Serra Ventures Partners with Grondex International To Establish A Food & Ag Tech Fund

Key Takeaways

1. New Partnership Formed: Serra Ventures, LLC has partnered with Grondex International, B.V. to establish the Serra-Grondex Food & Ag Tech Fund II, LP.
2. Experienced Leadership: The partnership combines the expertise of Grondex directors Joost Pennings and Peter Prins with the Serra Ventures managing partners Tim Hoerr, Dennis Beard, and Rob Schultz.
3. Focus on Agriculture and Finance: This collaboration unites significant experience in agriculture, finance, and venture capital, particularly in the food and ag technology sectors.
4. Global Reach and Strategy: The partnership aims to leverage the global perspective and insights of Grondex, especially in Europe’s regenerative farming sector, to address challenges in the food and agriculture industry.
5. Commitment to Sustainable Solutions: Both firms emphasize their goal of fostering regenerative solutions in the agriculture and food tech sectors, focusing on startup growth that benefits the economy and the planet.

Serra Ventures and Grondex International Partner to Launch Ag Tech Fund

Formation of Serra-Grondex Food & Ag Tech Fund II

Serra Ventures, LLC, a venture capital firm based in Champaign with additional offices in San Diego, Chicago, and Park City, announced its partnership with Grondex International, B.V., a Netherlands-based farmland management firm. This collaboration has led to the creation of the Serra-Grondex Food & Ag Tech Fund II, LP, in the first week of 2024.

Leadership and Experience

The partnership brings together a wealth of experience in agriculture and finance. Grondex directors Joost Pennings and Peter Prins manage significant European farmland and operations. At the same time, the managing partners of Serra Ventures, Tim Hoerr, Dennis Beard, and Rob Schultz, have extensive venture experience in food and ag technology, investing in over 50 ag tech start-ups since 2011.

Strategic Collaboration and Goals

Tim Hoerr, CEO of Serra Ventures, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting the agricultural economics expertise of Joost Pennings and the risk management and data analytics skills of Peter Prins. He noted the value in combining Serra Ventures’ ag tech venture expertise with Grondex’s team, particularly for their insights into Europe’s agriculture and food ecosystems.

Peter Prins, co-director at Grondex International, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the shared commitment to regenerative solutions in the Ag & Food Tech sector. He expressed excitement about building upon Serra Ventures’ track record and extending its network into Europe.

Focus on Sustainable Ag & Food Tech Solutions

Both firms intend to support founders transforming the agriculture and food industries. The partnership is focused on fostering startup growth that benefits the economy and the environment, particularly solving global challenges in the food and agriculture sectors.