In a significant boost for agricultural innovation, ATB Financial and The51 Food and AgTech General Partners have announced the final close of The51 Food and AgTech Fund at $51 million.
This early-stage venture fund focuses on supporting diverse science and technology founders working to transform the agriculture sector. The milestone comes amid a challenging venture capital landscape, reflecting investor confidence in the Fund’s distinct vision and mission.
The51 Food & AgTech Fund is a joint venture of The51 and CNSRV-X, managed by NYA Ventures.
“We are pleased to participate in the final close of The51 Food and AgTech Fund,” said Curtis Stange, President and CEO of ATB Financial. “ATB’s investment reflects our steadfast commitment to fostering innovation in agriculture, a sector vital to Alberta’s economy, as well as empowering the next generation of AgTech entrepreneurs.”
Fund General Partners and The51 Co-Founders Shelley Kuipers and Judy Fairburn highlighted the importance of ATB’s involvement. “ATB Financial has a long history of supporting Alberta’s agriculture sector and economy. Their dedication to driving innovation aligns with our mission to create positive change in the AgTech sector.”
As global populations rise and environmental pressures intensify, the need for agricultural innovation is more urgent than ever. The51 Food and AgTech Fund aims to harness deep science and advanced technology to tackle these challenges, from improving crop yields and soil health to reducing environmental impacts and streamlining global food supply chains.
“Agriculture is not only one of the oldest industries but also one of the most essential,” said Alison Sunstrum, Managing Partner of The51 Food and AgTech Fund. “By investing in transformative technologies that optimize agricultural practices, we are creating a sustainable future for food production that is more resilient, efficient, and climate-conscious.”
The Fund differentiates itself with a leadership team skilled in founding and scaling cutting-edge technologies worldwide. Its investment strategy focuses on high-impact innovations in deep science and AgTech, emphasizing transformative impact, ingenuity, and execution.
“Our mission is to invest in exceptional talent and bold ideas,” said Sunstrum. “Women and founders from underrepresented backgrounds are proving to be among the best in class. By recognizing their potential early, we provide the capital, resources, and mentorship they need to succeed.”
Closing a fund of this magnitude in today’s economic climate highlights the Fund’s strong strategic focus on a sector with high growth potential and meaningful societal impact.
“This final close empowers The51 Food and AgTech Fund to accelerate the growth of early-stage companies revolutionizing agriculture,” said Sunstrum. “Leveraging technologies like AI, robotics, and biotechnology, these companies are poised to transform the industry. Our Fund is committed to delivering strong returns and measurable impact, ensuring these advancements benefit farmers and the communities they feed.”
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