Fundraising

Tenacious Ventures will build on the A$35m close of its first fund, which surpassed its target and raised capital from the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, among others.

QIC plans to raise at least A$500 million for the Queensland Natural Capital Fund, its first commingled agriculture and natural capital fund.

Roc Partners’ fund close shows that agriculture’s defensive characteristics are appealing to investors with inflation here and uncertainty on the horizon.

The Premium Food Fund has made five investments to date and is 40% committed, with another two or three deals over the next two years set to take it to full deployment.

ADM’S Benson Hill collaboration reflects a spirit of cooperation among food and agribusiness giants that Rabobank says is shaping new production markets.

To launch its first unlisted diversified fund, Duxton Capital, which has more than A$900m of AUM in agriculture, will build on a seed investment from an Australian institution.

Agriculture’s place in an evolving discussion about US industrial policy will become more clear in September, when the Biden administration will host a conference – the first of its kind in 50 years – focused on huger, nutrition and health.

The indoor farming start-up intends to extend across the GCC and secured a joint venture with South Korean vertical farmer Farm8 in October ahead of a planned expansion into Asia.

The firm, co-founded by partners including three former Queensland University of Technology start-up program managers, is seeking up to A$50 million for its first VC fund.

The firm will pursue a growth equity strategy in North America and has taken commitments from the Canada Life Assurance Company and BMO Capital Partners.