
The Yield Lab
Description
The Yield Lab is a prominent global AgTech accelerator and venture capital fund, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. Established in 2014, the firm is dedicated to fostering innovation across the AgriFood Tech sector, with a specific focus on areas such as crop science, animal health, digital agriculture, sustainable food systems, and supply chain logistics. Their investment philosophy centers on identifying and nurturing early-stage companies, typically from seed to Series A, that are developing groundbreaking technologies to address critical challenges in agriculture and food production.
The Yield Lab operates through a unique model that combines an accelerator program with direct venture capital investments. This approach provides portfolio companies with not only crucial seed capital but also extensive mentorship, strategic guidance, and access to a vast network of industry experts, corporate partners, and follow-on investors. The firm has a strong global footprint, with distinct regional funds and accelerator programs in North America, Europe, Latin America, and Asia Pacific, enabling them to support localized innovation while leveraging a global perspective on agricultural trends and technologies.
The typical initial investment from The Yield Lab's North America program is around $100,000, often provided as part of their structured accelerator cohorts. However, the firm's investment capacity extends beyond this initial cheque. They actively participate in follow-on rounds, and some of their newer regional funds, such as Yield Lab Latam II, are structured to make initial investments of up to $250,000, reflecting their commitment to supporting companies through various growth stages. As of late 2023, The Yield Lab had invested in over 150 companies globally, demonstrating their significant impact and reach within the AgTech ecosystem. Their strategic capital and hands-on support aim to accelerate the commercialization of sustainable and impactful agricultural technologies worldwide.
Investor Profile
The Yield Lab has backed more than 57 startups, with 1 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 23 rounds, about 40% of its total and boasts 3 exits across its portfolio.
Investment Focus Highlights
- Concentrates on Seed, Series A, Convertible Note rounds (top funding stages).
- Majority of deals are located in United States, Argentina, Brazil.
- Strong thematic focus on Agriculture, Biotechnology, AgTech.
- Led 1 rounds in the past year.
- Typical check size: $100K – $250K.
Stage Focus
- Seed (60%)
- Series A (18%)
- Convertible Note (7%)
- Series B (5%)
- Series Unknown (4%)
- Pre Seed (4%)
- Series D (2%)
- Angel (2%)
Country Focus
- United States (67%)
- Argentina (11%)
- Brazil (7%)
- Ireland (4%)
- Chile (4%)
- Canada (2%)
- Mexico (2%)
- United Kingdom (2%)
- Denmark (2%)
- The Netherlands (2%)
Industry Focus
- Agriculture
- Biotechnology
- Agtech
- Farming
- Sustainability
- Food Processing
- Software
- Cleantech
- Nutrition
- Analytics
Frequently Asked Questions
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