Key Takeaways:
- Hatcher+ and Mandalay Venture Partners have formed a strategic partnership focused on supporting agrifood tech startups.
- The partnership combines Hatcher+’s AI-driven FAAST™ platform with Mandalay’s agrifood sector expertise.
- The first joint investment is in Cropify, an Australian AI-powered grain grading company.
- The collaboration aims to foster innovation across the food supply chain, from farm technologies to point-of-sale advancements.
Hatcher+ and Mandalay Venture Partners Collaborate on Agrifood Tech
Hatcher+, a globally recognized venture capital firm known for its data-driven approach, has partnered with Mandalay Venture Partners, an Australian firm specializing in early-stage investments in agrifood technology. The collaboration is designed to identify and support startups developing innovative technologies to enhance food production, distribution, and consumption.
Combining AI and Industry Expertise
The partnership will leverage Hatcher+’s advanced FAAST™ (Funds as a Service Technology) platform, which uses artificial intelligence to guide investment decisions, alongside Mandalay Venture Partners’ extensive knowledge and network within the agrifood sector. This combination aims to accelerate the growth of startups focused on a wide range of solutions, including on-farm technologies, farm gate innovations, supply chain efficiencies, and advancements at the point of sale.
John Sharp, Managing Partner at Hatcher+, commented on the collaboration, stating that the integration of Hatcher+’s AI technology with Mandalay’s sector-specific expertise provides robust support for startups, offering them the necessary resources, knowledge, and network to succeed.
Initial Investment: Cropify
The first investment under this partnership has been made in Cropify, an Australian company that utilizes artificial intelligence to improve the accuracy and efficiency of grain grading. Cropify’s technology enables precise, repeatable grading of pulse samples, which is beneficial to growers, grain bulk handlers, and marketers. The system is designed to enhance efficiency across the grain sector, reduce CO2 emissions, and decrease plastic usage, potentially leading to significant cost savings.
Focus on Global Challenges
Hatcher+ and Mandalay Venture Partners have expressed that their collaboration is driven by a shared interest in addressing key global challenges, including food security, climate change, and resource scarcity. By fostering innovation within the agrifood sector, the partnership aims to contribute to more sustainable practices and advancements across the global food supply chain.
Mark Gustowski, Managing Partner at Mandalay Venture Partners, highlighted the importance of supporting agrifood tech startups in addressing these challenges. He noted that the partnership with Hatcher+ enhances their ability to back innovators with the potential to impact the global food system positively.
