Calling all entrepreneurs and startups who are developing innovative solutions in food, agtech and agriculture! Apply today for the 2023 AgSharks® Competition, a challenge where startup companies compete for the chance to win a minimum of $250,000 in investment capital and potential access to farm acreage to support the development and growth of their businesses.
A recap of the 4th Annual Western Growers/S2G Ventures AgSharks® Competition, where five start-ups vied for $250,000 in investment capital to support the growth of their business. Ultimately, 3Bar Biologics walked away with the coveted prize as its living agricultural microbe products captured the judges’ imaginations (and S2G Venture’s pocketbook).
Western Growers and S2G Ventures have hosted AgSharks since 2017 to help budding agtech startups bring their inventions from development to market. This year, three finalists will be selected to pitch their ideas to a panel of AgSharks, consisting of venture capitalists and fresh produce growers, during the Western Growers Annual Meeting in Hawaii, November 12-15, 2023.
Potential to raise $250,000+ in capital*
- Present their solution to a room of 300+ growers and industry decision makers at the Western Growers Annual Meeting
- Potential access to farm acreage to pilot their technologies
- $500 travel reimbursement for AgSharks finalists
- Complimentary conference registration to Western Growers Annual Meeting (1 person), hotel accommodations at host hotel (2 nights)
AgSharks is a partnership between S2G Ventures and Western Growers to identify key innovations in the fresh produce industry and support agtech startups in bringing their technology to market.
Founded in 1926, Western Growers (WG) represents local and regional family farmers growing fresh produce in Arizona, California, Colorado and New Mexico. WG members and their workers provide over half the nation's fresh fruits, vegetables and tree nuts, including nearly half of America's fresh organic produce. Some members also farm throughout the U.S. and in other countries so people have year-round access to nutritious food. In December 2015, WG opened an agtech incubator—the Western Growers Center for Innovation & Technology—in Salinas, California, to provide startups with the resources and mentoring needed to get their companies and technologies up and running. The Center now houses more than 50 startups. For more information about Western Growers, visit wga.com.
Â
S2G Ventures, the direct investment team of Builders Vision, partners with entrepreneurs who are working on solutions to some of the world’s greatest challenges across the food, agriculture, oceans, and clean energy markets. We provide capital, mentorship, and value-added resources to companies pursuing innovative market-based solutions that generate positive social, environmental, and financial returns. We provide our partners with flexible capital solutions that can range from seed and venture funding through growth equity to debt and infrastructure financing. For more information about S2G, visit s2gventures.com.
