The hunt is on for agri-superstars
A Palmerston North agricultural innovations company is looking New Zealand-wide for superstars.
Company advisers wants agricultural business startups ready to accelerate to the next level. Up to eight Kiwi agritech start-ups will be accepted into a fivemonth accelerator programme, giving them access to a pool of more than $500,000 in grants and investments, as well as extensive mentoring from a team of experts, said Sprout business strategy advisor Stu Bradbury.
‘‘They will also get the chance to pitch to a hand-picked group of investors, corporate partners and potential customers.’’
Bradbury said companies that had participated in Sprout Agritech Accelerator had gone on to triple their sales, raise more than $2 million in funding, link with world-class advisors and set themselves on a global growth trajectory.
‘‘Sprout is looking for farm to fork businesses that are creating products and services in areas including robotics and automation, animal and crop health, biotechnology as well as innovative food and ecommerce.
‘‘If you’re in the early growth stages of business and you’ve already made sales and want to expand your operations quickly, or you have a prototype and need help refining your idea or finding your market, the Sprout team wants to help. We’re focused on helping these burgeoning agritech superstars to reach their potential.’’
Registrations close October 20 and this year’s intake will have an opportunity to showcase their businesses as part of the innovation den at next year’s National Agricultural Fieldays, he said.