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GROW Impact Accelerator Invites Applications From Startups Fostering Food Sustainability
This is a unique opportunity for startups operating in new frontiers of foodtech and agtech to supercharge their growth by tapping into a global network with GROW as their gateway to Asia and the world
January 19, 2021
GROW is based in Singapore, at the heart of Asia Pacific. Image credit: lena_serditova / iStock
GROW, the impact venture builder backed by AgFunder, is now accepting applications for its 2021 Impact Accelerator program. This is a unique opportunity for startups operating in new frontiers of foodtech and agtech to supercharge their growth by tapping into a global network with GROW as their gateway to Asia and the world.
This program marks the GROW Impact Accelerator’s second cohort, backed by AgFunder’s GROW Impact Fund. It will include bespoke coaching, mentor support, expert sessions, peer learning, and access to AgFunder’s unrivaled industry network to help businesses scale aggressively into new markets around the world. Successful applicants will receive US$200,000 in cash and in-kind investment on founder-friendly terms.
Agrifood is the sector where impact investors expect to increase their allocation the most over the next five years, according to the Global Impact Investing Network’s 2020 investor survey. Startups participating in the GROW Impact Accelerator will be given the tools to implement ESG principles and to track how their technology solutions help bring positive impact to people, place, and planet. We deliver a complete program that will provide access to experts, partners, potential customers, and impact-focused investors.
Last year, GROW ran its Singapore Food Bowl program, focused on accelerating early-stage startups that can contribute to local food security. Find out more here
Established to advance sustainability in the agrifood system through its support of extraordinary founders, GROW has designed the GROW Impact Accelerator program to propel not just commercial growth for participating startups, but personal growth for the entrepreneurs behind them. As venture capital investors we are in pursuit of profit, but GROW will also imbue in its alumni an ethos of doing well by doing good; one that will remain with them long after the program has finished.
The GROW Impact Accelerator is based in Singapore but will be conducted as a fully virtual program until international travel resumes. Applicants should have an MVP, be well on the way to establishing product-market fit, and should be operating in at least one market. Our interests stretch end-to-end across the agrifood value chain with a focus on technologies that allow for scalability while delivering on impact creation.
Invest with Impact. Click here.
Areas of particular interest for our 2021 intake include (but are not limited to):
Biotech and digitalization to advance sustainable agriculture;
Circular economies (eg, sustainable materials and closed-loop production systems);
Climate-smart agriculture and aquaculture (technologies for carbon emissions reduction, regenerative agriculture, water use);
Alternative proteins, innovative foods, and novel ingredients;
Food waste valorization;
Supply chain rationalization;
Technologies to support smallholder farmers (eg, robotics, decision support, chemical reduction, financial inclusion).
To encourage as diverse and representative a cohort as possible, GROW is especially interested in receiving applications from teams with at least one female founder.
You can find more detailed information and apply here.
Applications close on 28 February at 23:59 GMT+8.
"AGrowth AgTech Accelerator - 12 week programme"
The AGrowth Accelerator is a 12-week programme supporting innovative and scalable AgTech companies, from late seed through Series B stage. This programme focuses on delivering breakthrough innovations and technologies to impact the future of farming
The AGrowth accelerator programme is a 12-week programme commissioned by National Innovation Agency (NIA) and powered by Nest. Aimed at innovative and scalable AgTech startups, this accelerator programme supports startups and entrepreneurs from around the globe in delivering breakthrough innovations and technologies in AgTech to make an impact on the future of farming.
We are seeking AgTech companies that have established product-market fit and have
developed innovative solutions addressing the following areas:
Data transparency and analytics: data capture and analysis tools to maximise productivity
Automation & digitisation: technologies that can help reduce manual processes and increase efficiency
Logistics and supply chain visibility: platforms that create price transparency and visibility of logistic options and provide alternatives to incumbent solutions
New market identification and access: tools and platforms enabling farmers to access new buyers / markets
Urban agriculture: technologies to enable the creation of self-sustaining ecosystems in city environments, including but not limited to vertical and indoor farming
AGrowth Accelerator participants will be guided through their business growth and development with the help of business mentoring from NIA and Nest, as well as two leading corporates. It’s a great opportunity to establish a foothold in Thailand, or to expand your existing presence in the region through commercial partnerships.
The selected startups can expect a highly supportive and collaborative environment, with an opportunity to pitch their solutions. If chosen for the programme, startups will:
Be immersed in the innovation ecosystem in Thailand and establish a foothold to build a broader network in Asia as a foundation for future expansion
Be guided through a 12-week structured process working towards a potential PoC and possible commercial integration opportunities with two corporate sponsors
Gain exposure to business leaders and receive mentorship opportunities
Receive access to a network of investors as well as investment advice from Nest,
with the chance to pitch to investors at a demo day
Access customer insights regionally and internationally
Receive one round-trip flight as well as accommodations for the duration of the time
spent in Bangkok, Thailand