in Hanover, Germany. Founded in 2020, it provides free support to startups at all stages of growth and focuses on biotechnology and agrifood tech sectors.
Elemental Impact is a consulting organization established in 2009, dedicated to promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship within the business sector. Based in Honolulu, Hawaii, it focuses on initiatives that encourage waste reduction, recycling, and efficient resource utilization across various industries. By providing resources, tools, and guidance, Elemental Impact assists companies in adopting sustainable practices that enhance operational efficiency and environmental responsibility. The organization emphasizes the importance of equity and access in climate solutions, filling critical gaps in funding innovative climate technologies for real-world applications. Through collaboration, education, and advocacy, Elemental Impact aims to cultivate a culture of sustainability and create a positive impact on the planet.
Village Capital is a Washington, DC-based organization founded in 2009 that operates accelerator programs and supports early-stage ventures worldwide. It targets sectors including agriculture, education, energy, financial services, health, and technology, focusing on environmental, social, and economic challenges. Village Capital uses a peer-led model in which entrepreneurs rank ventures and award seed funding to the top graduates of each program. The organization provides training and connects founders, investors, and communities to resources and capital with the aim of broadening access to entrepreneurship. Since its inception, Village Capital has supported more than 1,000 entrepreneurs through its programs and partnered with affiliated investment funds; program graduates have generated about $61.5 million in revenue, reached around 8.5 million customers, and created over 11,500 jobs.
Alexandria Venture Investments, LLC is a venture capital firm established in 1996 and headquartered in Pasadena, California. It specializes in seed, early-stage, and growth capital investments primarily within the healthcare sector, with a particular emphasis on biopharma, diagnostics, life sciences, agrifood technology, and technology sectors. The firm is recognized for its strategic approach, providing long-term investment capital to innovative companies that are developing transformative technologies and therapies aimed at improving human health. As a subsidiary of Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Alexandria Venture Investments leverages its deep industry expertise, extensive relationships with investors, and a world-class scientific advisory network to support and fund promising startups and growth-oriented companies in disruptive life science and technology.
iSelect Fund is a venture capital firm focused on investing in innovative companies addressing global challenges in food and health systems. Established in 2014, the firm primarily invests in early-stage ventures across agriculture, food tech, and healthcare sectors, with a preference for companies based in the Southeast, Midwest, and Great Lakes regions of the United States.
Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Rye, New York, Ospraie Ag Science is a venture capital firm specializing in growth capital investments within the agriculture sector. The company invests in both public and private markets, leveraging its commercial experience and extensive network across the agricultural value chain to source unique investment opportunities.
The Yield Lab Latam, established in 2017 and headquartered in Buenos Aires, Argentina, operates as a prominent AgriFoodTech venture capital firm with a significant footprint in Latin America. With additional offices in Brazil and Chile, the firm focuses on investing in companies throughout the food and agriculture innovation spectrum, addressing challenges from farm to fork. The Yield Lab Latam is part of a broader global network of venture capital funds that extend across North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific, reflecting its commitment to fostering agricultural advancements and sustainability in the region.
Bossa Invest is a venture capital firm based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, founded in 2011, that manages investment portfolios and provides asset management services to clients across sectors, with a focus on software as a service companies, and analyzes market trends to inform its investment decisions while operating in finance, technology, and real estate.
Google for Startups is an initiative supporting global startups. It offers access to Google's products, connections, and best practices through a network of partners in over 135 countries. The program aims to help determined startups succeed.
Leaps by Bayer is the corporate venture capital arm of Bayer. Established in 2015 and headquartered in Leverkusen, Germany, it invests in life sciences, including healthcare, biotechnology, and agriculture. The firm seeks long-term, disruptive technologies and supports innovations with potential for significant societal impact.
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development finances projects and provides advisory services to the public and private sectors. It supports new ventures and expansion in existing companies through project financing, loans, and equity or quasi-equity investments, including equity funds and guarantees, and it partners with private entities to invest across sectors such as banking, energy, manufacturing, infrastructure, information technology, and services. The bank also helps publicly owned entities privatize and restructure municipal services and engages in policy reform dialogue and advisory services, along with trade finance and loan syndication. Founded in 1990 and headquartered in London, it operates across regions including Southeastern and Central Europe, the Baltic States, Eastern Europe and the Caucasus, Central Asia, and parts of the Middle East and Africa, aiming to foster market-oriented change and private sector development by mobilizing capital for sustainable investments. It has invested more than €130 billion in over 5,200 projects.
Astanor Ventures is a venture capital firm dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs who are innovating in the food, marine, and agriculture sectors. The firm focuses on technology-driven companies that aim to transform the agri-food value chain, utilizing disruptive technologies to foster a future of food that is nourishing, regenerative, and sustainable. Astanor Ventures combines its capital with extensive sector expertise and a robust network that includes entrepreneurs, impact investors, technologists, scientists, farmers, chefs, policymakers, and food enthusiasts. This collaborative approach is designed to cultivate a food system that is not only trusted and scalable but also emphasizes quality and environmental responsibility.
Fall Line Capital is a private equity firm based in San Mateo, California, founded in 2011. It targets investments in farmland and agricultural technologies in the United States, acquiring and actively managing broadacre farmland while pursuing technology companies whose products support its landholdings. The firm focuses on realizing productivity gains from farmland and deploying tech-enabled solutions across the agricultural sector.
