The recent investor interest in, and activity within the ag-tech sector is signaling confidence in its future profitability and ability to generate returns. As the global population continues to climb toward a projected 9 billion people by 2050, the food supply chain is increasingly looking toward integrating technology into its practices in order to meet the demand for food. No longer are the only investors in the ag-tech sector large agribusinesses. Growing numbers of external venture capital investors are backing ag tech startups. Earlier in November, Intel Capital backed agricultural drone developer Precision Hawk, and Kleiner, Perkins, Caufield and Byers invested in Canadian ag data management company, Farmers Edge. Commonly, investors have expressed reluctance to invest in the sector due to skepticism about the potential size of exits. However, after Monsanto’s purchase of Climate Corp. for $930 million, sentiments shifted. To read further about recent venture capital investments in agricultural technology being made by Better Foods Ventures, yogurt producer, Chobani, Innovative Endeavors, and Netherland-based SHIFT Invest, which has had its first close on its fund with investors including Rabobank and Netherlands-based health insurer, Menzis:
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