October 20, 2021

By Lynda Kiernan-Stone, Global AgInvesting Media

Missouri-based venture capital investor Fulcrum Global Capital (FGC) announced the first close of its second fund exceeding $44 million – already surpassing the size of its predecessor fund by 20 percent. 

With a mandate to improve and disrupt the global food production industry, Fulcrum is an early-stage investor in companies and entrepreneurs in the agriculture, animal health, and agtech markets with technologies and approaches that increase yields, reduce food waste, and make the food supply chain safer and more transparent.

“There are so many people who have new discoveries, unique technologies and the start of a great company who also have a passion to make our food system stronger and safer than ever before,” said Kevin Lockett, partner, Fulcrum Global Capital. “We’re proud to help identify these companies and provide the resources they need to turn their vision into a reality, while benefiting us all.”

Like FGC’s first fund, 70 percent of the investor base backing Fund II are U.S.-based ag producers – a population uniquely well-positioned to see the potential in the advancements currently happening in Fulcrum’s three targeted markets.

“FGC has an experienced team that understands food production and what it will take for entrepreneurs and young companies to realize their vision in this environment,” said John Peryam, partner, Fulcrum Global Capital. “And because the majority of our investors have first-hand experience in the field or on the ranch, they understand that too.”

FGC has identified a pipeline of companies and technologies with the potential to become the next leaders in their field. Two of these have been chosen to receive investments from this new fund.

The first is Vyelle – a precision livestock company that announced an oversubscribed $13.2 million Series A at the end of September co-led by the Open Prairie Rural Opportunities Fund and Fulcrum Global Capital. 

Vytelle’s technology stack combines Vytelle ADVANCE, a cutting-edge in vitro fertilization (IVF) technology, with Vytelle SENSE, an animal performance data capture system, and Vytelle INSIGHT, an AI-driven genetic analytics engine. This platform gives cattle operations the ability to multiply the productivity and profitability of elite livestock delivering more protein with fewer inputs, and enables generations of genetic gains in only a matter of a few years.

“Our mission is clear, and we are grateful for the support of our investors who join us on our journey to ensure meat and milk are viable food choices for future generations,” said Kerryann Kocher, CEO, Vytelle.

Jim Shultz, founder and managing partner, Open Prairie, commented, “We are impressed with Vytelle’s track record of success in the IVF sector and look forward to implementing initiatives to further accelerate genetic progress with Vytelle’s data platforms for the benefit of ranchers and cattle operations throughout rural America.”

Fulcrum noted that the second investment made by its second fund is an undisclosed emerging company in the biotech space, adding that more information about the investment will be released in the near future. 

– Lynda Kiernan-Stone is editor 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 Oilseed & Grain News. She can be reached at lkiernan-stone@globalaginvesting.com.