Grosvenor Food & AgTech

Wheatsheaf Group operates in the food and agriculture sectors, focusing on developing and investing in businesses that address the challenges posed by changing global food consumption patterns and increasing population demands. With the world's population projected to reach nearly 10 billion by 2050, global agricultural production must rise by approximately 70% to meet this demand. Wheatsheaf Group recognizes the need for a holistic approach to enhance yields, improve soil and nutrient efficiency, and minimize waste throughout the food production cycle. Employing over 2,500 people across 34 countries, the group leverages innovative technologies to provide sustainable, efficient solutions for producing healthy and nutritious food. Their objectives include delivering lasting commercial and social benefits through rigorous financial discipline and a commitment to making a positive impact on society, particularly in addressing the critical challenge of food provision in a way that promotes health and well-being while respecting natural resources.

Sylvio Petto Neto

Managing Director - Portfolio North America

Past deals in Agriculture

The Jackfruit Company

Series B in 2024
The Jackfruit Company, established in 2011 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, specializes in producing and distributing a variety of jackfruit-based snacks and frozen meals. Their product range includes smoked pulled jackfruit, jackfruit bowls in flavors like teriyaki, curry, and enchilada, along with other jackfruit products such as ripe jackfruit and naked jackfruit. The company's mission extends beyond its products; it aims to positively impact farmers' livelihoods by promoting under-recognized fruits like jackfruit and offering natural spice options for healthier everyday meals.

AgriWebb

Venture Round in 2024
AgriWebb, established in 2014 and headquartered in Sydney, Australia, specializes in developing and delivering comprehensive farm management software. Its flagship product, AgriWebb NoteBook, is a farm management and record-keeping application designed for the livestock production industry. The software enables real-time data collection, even offline, and offers features such as livestock action tracking, paddock treatment and crop recording, task management, inventory recording, and online access to data, reporting, and analytics. AgriWebb's founders, with a 5-generation livestock production background, aim to transform the industry by promoting data-driven decision-making and improving management efficiency, transparency, and benchmarking.

Oxbury

Funding Round in 2023
Oxbury is the United Kingdom's only specialist agricultural bank, dedicated solely to supporting the rural economy. The bank offers tailored lending solutions to farmers, addressing their unique financial needs for operational efficiency, especially during critical periods such as before and after harvests. In addition to lending, Oxbury provides savings accounts for individuals and businesses interested in investing in British agriculture. With a deep understanding of the agricultural sector, Oxbury engages directly with farmers to comprehend their challenges, allowing the bank to make informed and timely credit decisions. This focus enables farmers to minimize administrative burdens and concentrate on their core agricultural activities.

AeroFarms

Funding Round in 2023
AeroFarms is a pioneering company in indoor vertical farming, focused on redefining agriculture for a sustainable future. As a Certified B Corporation, it utilizes proprietary aeroponic technology to cultivate produce in a fully controlled indoor environment, using up to 95% less water and no pesticides. This innovative approach results in flavorful and nutritionally rich products, contributing to food safety and reduced environmental impact. Recognized for its industry leadership, AeroFarms has received accolades such as being listed among Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies and Fortune Magazine’s Change the World Company List. The company has successfully scaled its operations, providing its products in over 1,000 stores across the United States, and is committed to expanding its brand and technology globally. Through its mission to enhance food cultivation while prioritizing people and the planet, AeroFarms aims to cultivate a better future for humanity.

Vytelle

Series B in 2023
Vytelle, LLC is a biotechnology company focused on enhancing cattle genetics through advanced reproductive technology. Founded in 2015 and based in Hermiston, Oregon, Vytelle offers ovum pick-up and embryo production services specifically tailored for beef and dairy cows. The company employs a proprietary culture system for embryo development that does not utilize fetal calf serum, enabling the production of freezable embryos. This innovative approach allows commercial cattle producers to achieve sustainable genetic advancements over multiple generations. Vytelle collaborates with industry specialists and licensed veterinarians to optimize herd management and reproductive outcomes, positioning itself as a leader in precision livestock solutions.

AgriWebb

Series B in 2022
AgriWebb, established in 2014 and headquartered in Sydney, Australia, specializes in developing and delivering comprehensive farm management software. Its flagship product, AgriWebb NoteBook, is a farm management and record-keeping application designed for the livestock production industry. The software enables real-time data collection, even offline, and offers features such as livestock action tracking, paddock treatment and crop recording, task management, inventory recording, and online access to data, reporting, and analytics. AgriWebb's founders, with a 5-generation livestock production background, aim to transform the industry by promoting data-driven decision-making and improving management efficiency, transparency, and benchmarking.