Trailhead Capital is a venture capital firm based in Boulder, Colorado, established in 2017. The firm focuses on later-stage venture capital and early growth equity investments, primarily targeting companies in the agriculture and agriculture technology sectors. Additionally, Trailhead Capital explores opportunities in commodities and grains trading, as well as alternative investments related to land and agriculture ventures.
Acre Venture Partners is a Santa Monica, California-based venture capital firm founded in 2016 that backs companies redefining the food system. It invests in platform businesses across the food value chain, with emphasis on agriculture, food tech, climate tech, and consumer verticals. The firm seeks disruptive ventures that address large-scale human and environmental health problems by delivering scalable, systemic improvements in food and agriculture.
Advantage Capital Partners is a United States–based venture capital firm established in 1992 that provides equity and debt investments to small and growth-stage companies, with a focus on underserved communities and state and local economic development. The firm targets sectors including information technology, manufacturing, business services, healthcare, life sciences, energy, agribusiness, and related industries, and also supports real estate development and affordable housing initiatives. It typically makes initial investments between 0.5 million and 10 million and can participate in larger rounds based on milestones; it often co-invests with other investors. Capital offerings include senior debt, mezzanine debt, subordinated loans, and government-guaranteed lending, with instruments such as preferred equity or convertible debt. Advantage Capital operates nationwide in the United States, maintaining offices in multiple cities and focusing on communities underserved by traditional risk capital to drive economic development and job growth.
Acumen is a nonprofit organization established in 2001 and based in New York City, with additional offices in Mumbai, Nairobi, Karachi, and Accra. The organization is dedicated to poverty eradication by raising charitable funds to invest in early-stage companies that provide essential services such as clean energy, healthcare, education, agricultural inputs, formal housing, and safe drinking water to low-income communities. Acumen has made significant investments totaling $128 million in 128 companies across 14 countries, impacting the lives of over 308 million individuals. The organization collaborates with notable partners, including the Rockefeller Foundation, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Google.org, to address critical challenges faced by underserved populations.
Continental Grain Company, founded in 1813 and based in New York, is a prominent privately held firm specializing in the food and agriculture sectors. The company initially started as a grain trading business in Arlon, Belgium, and has since expanded its operations to include diversified investment activities focused on protein-based businesses. By partnering with exceptional management teams, Continental Grain seeks to create long-term value and pursue strategic growth opportunities worldwide. Its investment groups, including CGC Ventures and a middle market investment division, enable the company to explore new avenues for growth within the global food and agriculture landscape. With a strong entrepreneurial legacy and a commitment to financial success, Continental Grain Company aims to positively impact its employees and business partners.
Founded in 1865, Cargill is a global company that produces and markets food, agricultural, financial, and industrial products. With operations in over 70 countries and employing around 155,000 people, Cargill serves customers worldwide by offering collaboration, innovation, and expertise to help meet economic, environmental, and social challenges.
Rockstart is an early-stage accelerator and impact investor based in Amsterdam with international reach, founded in 2011. It supports purpose-driven founders building in energy, health, agrifood, and emerging technologies by providing capital, hands-on mentorship, and access to a global network of co-investors, mentors, partners, and corporates. The firm operates across Amsterdam, Copenhagen, and Bogota, and maintains a team of professionals who help startups scale, connect to markets, and navigate funding rounds. Rockstart has backed more than 350 startups, with a focus on generating positive social or environmental impact while achieving growth.
500 Global, established in 2010, is a global venture capital firm with over $2.4 billion in assets under management. Based in Mountain View, California, with offices worldwide, the firm invests in early-stage technology companies across 80+ countries. 500 Global focuses on markets where technology and innovation can drive long-term value and economic growth. The firm's investment portfolio spans diverse sectors such as biotech, fintech, internet, and consumer services, with a preference for companies generating at least $100,000 in monthly revenue. 500 Global offers a four-month accelerator program, providing startups with funding, mentorship, and connections to renowned investors. The firm has invested in over 2,800 companies, including 35 unicorns, and has a team of over 190 members based in 25 countries.
Incofin Investment Management is an Antwerp-based impact investment firm focused on financial inclusion in developing countries. The company supports rural and agricultural sectors by investing in microfinance institutions and related financial services through debt, equity and guarantees, often taking minority positions and participating on MFIs' boards to guide growth. It also funds microfinance-focused investment funds and private equity vehicles, aiming to reach the rural poor, smallholder farmers, and other actors along agricultural value chains. The firm operates globally, with activity in Africa, Asia, Latin America and beyond, and emphasizes sustainable returns alongside social impact.
Founded in 2010, Sahel Capital is a private equity firm focused on investing in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the agriculture, agribusiness, manufacturing, and consumer goods sectors across West Africa. The firm prefers early-stage investments where management teams have proven sector expertise, typically investing between $0.5 million to $5 million. Sahel Capital employs quasi-equity instruments alongside commercial equity and debt financing, often taking minority stakes and board memberships in portfolio companies.
OurCrowd, established in 2013, is a global venture investing platform headquartered in Israel. It specializes in connecting accredited investors with curated, high-quality early-stage companies across various sectors, including healthcare, technology, energy, and transportation. OurCrowd invests in and supports its portfolio companies throughout their lifecycle, providing mentorship, industry connections, and follow-on funding opportunities. It is the most active venture investor in Israel and has a strong presence in the United States and other global markets.