Agtech CoFounder - CEO/COO - Project

Founders Factory builds and funds startups together with exceptional entrepreneurs and the world’s leading companies. Created by IPO-exited founders, we offer founders capital, operational support from a team of hands-on experts, and unrivalled access to a coalition of industry-leading corporate partners. Since 2015, our 300+ portfolio companies have raised $800mm follow-on funding from a roster of notable investors.

Our Studio partners with entrepreneurs on day one, developing new ideas, technologies and business models into high growth companies. Together with Nesta, the UK’s innovation agency for social good, we’re now creating ventures that deliver social impact by means of venture-backable scale. 

We’re looking for an experienced operator with entrepreneurial ambitions to take a new concept created and validated by our Venture Design team into the Build Phase. You will lead the venture as Founder & CEO with our investment and the full backing of Founders Factory. 

The Problem:

What we eat - its price, availability and nutritional value - is a product of the farming system that creates it. Our farming system is broken. ‘Conventional’ farming practices, such as the intensive use of agrochemicals, are driving negative outcomes for both our health and the environment. 

There is a growing movement to transition towards regenerative farming practices that protect nature, improve health, fight climate change and build national food security. 72% of UK farmers are looking to use, or being pushed by retailers, regulation and rising costs, to use some regenerative techniques. But there are major barriers to transition to regen ag:

1 - Capital: Requires upfront capital (working and infrastructure) to manage the 3-5 yrs  transition but traditional loans not appropriate.

2 - Knowledge: Farmers need support in knowing how to transition from conventional farming to regenerative practices. 

Data sits at the core of regen farming, but currently exists in a siloed and analogue format. Farmers monitor soil health to understand fertility, crop rotations and to maximise yields. These data sets correlate with the data sets used for credits, financing and evidencing provenance. By digitising the data we can reduce the admin burden for farmers and unlock new revenue streams by selling nature credits to organisations looking to offset their environmental impact. Ultimately making farming more profitable in the long run whilst having a positive impact on health and the environment.

The Solution: