Key Takeaways:
- SVG Ventures’ $50 million Sunrise Agri Fund, created with Kagome Co., Ltd., has invested in EF Polymer K.K.
- EF Polymer develops 100% biodegradable, high-absorbency polymers from plant-based raw materials.
- The technology supports farmers in conserving water and improving resilience to drought.
- The investment aims to scale EF Polymer’s solutions globally in response to climate change and water scarcity.
- EF Polymer, founded in 2018 in Okinawa, Japan, also operates in India with an expanding international footprint.
SVG Ventures' Investment to Support Sustainable Water Use
SVG Ventures, a global agri-food innovation and investment firm, has announced that its Sunrise Agri Fund has invested in EF Polymer K.K., a company headquartered in Okinawa, Japan. The Sunrise Agri Fund, a $50 million corporate venture capital fund launched in 2024 in partnership with Kagome Co., Ltd., focuses on advancing sustainable agricultural technologies.
EF Polymer produces biodegradable, plant-based polymers designed to retain water in soil, helping farmers optimize water use and manage the challenges of drought.
Addressing Climate Challenges
The investment comes as farmers face growing pressure from climate change and water scarcity. John Hartnett, Founder & CEO of SVG Ventures | THRIVE, commented: “EF Polymer’s biodegradable absorbent polymers represent a powerful innovation at the intersection of sustainability and productivity. Through the Sunrise Agri Fund, we are excited to support EF Polymer in scaling this important technology globally and helping farmers address the critical challenges of climate change and water scarcity.”
Global Scaling and Collaboration Between SVG Ventures, Kagome & EF Polymer
SVG Ventures and Kagome plan to work with EF Polymer to accelerate commercialization and expand the technology’s availability across agricultural supply chains worldwide. The collaboration reflects a shared mission to advance sustainable and resource-efficient farming practices.
EF Polymer’s Growth Path
Founded in 2018, EF Polymer operates with the goal of delivering sustainable agricultural solutions to help farmers improve resilience while protecting natural resources. The company is based in Okinawa, Japan, has operations in India, and is building a broader international presence.
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