The51 Food and AdTech GP raises C$30m for new agtech fund

• The fund’s target is C$50 million
• Other investors included family foundations and offices, and several individual accredited investors from agribusiness, farming and industry backgrounds
• Based in Calgary, The51 Food and AgTech GP is a women-led venture capital firm

The51 Food and AgTech GP, a Canadian venture capital firm, has raised C$30 million for a new fund to invest in diverse founders of early-stage companies in the agricultural technology sector. The vehicle’s target is C$50 million.

The fund’s limited partners include Farm Credit Canada, Alberta Enterprise Corp and National Bank of Canada. Other backers included family foundations and offices, and several individual accredited investors from agribusiness, farming and industry backgrounds.

“We are in the midst of several seismic events that are defining the world we live in. COVID-19 aftershocks, the conflict between two agricultural superpowers and climate change are affecting the world’s food supply.” said Alison Sunstrum, managing general partner of The51 Food and AgTech Fund, in a statement. “Investing in agricultural technology will enhance productivity, reduce waste, mitigate climate change and create new markets and job opportunities.”

Based in Calgary, The51 Food and AgTech GP is a women-led venture capital firm. The fund will be overseen by Sunstrum, Judy Fairburn and Shelley Kuipers.