Vestaron

Series C in 2022
Vestaron Corporation is a developer and manufacturer of peptide-based biologic crop protection products, designed to enhance the safety, efficacy, and sustainability of agricultural practices. Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Durham, North Carolina, with a research and development center in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Vestaron offers a range of bioinsecticides, including Spear-T for treating thrips in vegetables and ornamentals, Spear-Lep for fruits and field crops, and Leprotec for broader field use. The company is recognized for its commitment to addressing resistance issues in pests while ensuring safety for workers, beneficial organisms, and the environment. Vestaron has received several awards for its innovative biocontrol solutions, including the Bernard Blum Award and the Green Chemistry Challenge Award, reflecting its leadership in the field of sustainable agriculture.

Oxbury

Venture Round in 2022
Oxbury is the United Kingdom's only specialist agricultural bank, dedicated solely to supporting the rural economy. The bank offers tailored lending solutions to farmers, addressing their unique financial needs for operational efficiency, especially during critical periods such as before and after harvests. In addition to lending, Oxbury provides savings accounts for individuals and businesses interested in investing in British agriculture. With a deep understanding of the agricultural sector, Oxbury engages directly with farmers to comprehend their challenges, allowing the bank to make informed and timely credit decisions. This focus enables farmers to minimize administrative burdens and concentrate on their core agricultural activities.

Benson Hill

Private Equity Round in 2022
Benson Hill is an agricultural technology company that specializes in crop improvement and soy protein innovation. The company focuses on unlocking the natural genetic diversity of plants to develop healthier, more sustainable food and ingredients. Its proprietary CropOS platform leverages machine learning and big data alongside traditional breeding techniques to streamline and expedite the product development process. Benson Hill operates a Crop Accelerator designed for rapid prototyping and is actively developing a seed portfolio that includes protein ingredients, aquaculture, specialty animal feed, and vegetable oils. The company generates revenue from both proprietary and non-proprietary product categories, with proprietary revenue stemming from the sale of its unique bean varieties.

The Jackfruit Company

Series B in 2021
The Jackfruit Company, established in 2011 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, specializes in producing and distributing a variety of jackfruit-based snacks and frozen meals. Their product range includes smoked pulled jackfruit, jackfruit bowls in flavors like teriyaki, curry, and enchilada, along with other jackfruit products such as ripe jackfruit and naked jackfruit. The company's mission extends beyond its products; it aims to positively impact farmers' livelihoods by promoting under-recognized fruits like jackfruit and offering natural spice options for healthier everyday meals.

Smallhold

Series A in 2021
Smallhold, Inc. is a farming technology company based in Brooklyn, New York, that specializes in growing mushrooms using innovative methods. Established in 2017, Smallhold utilizes climate-controlled, do-it-yourself mini farms to cultivate a variety of mushrooms. The company partners with restaurants, grocery stores, and markets to distribute its produce, ensuring freshness and local availability. Smallhold's modular and automated growing systems allow food industry professionals to customize their produce based on specific business requirements, while also capturing extensive data to optimize growing conditions. By providing a reliable source of local produce, Smallhold bypasses the challenges posed by climatic changes and market fluctuations.

Vytelle

Series A in 2021
Vytelle, LLC is a biotechnology company focused on enhancing cattle genetics through advanced reproductive technology. Founded in 2015 and based in Hermiston, Oregon, Vytelle offers ovum pick-up and embryo production services specifically tailored for beef and dairy cows. The company employs a proprietary culture system for embryo development that does not utilize fetal calf serum, enabling the production of freezable embryos. This innovative approach allows commercial cattle producers to achieve sustainable genetic advancements over multiple generations. Vytelle collaborates with industry specialists and licensed veterinarians to optimize herd management and reproductive outcomes, positioning itself as a leader in precision livestock solutions.

AgriWebb

Series B in 2021
AgriWebb, established in 2014 and headquartered in Sydney, Australia, specializes in developing and delivering comprehensive farm management software. Its flagship product, AgriWebb NoteBook, is a farm management and record-keeping application designed for the livestock production industry. The software enables real-time data collection, even offline, and offers features such as livestock action tracking, paddock treatment and crop recording, task management, inventory recording, and online access to data, reporting, and analytics. AgriWebb's founders, with a 5-generation livestock production background, aim to transform the industry by promoting data-driven decision-making and improving management efficiency, transparency, and benchmarking.

