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Agriculture has long been the backbone of global food systems, but with climate change, environmental pressures, and shifting societal needs, the industry faces new challenges every day.
Recognizing this critical moment, Kagome and SVG Ventures have announced the formation of the Sunrise Agri Fund, a $50 million corporate venture capital (CVC) fund aimed at addressing these agricultural and sustainability challenges.
Kagome, a global leader in sustainable agriculture, is partnering with Silicon Valley-based SVG Ventures, an expert in agri-food innovation and investments, to launch this initiative.
Together, they aim to foster new technologies and solutions that will help transform the agricultural landscape, ensuring both economic competitiveness and environmental sustainability.
Kagome has a rich history dating back to 1899, starting as a small business in Japan with a strong focus on agriculture, particularly tomato-based products.
Over the years, the company has expanded its operations globally, becoming a leader in sustainable farming practices and food production.
Kagome’s vertically integrated approach, which spans from field to table, reflects their commitment to producing high-quality, nutritious food while addressing the growing environmental and societal challenges facing the agriculture industry.
Yet, despite its strong foundation, Kagome has not been immune to the increasing pressures facing global agriculture. Climate change, in particular, poses significant threats to farming, with extreme weather events such as heat waves, droughts, and the spread of crop diseases becoming more frequent.
These issues are disrupting the agricultural value chain that Kagome has built over more than a century. To maintain its growth and continue to meet the needs of consumers worldwide, the company realizes the importance of embracing innovation and collaboration.
SVG Ventures, based in Silicon Valley, is a prominent name in the world of agri-tech and food innovation. Through their THRIVE platform, SVG Ventures has been at the forefront of accelerating the development of agri-food technologies, working closely with startups, investors, and large corporations.
Their mission is to solve the critical issues facing the food and agriculture industries by providing startups with the tools, networks, and capital they need to scale globally.
With a community of over 10,000 startups spanning more than 100 countries, SVG Ventures has cultivated an ecosystem of innovation.
"We are thrilled to partner with Kagome to establish the Sunrise Agri Fund, which will serve as a catalyst for innovation in the agricultural sector.
By leveraging Kagome’s rich history and expertise, alongside our experience in accelerating and investing in agri-food technologies, we are confident that this collaboration will empower the next generation of startups to create sustainable solutions that will transform the agricultural value chain.
Together, we are not just investing in technology but in the future of food and farming worldwide." - John Hartnett, Founder & CEO SVG Ventures
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The Sunrise Agri Fund is set to be a game-changer in the agricultural sector. With $50 million under management and a 10-year investment horizon, the fund is designed to support early-stage startups that are developing cutting-edge agricultural technologies.
These investments will focus on startups that are pioneering sustainable solutions to the challenges facing agriculture today, such as developing drought- and heat-resistant crops, innovative cultivation technologies, and advanced food production systems.
The typical initial investment will range from $0.5 to $1.0 million, with additional reserves for follow-on investments, allowing promising startups to continue scaling their solutions.
This strategic approach not only provides these startups with the capital they need but also gives them access to Kagome’s extensive global network and expertise.
One of the driving forces behind the Sunrise Agri Fund is the recognition that the agricultural industry is facing a period of imbalance between the agri-environment and technology.
Climate change, resource depletion, and population growth are straining traditional farming methods, and it is clear that innovative solutions are necessary to ensure the sustainability of global food systems.
“At Kagome, it must be said that our agri-food industry has faced increasingly difficult circumstances in recent years. There appears to be an imbalance between the agri-environment and technology.
History has shown that innovation often arises during such periods of imbalance. We believe that innovation is key to overcoming the significant challenges facing global agriculture today.
Our partnership with SVG Ventures and the creation of the Sunrise Agri Venture Fund is a testament to our commitment to driving sustainable solutions that will not only strengthen our company activities but also benefit the broader agricultural community and its stakeholders.
By investing in and collaborating with forward-thinking startups, we are taking proactive steps to address the impacts of climate change and ensure the future resilience of food systems worldwide” - Mr Hiroyuki Ueda, Kagome Global Agri Research & Business Center.
The partnership between Kagome and SVG Ventures will focus on addressing some of the most pressing issues in agriculture today, including the development of crops that can thrive in extreme climates and technologies that optimize water and soil usage.
These solutions will not only help farmers deal with the impacts of climate change but also contribute to the resilience of global food systems.
The Sunrise Agri Fund will not only provide financial support to startups but also offer them access to Kagome’s vast agricultural expertise and global infrastructure.
This unique combination of capital and hands-on support is designed to empower entrepreneurs to develop solutions that address the most critical challenges in agriculture today.
By investing in these forward-thinking startups, Kagome and SVG Ventures are not just focusing on technology; they are investing in the future of food.
Their goal is to create a more resilient, sustainable agricultural value chain that can meet the needs of a growing global population while minimizing the impact on the environment.
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