• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Calgary.Tech

Calgary.Tech

 
 
  • Home
  • News
  • Events
  • Interviews
  • Thought Leaders
  • Techtalent.ca
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

The51 Secures $30 Million for Fund Targeting Innovative Ag-Tech

April 28, 2023 by Knowlton Thomas Leave a Comment

The51 Food and AgTech GP announced today the closing of $30 Million for a fund targeting Pre-Seed to Series A investments in founders pioneering food and agriculture technologies.

Lead Investor Farm Credit Canada was joined by Alberta Enterprise Corporation and National Bank of Canada, family foundations and offices, and individual accredited investors from agri-business, farming, and industry backgrounds.

“We are in the midst of several seismic events that are defining the world we live in,” says Alison Sunstrum, Managing General Partner of The51 Food and AgTech Fund. She cites COVID-19 aftershocks, “conflict between two agricultural superpowers, and climate change are affecting the world’s food supply.”

Sunstrum believes that investing in agricultural technology “will enhance productivity, reduce waste, mitigate climate change, and create new markets and job opportunities.”

“We are at a crossroads where innovation may tip the scale to a net positive, food secure planet,” she posits.

Describing farmers as “stewards of the land for the next generation,” the backers behind The51 Food and AgTech Fund believe it is now necessary to be using technologies that increase efficiency, improve decision-making, and reduce cost.

“Our producers will be armed with the tools needed to feed the world’s growing population,” a statement released from The51 Food and AgTech General Partnership reads.

“The demand on the agriculture and food industry is growing quickly and we need to meet the need with new ideas, innovations and technology,” affirms Rebbecca Clarke, vice-president of FCC Venture Capital and a fund partner. “This fund will accelerate our ability to get those new, transformational technologies to Canadian producers.”

The51 Food and AgTech Fund I is aiming for a total capital size of $50 million.

The Calgary company’s team of former founders, operators, and engineers intend to provide guidance and support to visionary founders. Meanwhile, The51’s expansive community connects entrepreneurs with domain knowledge, talent, and resources.

The ultimate goal, according to the women-led organization, is to cultivate a sustainable future for our planet.

“We look forward to what the future holds,” Clarke said.

The51 has invested in an array of Alberta firms already, including Calgary construction tech startup Mercator AI, which secured an oversubscribed seed round in March.

Filed Under: News Tagged With: Alberta Enterprise, The51

About Knowlton Thomas

Knowlton Thomas is Editor-in-Chief of The Midway Advance and Senior Writer for Calgary.tech. Over more than a decade of journalism, he has penned thousands of articles and dozens of essays on technology, health, and culture across a variety of publications.

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

 
 

Stay Connected

  • LinkedIn
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Community Partners

Bulletin Board

Get Connected at Startup Grind Calgary’s LinkedIn Powerhouse

Startup Grind Calgary is hosting LinkedIn … [Read More...] about Get Connected at Startup Grind Calgary’s LinkedIn Powerhouse

Learn the Basics of Tech Startups with Platform’s Startup 101

If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, have a … [Read More...] about Learn the Basics of Tech Startups with Platform’s Startup 101

Foresight 50 Applications Open Until June 30th

Foresight Canada is now accepting applications for … [Read More...] about Foresight 50 Applications Open Until June 30th

Energy Meets AI: Calgary Breakfast Gathers Leaders to Shape Alberta’s Digital Future

A select group of senior executives from Alberta’s … [Read More...] about Energy Meets AI: Calgary Breakfast Gathers Leaders to Shape Alberta’s Digital Future

WCD to Host Leadership Lunch in Calgary on AI-Driven Back-Office Innovation

Calgary business leaders are invited to a special … [Read More...] about WCD to Host Leadership Lunch in Calgary on AI-Driven Back-Office Innovation

Copyright © 2025 Incubate Ventures | Techtalent.ca · Techcouver.com · Decoder.ca · Fintech.ca · CleanEnergy.ca | Privacy