Binyamin Ali

The move comes after two failed follow-on fundraising attempts and a raft of senior departures over the years.

The blended finance vehicle has also attracted investments from the European Investment Bank as well as French and British government agencies.

The experience of London-based start-up Growing Underground and the previous excitement created by its predecessors, suggests institutional capital could enter the fray sooner rather than later.

Cofounder Steven Dring says the start-up expects to reach its target 'pretty soon' and is working on building out a new cohort of hydroponic farms with partners.

AgFunder founding partner Rob Leclerc says his firm’s dedicated alternative protein fund has attracted incumbents from the meat and dairy space who see the fledgling market as ‘a hedge’.

The firm's first two funds have almost raised a combined $250m from family offices and will invest in Norwegian ag and energy companies before exporting them to South-East Asia.

The fund will make investments ranging between $10-$50 million in farmland growing fresh fruit, vegetables and nuts.

From the blue economy and climate change through to water management and zero deforestation, our A-Z of Responsible Investing takes a look at the most pressing themes, as suggested by the industry.

The Agri-Business Capital Fund was launched in February 2019 with an initial €50 million commitment from stakeholders including the EU and the government of Luxembourg.

Agri Investor looks ahead to the topics that are likely to dominate the conversation in ag next year.