Cultivian Sandbox Ventures
Description
Cultivian Sandbox Ventures is a prominent venture capital firm headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, dedicated to fostering innovation within the food and agriculture technology sectors. The firm distinguishes itself by actively seeking out and investing in companies poised to disrupt the traditional agrifood value chain through cutting-edge technologies. Their investment thesis centers on solutions that enhance efficiency, improve sustainability, and address critical challenges facing global food systems, spanning areas such as precision agriculture, supply chain optimization, alternative proteins, and bio-based inputs.
The firm employs a flexible investment strategy, engaging with companies across various stages, from early-stage seed rounds to more mature growth equity opportunities. Cultivian Sandbox Ventures is known for its hands-on approach, often taking board seats and leveraging its deep industry expertise and extensive network to provide strategic guidance to its portfolio companies. This collaborative model aims to accelerate growth and facilitate market penetration for the innovative startups they back.
Financially, Cultivian Sandbox Ventures has demonstrated significant capacity and commitment to the agrifood space. In 2021, the firm successfully closed its third dedicated fund, Cultivian Sandbox Food & Agriculture Fund III, at an impressive $190 million. This latest fund brought the total capital raised across their three primary funds to approximately $420 million, underscoring their substantial financial firepower. Their robust portfolio includes investments in over 40 unique companies, reflecting their broad reach and impact in shaping the future of food and agriculture.
Cultivian Sandbox Ventures continues to be a pivotal player in the agrifood tech ecosystem, providing not just capital but also invaluable strategic partnership. Their consistent focus on transformative technologies and their track record of supporting successful ventures position them as a key enabler for the next generation of disruptive companies in this vital global industry.
Investor Profile
Cultivian Sandbox Ventures has backed more than 41 startups, with 0 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 21 rounds, about 51% of its total and boasts 3 exits across its portfolio.
Investment Focus Highlights
- Concentrates on Series A, Series B, Series D rounds (top funding stages).
- Majority of deals are located in United States, Ireland, Canada.
- Strong thematic focus on Biotechnology, Agriculture, Farming.
- Typical check size: $3M – $15M.
Stage Focus
- Series A (39%)
- Series B (24%)
- Series D (10%)
- Series C (10%)
- Seed (10%)
- Debt Financing (2%)
- Series Unknown (2%)
- Series E (2%)
Country Focus
- United States (90%)
- Ireland (5%)
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- Canada (2%)
- Germany (2%)
Industry Focus
- Biotechnology
- Agriculture
- Farming
- Agtech
- Software
- Food And Beverage
- Artificial Intelligence (Ai)
- Analytics
- Consumer Goods
- Beauty
Frequently Asked Questions
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