Investment

With all the ideas, money and power in the world, how does Australia use its exceptional edge to be a global leader in agricultural production and sustainability? Two leaders of the Australian agritech scene – Justin Webb and Olympia Yarger – share their thoughts in a colourful debate.

Eitan Dan tells us he’s a Gemini – and that means he loves change. Whether it’s a new career, a move halfway across the world, or a pivot in direction for farming technology. Eitan is the Managing Director of CropX New Zealand and has previously led mega projects in intelligence and for homeland security, as well as serving as a Lieutenant Colonel of Israel Defence Forces. He shares the highs for CropX since they exhibited in Startup Alley at AgriFutures evoke^AG. 2023, his thoughts ahead of appearing in the new Scaleup Station at evoke^AG. 2024, and why the little things matter – like farmers and their big fingers.

2023 was a very challenging year for the startup world. Across the board, the number of deals, speed of investment, valuations, and totals invested all saw a downturn. Uncertainty ran high. Conservatism pervaded. It was tough for investors and startups alike. Here Sarah Nolet, Managing Partner, Tenacious Ventures and speaker at evoke^AG. 2024 explores what startups need to scale in 2024, the paths to returns, and what the influx of international investors means for agrifood tech in Australia.

For the first time, AgriFutures evoke^AG. has selected 10 scaleup businesses* to exhibit in the new Scaleup Station. We catch up with the founders of Whole., Agronomeye, and SwarmFarm Robotics, three of the companies selected, to get their thoughts on growth, evolution, and the one piece of advice they all share in common.

Investment in Australian agrifood tech remained relatively robust last year – even in the face of a global downturn. Now, local data for 2023 suggests it’s continuing to hold strong. Leading the way are upstream, climate-conscious innovations.

Dubbed “food’s Erin Brockovich” by Bloomberg and the New York Times, Robyn O’Brien is a globally renowned speaker and author on food innovation and entrepreneurship. Here Robyn observes the challenges our big, bold innovators must overcome to design solutions that will shape the future of our food systems.