September 19, 2023

By Lynda Kiernan-Stone, Global AgInvesting Media

In only six years, Astanor Ventures went from launching its first fund to being recognized as a forward-thinking presence and leader in the agrifood investment sphere with various funds and special purpose vehicles totaling approximately €800 million (US$854.6 million) in AUM. 

The firm’s latest achievement is the successful final close of its second venture fund at €360 million (US$384.6 million) – an announcement that establishes a record-breaking fund size, and underscores the firm’s unwavering dedication to being a transformative hand in agrifood.

Building on the success of its first venture fund, Astanor commented that it remains committed to its core strategy of investing in early-stage and mission-driven companies that have isolated a social or environmental challenge and have developed a nature-positive solution for its resolution. 

The ever-increasing global attention on the climate crisis and growing demand for sustainable options are reflective of how the agrifood tech investment class, and the broader bioeconomy, remain intrinsically captivating to innovators and ripe for investment – despite fluctuations in the market – according to Astanor. 

Astanor’s success in scaling its firm – the building of a passionate team, and the continuous engagement of large family offices and returning institutional investors demonstrate the firm’s successful resilience in a turbulent economy. 

“We are thrilled to share the successful closing of our second venture fund and prove that among a continuously changing environment and economy, Astanor is here to stay,” said Eric Archambeau, co-founder and partner, Astanor.

“When looking at new companies to invest in, our approach will continue to always look for highly disruptive and scalable business models, driven by ambitious entrepreneurs who also share our vision of sustainable and resilient agrifood and bioeconomy systems.”

“We are deeply grateful for the trust and confidence our investors have placed in us,” added Christina Ulardic, partner, Astanor Ventures. “This fundraise allows us to amplify our impact and catalyze innovative solutions that transcend traditional boundaries. We remain committed to supporting entrepreneurs who are pioneering advancements that will shape the future of food and agriculture for a thriving bioeconomy.”

Over the years, Astanor has built an extensive network of entrepreneurs, scientists, experts, policy makers, and leaders that support the team in identifying the innovative technologies that will be key in driving the bioeconomy, especially those that center on regenerative agriculture. 

With the support of this ecosystem, Astanor has invested in more than 45 mission-driven founders on a global scale that align with the firm’s core values of climate transition, the priority of nature, resource efficiency, and better social and health outcomes. 

“Despite the attractions and potential of the agrifood tech investment space, the agrifood value chain is a complex and interdependent system which requires investors to take a holistic view toward systemic change,” said Archambeau. 

Astanor explained its belief that every investment has the power to potentially contribute to a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous future, adding that its commitment to impact is a guiding principle woven into every decision that is made. 

“As we witness the ever-evolving landscape of the agrifood market, it becomes increasingly evident that innovation is not an option but a necessity,” said Hendrik Van Asbroeck, partner, Astanor Ventures.

“The challenges we face today, from climate change to resource scarcity, demand a transformation in how we produce, distribute, and consume food. Astanor Ventures is dedicated to playing a pivotal role in this transformation by supporting visionary entrepreneurs who are redefining the future of agrifood, paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient global food system.”

Armed with a sizable warchest of €360 million (US$384.6 million), Astanor stated that it is now poised to reshape agrifood industries, stimulate growth, and contribute to the formation of a long-term, sustainable bioeconomy. 

“At Astanor Ventures, we firmly believe that the agrifood sector holds the key to tackling climate change, biodiversity loss and human health,” said Leslie Kapin, director of impact, Astanor Ventures. 

“Our second fund’s successful closure reaffirms our conviction in this vision and our unwavering dedication to catalyzing systemic change within the industry. As an impact investor, it is core to our mission to scale our companies with both impact and ESG as both are necessary to achieve sustainable and resilient agrifood and bioeconomy systems.”

~ Lynda Kiernan-Stone is editor in chief with GAI Media, and is managing editor and daily contributor for Global AgInvesting’s AgInvesting Weekly News and  Agtech Intel News, as well as HighQuest Group’s Unconventional Ag. She can be reached at lkiernan-stone@globalaginvesting.com.

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