Money doesn’t grow on trees – or in the soil or in glasshouses…..but at our annual Focus on Finance event you’ll find out where money is available to advance your agri-tech innovation.
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.
So there is money out there – but how can you access it?
From non-dilutive grant funding, to angel, VC 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.
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
· “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 grants are available for R&D, infrastructure and business growth, and how do I maximise my chance of a successful application?
· 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.
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
Event Agenda:
12:30 - 13:20 - Arrive and registration. Networking buffet lunch
13:20 - 13:25 - Welcome and Introduction
13:25 - 13:40 - Grant funding
James Phillips, Head of Translation and Innovation Capability at BBSRC
13:40 - 13:55 - Public and Non-Dilutive Finance – From Concept to Commercial Reality
Stella Peace, Executive Director, Healthy Living and Agriculture, Innovate UK
13:55 - 14:10 - Presenting to angel investors
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).
14:10 - 14:25 - Accessing Private Equity – Engaging with VCs
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.
14:25 - 14:45 - Coffee break
14:45 - 15:00 - Debt Finance – your bank in the investment cycle
Daniel Elliott, Relationship Director for Barclays Agriculture
15:00 - 15:15 - Asset Finance – An alternative model
Aron Lewis, Relationship Director, Lombard Asset Finance
15:15 - 15:45 - Panel discussion followed by Q&A
15:45 - 16:30 - Networking
26th March 2024, 17:00 - Event Close
