May 2, 2023

By Lynda Kiernan-Stone, Global AgInvesting Media

With a mission to democratize access to capital for women and gender-diverse founders, The51 identifies as a Financial Feminist™ platform – one dedicated to driving economic empowerment for women as a path to gender equality. 

Based in Calgary, Canada, The51 Food and AgTech General Partnership (GP) is founded and led by women with a commitment to revolutionizing the agricultural landscape through groundbreaking technology. In the process, The51 explained that it builds mutual wealth, fosters social and environmental impacts, shares knowledge and experiences, and practices intersectional feminism via financial action. 

To carry out this financial action is The51 Food and AgTech GP, which has now closed on CAD30 million (US$22 million) led by Farm Credit Canada with additional backing from Alberta Enterprise Corporation, National Bank of Canada, family offices, foundations, and several unnamed individual accredited investors from agribusiness, farming, and industry backgrounds.

The numbers show that The51 has indeed tapped into a need. Upon the fund’s official launch in 2021, the firm did so with a funding target of CAD25-CAD30 million (US$18.4 million – US$22 million), but has since extended its aim to CAD50 million as capital commitments grew. 

General Partners Alison Sunstrum, Judy Fairburn, and Shelley Kuipers stated that they have engaged an exceptional group of investors, adding that they are united with their LPs in their passion for diversity in agriculture and the preservation of the planet for the next generation. 

“We are in the midst of several seismic events that are defining the world we live in,” said Alison Sunstrum, managing general partner, The51 Food and AgTech Fund. “COVID-19 aftershocks, the conflict between two agricultural superpowers, and climate change are affecting the world’s food supply.”

With this capital, The51 will be targeting Pre-Seed to Series A investment opportunities in diverse founders creating a new normal by transforming food and agriculture into a vibrant, sustainable food system that is part of an inclusive future. 

Beyond capital, The51 team consisting of former founders, operators, and engineers provides unmatched guidance and support, while its 23,000-plus community network connects portfolio founders with talent, resources, and domain insight. 

“Investing in agricultural technology will enhance productivity, reduce waste, mitigate climate change, and create new markets and job opportunities,”  said Sunstrum. “We are at a crossroads where innovation may tip the scale to a net positive, food secure planet.”

~ 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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