Tl;dr: Germin8 Ventures had a ‘bruising’ year in venture capital, with a decline in funding but a focus on frontier science and computation.
In 2023, agrifoodtech represented just 5.5% of all venture capital sector dollars, down from previous years, despite the industry’s importance. Michael Lavin, managing partner at Germin8 Ventures, discussed the current down cycle, the type of funding opportunities available, and the future of agrifoodtech in venture capital.
Lavin highlighted the differences in investing in agrifoodtech compared to other sectors, such as the need for patience due to long development cycles and regulatory barriers. He also noted the importance of investing in purpose-driven technologies that solve significant problems elegantly.
While the lack of exits in the sector is a concern for investors, Lavin remains optimistic about the landscape maturing. Germin8 Ventures is focusing on frontier science and computation, targeting breakthrough technologies that have a positive impact on the food and agricultural system.
The company has invested in AI companies like Matterworks, showcasing its commitment to diversifying its portfolio and managing a proper balance for potential returns. Overall, despite challenges in venture capital funding, Germin8 Ventures remains dedicated to supporting innovation in the agrifoodtech sector.
