Anterra Capital, a specialist venture firm that backs the entrepreneurs who are transforming the global food system, today announced a $75 million extension to its fund. The total of the fund is now $200 million.
Anterra invests in companies bringing proven science and technology breakthroughs into the global food system.
“The global food system is the largest employer in the world, has the greatest impact on the environment, and represents a massive portion of consumer spend. The value of innovation within it cannot be ignored,” said Adam Anders, Managing Partner of Anterra Capital. “We extended the fund to capitalize on this overlooked but incredible opportunity and to expand our team.”
Anterra has begun investing the new monies with previously unannounced investments including Agriconomie, a marketplace for farmers and their suppliers, and Voltea, a water technology company capable of desalinating water in applications from the farm to consumers’ homes. Anterra also founded Enko Chem, a company discovering novel crop protection chemicals. Enko Chem is led by Anterra venture partner Jacqueline Heard with Tom Meade, formerly Dow AgroSciences global seeds discovery research leader, recently joining as CSO.
“Anterra has brought invaluable new agriculture connections to our company and also an international perspective to our business,” said Paolin Pascot, CEO and co-founder of Agriconomie. “They have also supported us in setting up a farmer finance product for our ag inputs marketplace.”
With this announcement, Axel Wehr and Dan Harburg join the firm as investment professionals focusing on software, digital commerce, robotics and automation. Before joining Anterra, Axel spent 5 years at Bain Capital Private Equity and then was a partner at Firestartr, a London based seed-stage investment firm. Dan previously ran business development at a venture-backed agtech robotics company and holds a PhD in this field.
Anterra also welcomes Michelle Haven and Juergen Horn to the team as special advisors, with a focus on animal health. Michelle has been a leader in the animal health industry for over 20 years, most recently as the senior vice president of corporate development, strategic alliances and solutions at Zoetis. Juergen has over 15 years of sector experience having held senior executive positions at Nexvet Biopharma, Novartis Animal Health and Elanco.
“Building world class companies requires world class talent,” said Philip Austin, partner and co-founder of Anterra Capital. “We are thrilled that Anterra continues to be a destination for industry experts as they seek to engage with the emerging food and agriculture start-up community and launch their own businesses.”
Backed by Rabobank and Eight Roads, Anterra provides patient venture capital, a global network of investors and corporate partners, and deep sector expertise across the food value chain.
To learn more, please visit http://www.anterracapital.com.
About Anterra Capital
Anterra Capital is a specialist venture firm. We back the entrepreneurs who are transforming the global food system.
There is an overlooked but valuable opportunity in translating technology and science breakthroughs from other industries into our food system. Anterra provides patient venture capital, an international network of investors and corporate partners, and deep sector expertise across the food value chain.
Anterra is backed by Rabobank, the world leading food and agriculture bank, and Eight Roads, the proprietary investment division of Fidelity International Limited. The firm has offices in Amsterdam and Boston.
To learn more, please visit: http://www.anterracapital.com.