Oxbury

Series C in 2021
Oxbury is the United Kingdom's only specialist agricultural bank, dedicated solely to supporting the rural economy. The bank offers tailored lending solutions to farmers, addressing their unique financial needs for operational efficiency, especially during critical periods such as before and after harvests. In addition to lending, Oxbury provides savings accounts for individuals and businesses interested in investing in British agriculture. With a deep understanding of the agricultural sector, Oxbury engages directly with farmers to comprehend their challenges, allowing the bank to make informed and timely credit decisions. This focus enables farmers to minimize administrative burdens and concentrate on their core agricultural activities.

Benson Hill

Series D in 2020
Benson Hill is an agricultural technology company that specializes in crop improvement and soy protein innovation. The company focuses on unlocking the natural genetic diversity of plants to develop healthier, more sustainable food and ingredients. Its proprietary CropOS platform leverages machine learning and big data alongside traditional breeding techniques to streamline and expedite the product development process. Benson Hill operates a Crop Accelerator designed for rapid prototyping and is actively developing a seed portfolio that includes protein ingredients, aquaculture, specialty animal feed, and vegetable oils. The company generates revenue from both proprietary and non-proprietary product categories, with proprietary revenue stemming from the sale of its unique bean varieties.

AeroFarms

Series E in 2019
AeroFarms is a pioneering company in indoor vertical farming, focused on redefining agriculture for a sustainable future. As a Certified B Corporation, it utilizes proprietary aeroponic technology to cultivate produce in a fully controlled indoor environment, using up to 95% less water and no pesticides. This innovative approach results in flavorful and nutritionally rich products, contributing to food safety and reduced environmental impact. Recognized for its industry leadership, AeroFarms has received accolades such as being listed among Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies and Fortune Magazine’s Change the World Company List. The company has successfully scaled its operations, providing its products in over 1,000 stores across the United States, and is committed to expanding its brand and technology globally. Through its mission to enhance food cultivation while prioritizing people and the planet, AeroFarms aims to cultivate a better future for humanity.

Enterra

Series B in 2018
Enterra Feed Corporation, based in Maple Ridge, Canada, focuses on the research, development, and production of renewable feed ingredients and organic fertilizers. The company utilizes a natural system that employs black soldier fly larvae to convert organic waste from various sources, including grocery stores and food manufacturers, into valuable products. Enterra provides whole dried larvae as a natural feed supplement suitable for a range of animals, including birds, fish, and reptiles. Additionally, it offers Enterra meal, a protein-rich powder for animal feed, and Enterra natural oil, a fat source that can be used in aquaculture and pet food. The company also produces organic fertilizers intended for local farmers and home gardening, promoting sustainable practices in food production. Founded in 2007, Enterra aims to enhance nutrient recovery from food waste while contributing to sustainable agriculture.

AgriWebb

Series A in 2018
AgriWebb, established in 2014 and headquartered in Sydney, Australia, specializes in developing and delivering comprehensive farm management software. Its flagship product, AgriWebb NoteBook, is a farm management and record-keeping application designed for the livestock production industry. The software enables real-time data collection, even offline, and offers features such as livestock action tracking, paddock treatment and crop recording, task management, inventory recording, and online access to data, reporting, and analytics. AgriWebb's founders, with a 5-generation livestock production background, aim to transform the industry by promoting data-driven decision-making and improving management efficiency, transparency, and benchmarking.

Vytelle

Debt Financing in 2018
Vytelle, LLC is a biotechnology company focused on enhancing cattle genetics through advanced reproductive technology. Founded in 2015 and based in Hermiston, Oregon, Vytelle offers ovum pick-up and embryo production services specifically tailored for beef and dairy cows. The company employs a proprietary culture system for embryo development that does not utilize fetal calf serum, enabling the production of freezable embryos. This innovative approach allows commercial cattle producers to achieve sustainable genetic advancements over multiple generations. Vytelle collaborates with industry specialists and licensed veterinarians to optimize herd management and reproductive outcomes, positioning itself as a leader in precision livestock solutions.

AeroFarms

Series D in 2017
AeroFarms is a pioneering company in indoor vertical farming, focused on redefining agriculture for a sustainable future. As a Certified B Corporation, it utilizes proprietary aeroponic technology to cultivate produce in a fully controlled indoor environment, using up to 95% less water and no pesticides. This innovative approach results in flavorful and nutritionally rich products, contributing to food safety and reduced environmental impact. Recognized for its industry leadership, AeroFarms has received accolades such as being listed among Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies and Fortune Magazine’s Change the World Company List. The company has successfully scaled its operations, providing its products in over 1,000 stores across the United States, and is committed to expanding its brand and technology globally. Through its mission to enhance food cultivation while prioritizing people and the planet, AeroFarms aims to cultivate a better future for humanity.

