Amsterdam has just witnessed a thrilling development in the sustainable agriculture sector. Rockstart, a leading global early-stage accelerator-VC, has launched its second AgriFood fund. This €50 million initiative marks a significant step forward in Rockstart’s journey to champion the transformation towards a regenerative and sustainable future. By launching AgriFood Fund II, Rockstart reinforces its commitment to being the first impact investor for startups at the nascent stage, demonstrating its long-term support and dedication.
The fund aims for a final closure at €50 million and plans to invest in up to 50 startups within the next five years. With the backing of significant players like The Export and Investment Fund of Denmark (EIFO), De Hoge Dennen, and Danish Agro, among others, the fund is well-positioned to make a substantial impact.
Rockstart’s AgriFood Fund II is the latest addition to its portfolio, following successful launches in AgriFood (2019), Energy (2020), and Emerging Tech (2022). The focus of this new fund is to support early-stage founders who are scaling impactful solutions by leveraging emerging technologies and new business models. These innovations are aimed at improving our food supply system at every stage, from soil and ocean health to enhancing the quality of our diets.
This fund is actively scouting for investments in startups that are developing regenerative solutions for our soils and oceans, making them efficient CO2 capture powerhouses. It’s also looking at responsible and circular innovations that reduce food loss and create value from waste, as well as quantifiable solutions and tools that offer consumers better access to nutritious and sustainable food.
Selected startups will receive an initial investment and gain access to Rockstart’s bespoke AgriFood accelerator program. This program, which runs twice a year during spring and autumn, is designed to prepare startups for their next stages of growth. It includes custom sessions on essential topics like fundraising, scaling, and ESG data collection, among others, to maximize the startups’ potential for long-term positive impact. Additionally, Rockstart AgriFood Fund II will continue to invest in its portfolio companies, following them through to series B rounds.
Rune Theill, the CEO and Co-Founder of Rockstart, highlights the company’s mission to empower purpose-driven founders globally. He emphasizes the importance of guiding startups through scaling phases and providing access to capital, especially in challenging markets. Rockstart’s commitment to fostering impactful collaborations with partners, mentors, and stakeholders is central to driving positive change across various domains.
Mark Durno, Managing Partner of AgriFood at Rockstart, sheds light on the fund’s alignment with EU climate and ESG targets. Rockstart has been dedicated to nurturing a regenerative and sustainable food system since 2017, investing in over 50 startups. The new fund is a continuation of this mission, backed by the trust and support of both existing and new investors. The involvement of organizations like EIFO, De Hoge Dennen, and Danish Agro has been instrumental in enabling progress within the sector.
Since its inception in 2019, Rockstart AgriFood Fund I has made significant investments in 50 ag and food tech startups, such as Orderlion, Beyond Leather Materials, Cordulus, and Reduced. These startups have collectively raised over €60 million since the fund’s initial investment, demonstrating the fund’s impact and success.
Rockstart’s funding network includes EIFO, family offices like De Hoge Dennen, large pension funds like APG, and corporates such as Arla Foods and Eneco. Over the years, Rockstart has also co-invested with major venture capitals, including Balderton, EQT, Endit, Astanor, Accel, SET Ventures, AgFunder, and ForwardOne, among others. This collaborative ecosystem showcases Rockstart’s integral role in fostering sustainable innovation.
In conclusion, Rockstart’s AgriFood Fund II is not just a financial venture; it’s a catalyst for a sustainable future. This initiative offers a platform for innovative startups to reshape our agricultural and food systems, paving the way towards a greener, more sustainable world.
