Focus on Finance
The 2023 Agfunder report balanced a gloomy downturn in investment with a more positive narrative about the rising interest in agri-tech innovations to tackle the climate change challenge. While there was a drop in the overall numbers of deals globally, investment in farmer focussed innovations suffered much less of a decline than those developing food delivery and e-grocery services.
At all points across the agri-tech value chain - from frontier research through to on-farm adoption to technology R&D - there is funding for you. But how can you access it?
From non-dilutive public grant funding, to angel, venture capital and asset finance – there are many ways to get money into your business. The key is knowing what is right for you, at the right time in the evolution of your business, and who to talk to in order to maximise your chances of a successful outcome.
In our Funding Finder, you'll find a range of available funding calls, from farmer and grower focused grants from Defra, to interdisciplinary science funds, agriculture-focussed project calls, and region-specific net-zero and circular economy opportunities. This event will help you understand this public funding landscape, and the difference in mechanisms to private finance.
Key questions we'll be covering in the session include:
· What do investors REALLY want to see and hear? Hear some top tips and home truths
· What grants are available for R&D, farm implementation, and business growth, and how do I maximise my chance of a successful application?
· “My exciting company is going to be worth a lot of money in future – today’s valuation should reflect that, right?” (Spoiler alert: Not everyone might agree with you!)
· What is the role of grant funding – does it help leverage and de-risk additional private investment?
We’ll be hearing from those across the spectrum of finance available who want to meet people looking to grow their business – at whatever stage your business might be (scroll down for the full agenda).
Who should attend:
- Researchers and entrepreneurs seeking their first investments to establish proof of concept and feasibility
- Tech developers and business leaders needing finance to take their venture to the next level – early, mid or late
- Private investors (including angels, VCs, family offices)
- Representatives of grant-awarding bodies looking to help those who are raising money navigate the public funding landscape
Cost:
The event fee is £50 (excl VAT) which includes lunch, member discount applies at the bottom of the booking page according to your Membership Tier. Agri-TechE members will need to login or register for an account in order to access the member discount.
To find out more about becoming a member of Agri-TechE, please click here.
Please note the fee is non-refundable for cancellation within 5 working days of the event. Use the link on the top right of the event listing to book.
Basis CPD points will be available for attendees this event.
Agenda
Jared Brooks, Venture Capital Unit, Strategy and Investment Directorate
Department for Business and Trade
James Phillips, Head of Translation and Innovation Capability at BBSRC
James' team works to strengthen investment pathways for the translation of bioscience into economic and societal impact. James trained as a chemical engineer and has a broad background in science and technology. He has developed initiatives that have funded world-leading researchers from across the biosciences, including in human nutrition, animal health, and crop science for cereals and fresh produce.
Dr Stella Peace is Executive Director Healthy Living and Agriculture at Innovate UK.
She is a purpose driven leader who is passionate about the role of science and technology to create transformational innovations. Throughout her career, Stella has led diverse teams with technical expertise spanning the Life Sciences.
Stella’s business career started at Unilever where she drove development of innovations for global food brands. This included time living and working in Japan and France. Her final role was Vice President Science and Technology for Foods and Refreshment. Following her time at Unilever, Stella joined Nomad Foods to lead R&D and was Chief R&D and Quality Officer until 2023.
Dr Sean Butler, CEO, Cambridge Agritech
Sean co-founded Cambridge Agritech in 2016, and has led the company since then. His working background includes Shell, Nokia, and Imperial College, London. As well as CEO of Cambridge Agritech he is currently an Affiliated Lecturer in the Law Faculty, University of Cambridge; Emeritus Fellow at St Edmund's College, Cambridge; and co-Director of the Cambridge Centre for Animal Rights Law (a UK-based educational charity).
Dr Andrew Muir, Investment Director for Seed Investments at Future Planet Capital.
Andrew is responsible for managing the £102M UK Innovation and Science Seed Fund (UKI2S). He also chairs the investment committee for their Blue Ocean fund. Andrew has a particular interest at UKI2S on working across the portfolio of companies to drive our initiatives to add value to passionate entrepreneurs and scientists in a wide variety of sectors.
Aron Lewis, Relationship Director, Lombard Asset Finance
Paul Sullivan, Senior Manager in the UK Network for The British Business Bank.
The British Business Bank is the government-owned economic development bank dedicated to drive sustainable growth and prosperity across the UK, and to enable the transition to a net zero economy, by improving access to finance for smaller businesses. Paul’s role covering the East of England is to engage closely with business finance stakeholders in the region to help the Bank develop a deeper understanding of small business finance markets so that, ultimately, the Bank can improve its support enabling these businesses, wherever they are, to grow and prosper.
Paul previously worked for Lloyds Banking Group for over thirty four years, most recently as an Area Director, managing SME relationship teams across a variety of locations in East Anglia. These roles included running the Lloyds Agriculture Team for the East region. Paul has also been actively involved in mentoring start up smaller businesses and social enterprises.