Ag Ventures
Ag Ventures
A transformative program designed to educate and empower Victoria’s early-stage investors in the dynamic AgTech sector.
Program overview
Ag Ventures is designed to equip Victorian investors with the tools and knowledge to navigate one of the world’s most dynamic industries.
Led by industry experts from Wade Institute and Tenacious Ventures, you will gain access to Australia’s most innovative AgTech network and cutting-edge insights into investment strategies.
You’ll develop a personal investment thesis as you explore emerging technologies, business models, and market opportunities.
This thesis will serve as your foundation for making informed and impactful investment decisions in the AgTech industry.
Ag Ventures is supported by LaunchVic, the Victorian State Government’s startup agency and by AgVic.
As such, this program is primarily tailored for Victorian residents working in the agriculture industry or investors ready to make an impact in the AgTech space, however we also welcome applications from interstate and international applicants.
Ideal participants include:
- Sophisticated investors.
- Family office investment managers seeking to diversify their portfolios.
- Experienced and potential angel investors ready to engage with AgTech startups.
- Corporate venturing team members exploring agricultural innovation.
- Emerging and future venture fund managers passionate about sustainability.
- Entrepreneurs turned investors aiming to support the AgTech ecosystem.
- Farmers or agribusiness executives who want to scout and engage with new technology solutions.
Pending demand, we look forward to offering additional programs in 2025.
Program details
6 x 1.5-hour online intensives with optional in-person Demo Day, site visits and community events
Key dates:
Welcome session (online):
12 Mar, 5:30-6:30pm
Masterclasses (online):
19 Mar, 26 Mar, 2 Apr, 30 Apr, 7 May, 14 May, 5:30-7:00pm
Demo Day (in-person):
22 May, 4-6pm
End of Program Dinner (in-person):
22 May, 6-8pm
All times are listed in Melbourne time (AEDT/AEST)
Co-delivered by Wade Institute of Entrepreneurship and Tenacious Ventures
$249 per participant (+ GST)
Questions?
Enquire with Midsy
Andrew ‘Midsy’ Middleton
Program Director
Program structure
1.
Expert-led masterclass sessions on AgTech trends, technologies, and investment strategies.
2.
Contextualise your learning through site visits, supporting the development of your investment thesis.
3.
Engage with innovative startups and apply your investment thesis to real-world opportunities at Demo Day.
4.
Build connections and collaborate with stakeholders in the AgTech ecosystem at community events.
Program benefits
- Develop and refine a personal investment thesis to guide your investment decisions.
- Build confidence in stage-appropriate due diligence for AgTech startups.
- Gain exclusive access to Australia’s leading AgTech network and ecosystem.
- Strengthen your deal flow pipeline through insights from world-class mentors.
- Stay connected with your cohort and industry leaders through alumni events.
- Master the nuances of AgTech business models and revenue streams.
- Enjoy continued support from Wade Institute and Tenacious Ventures for professional growth.
Delivery partner
Tenacious Ventures is Australia’s leading agrifood tech venture firm, dedicated to transforming agriculture through investment and innovation. With a mission to support a carbon-neutral and climate-resilient future, Tenacious Ventures combines deep industry expertise with a systems-level approach to unlock both impact and returns.
Tenacious Ventures brings unparalleled connectivity within the AgTech ecosystem, ensuring participants gain practical insights from industry leaders, emerging startups, and successful investors. They are uniquely positioned to guide investors in making impactful decisions.
Program facilitators
Sarah Nolet
CEO, Tenacious Ventures Group
Sarah Nolet is an entrepreneur, investor, and podcaster passionate about harnessing technology and commercial incentives to build a sustainable and resilient agri-food system. As CEO, Sarah leads the firm’s vision and strategy, empowering innovators and investors to tackle systemic challenges and unlock opportunities in agri-food value chains.
Matthew Pryor
Executive Chair, Tenacious Ventures Group
Matthew Pryor is an entrepreneur and investor passionate about transforming agriculture through innovation and technology. As executive chair, Matthew combines operational expertise with strategic insight to drive investments, support portfolio companies, and advance agri-food innovation.
Vela Georgiev
COO, Tenacious Ventures Group
Vela Georgiev is an engineer and operator committed to creating positive impact through sustainable practices, innovation, and operational excellence. As COO, Vela drives strategic initiatives and operational excellence to advance a sustainable and resilient agri-food system.
AgTech stories
Program funders
Ag Ventures is proudly funded by LaunchVic, Victoria’s startup agency, and Agriculture Victoria, the government body driving innovation and sustainability in the agricultural sector.
Their support ensures the Ag Ventures Program can empower investors to drive sustainable growth, foster innovation, and strengthen Victoria’s position as a leader in agricultural technology.