Shared-X

Series C in 2017
Shared-X is an impact farming company based in Santiago de Surco, Peru, founded in 2015. The company focuses on cultivating high-value crops such as pineapples, bananas, coffee, and cacao in Latin America. By utilizing advanced farming techniques and sustainable practices, Shared-X enhances agricultural productivity and aims to close the yield gap in the region. The organization collaborates with surrounding smallholder farmers, sharing its knowledge and resources to improve their crop yields and access to global markets. This partnership not only fosters economic stability for farmers but also promotes sustainable development within the agricultural ecosystem. Shared-X endeavors to uplift thousands of farmers from poverty while generating strong returns for investors through its commitment to organic and specialty product cultivation.

GrowSafe Systems

Private Equity Round in 2016
GrowSafe Systems, Ltd. is a Canadian company based in Airdrie that specializes in RFID-based automation solutions for the beef industry. The company develops advanced data acquisition technology that continuously monitors individual animal biometric data and environmental inputs on farms. Its offerings include systems for feed intake data, animal behavior monitoring, pasture supplement feeding, and pH data logging, complemented by software and database solutions. By utilizing edge analytics and predictive algorithms, GrowSafe analyzes millions of data points daily to enhance animal welfare and farm profitability. This technology allows users to monitor the health and performance of individual animals, assess market readiness, and identify animals in need of treatment, all with minimal human intervention.

AeroFarms

Series B in 2015
AeroFarms is a pioneering company in indoor vertical farming, focused on redefining agriculture for a sustainable future. As a Certified B Corporation, it utilizes proprietary aeroponic technology to cultivate produce in a fully controlled indoor environment, using up to 95% less water and no pesticides. This innovative approach results in flavorful and nutritionally rich products, contributing to food safety and reduced environmental impact. Recognized for its industry leadership, AeroFarms has received accolades such as being listed among Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies and Fortune Magazine’s Change the World Company List. The company has successfully scaled its operations, providing its products in over 1,000 stores across the United States, and is committed to expanding its brand and technology globally. Through its mission to enhance food cultivation while prioritizing people and the planet, AeroFarms aims to cultivate a better future for humanity.

FarmWizard

Acquisition in 2015
FarmWizard is a provider of cloud-based agricultural software designed to enhance the management of farm resources within livestock supply chains. The company has developed a suite of web-based solutions that can be quickly implemented without the need for new software, hardware, or database creation. Its software integrates various data sources, allowing farmers to access complete herd records instantly via smartphone. This functionality benefits multiple stakeholders, including milk recording companies, beef processors, and equipment manufacturers, by reducing the time lost on manual data entry.

AKVA Group

Private Equity Round in 2015
AKVA Group is a technology and service provider in the aquaculture industry, specializing in the design and manufacturing of a wide range of products. The company operates through three main segments: Sea-Based Technology, which includes feed barges, fish farming cages, feed systems, nets, sensors, and remotely operated vehicles; Digital Technology, which features software solutions such as FishtalkTM for production control and planning; and Land-Based Technology, which focuses on recirculation systems that clean and restore water quality for fish farming. With a strong emphasis on research and development, AKVA Group aims to deliver innovative and effective solutions to meet the evolving needs of its customers in the aquaculture sector.

Enterra

Venture Round in 2014
Enterra Feed Corporation, based in Maple Ridge, Canada, focuses on the research, development, and production of renewable feed ingredients and organic fertilizers. The company utilizes a natural system that employs black soldier fly larvae to convert organic waste from various sources, including grocery stores and food manufacturers, into valuable products. Enterra provides whole dried larvae as a natural feed supplement suitable for a range of animals, including birds, fish, and reptiles. Additionally, it offers Enterra meal, a protein-rich powder for animal feed, and Enterra natural oil, a fat source that can be used in aquaculture and pet food. The company also produces organic fertilizers intended for local farmers and home gardening, promoting sustainable practices in food production. Founded in 2007, Enterra aims to enhance nutrient recovery from food waste while contributing to sustainable agriculture.

Tatra Forest Slovakia

Venture Round in 2012
Tatra Forest Slovakia, s.r.o., established in 2008 and located in Liptovský Mikuláš, Slovakia, operates a bio-farm dedicated to producing organic products. The company specializes in the production of organic milk and cheese, as well as a variety of herbs. Its agricultural practices include rearing cows and sheep, alongside the cultivation of medicinal plants, which contribute to the production of bio-compost and other organic goods. Tatra Forest Slovakia is committed to sustainable farming and the development of high-quality organic products.
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