By Gerelyn Terzo, Global AgInvesting Media
MAVRK Capital, a Bakersfield, California-based asset manager blending farming expertise with financial strategy, has completed the first close of its second equity fund targeting international produce growers. By combining the worlds of agricultural credit and private equity, MAVRK Capital sees this raise as a critical step in scaling its operations. GAI News has learned that the fund’s primary focus is currently in South America, targeting multiple commodities, with some coverage in the U.S., as well. MAVRK Capital declined to disclose the size of the fund.
The round was anchored by Valley Strong Ventures, the venture arm of Valley Strong Credit Union, a financial institution serving over 360,000 members with roughly $4 billion in assets. Additionally, the fund received backing from a cohort of family offices. In yet another move validating its strategy, MAVRK also secured several hundred million dollars in financing commitments from top-tier providers to support platform growth.
At the core of MAVRK’s strategy is the purchase and financing of produce-related receivables, a model that delivers liquidity to growers, distributors and retailers when they need it most. The fund’s reach spans the U.S., Latin America and South America, while fostering partnerships between top-tier growers and major U.S. retail buyers. This approach tackles crippling barriers to capital for farmers, especially in navigating cash flow volatility, seasonal crop demands and capex investments, thereby streamlining operations and increasing their competitive edge.
MAVRK Capital draws on a deep bench of firsthand knowledge of the financial hurdles faced by agricultural producers. This experience informs its focus on alternative financing structures that offer cost-effective liquidity, improved margins, risk mitigation and diversification, while better ensuring a consistent supply of premium fresh produce to global retailers.
MAVRK Capital CEO Jack Campbell stated, “We are excited to announce this first Close of our second fund for our global lending This investment will lead to the transformation of agriculture via institutional liquidity for growers, allowing them to focus on building sustainable and predictive growing operations. We look forward to partnering with other institutional investors to build the future of agriculture.”
With proceeds from the round, MAVRK intends to expand its platform, emphasizing flexible solutions that improve producer margins, slash risk and ensure reliable delivery of high-quality fresh produce to global markets. The company’s approach combines multi-generational farming expertise with institutional-grade capital to serve an underserved segment—perishable agriculture, which is subject to volatile pricing and supply chains, presenting both challenges and opportunities for financing.
Valley Strong Credit Union President and CEO Nick Ambrosini commented, “Leading the MAVRK Equity Conduit Fund as the anchor investor—and partnering with respected institutions in their endeavors—underscores our dedication to delivering meaningful impact for our members, our partners, and the broader community. The opportunity to help MAVRK build this future asset class is an incredible opportunity, and we look forward to scaling this platform for decades to come.”
This latest fund builds on MAVRK’s momentum from prior initiatives, including its partnership with ProducePay, which channeled $500 million in forward-flow funding to support stable trading initiatives in the fresh produce space. As private credit rises in the reshaping agricultural value chains, this development highlights the growing influence of alternative lending in creating opportunities within the volatile realm of perishable crops.
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