Ag Ventures: Empowering Investors to Transform Victoria’s Agricultural Future

Wade Institute of Entrepreneurship, in collaboration with Tenacious Ventures, is proud to launch Ag Ventures, an innovative program designed to educate and empower Victoria’s early-stage investors in the dynamic AgTech sector.

Ag Ventures will provide a comprehensive learning experience tailored to farmers and agribusiness executives, family offices, sophisticated investors and early-stage venture capital professionals. Through expert-led masterclasses, interactive case studies, and immersive site visits, the program will enhance participants’ understanding of AgTech landscapes, emerging technologies, and unique investment opportunities.

Victoria’s AgTech ecosystem has grown rapidly over the past decade, with initiatives like AgTech pre-accelerator programs and equity-free grants laying the groundwork for success. Ag Ventures aims to build on this momentum by equipping investors with the confidence and knowledge to fuel the growth of Victorian AgTech startups.

Key features of AgTech Ventures:

1. Masterclasses covering AgTech business models, due diligence, and exit strategies.
2. Immersive Learning Experiences, including site visits to selected farms and factories.
3. Community Activation Events, connecting participants with industry stakeholders.
4. Exclusive Access to deal flow and networking opportunities through Wade Institute and Tenacious Ventures ecosystems.

Supported by funding from LaunchVic and Agriculture Victoria, this unique partnership between Wade Institute and Tenacious Ventures brings together Wade Institute’s excellence in entrepreneurial education and Tenacious Ventures’ expertise in AgTech innovation, creating a program that bridges theory and practice for impactful learning.

The program will run from March to May in 2025. Interested investors can register their interest on Wade Institute’s website.

Nick Kaye, Director Innovation and Enterprise at Wade Institute, said:

“The Ag Ventures Program will empower sophisticated investors and unlock additional investment capital to support and accelerate the impact of Victoria’s AgTech sector. By educating investors on the unique dynamics of AgTech, we aim to foster a vibrant ecosystem that drives innovation and economic growth.”

Dr Kate Cornick, CEO of LaunchVic, said: 

 “Victoria’s AgTech sector is thriving, with its value surging more than tenfold to $193 million since 2020. With many companies gearing up to raise their first seed rounds, the sector is at a pivotal moment in its maturity. Ensuring a strong investment community is in place to support these founders as they scale will be key to sustaining this momentum and driving long-term growth.”

About Wade Institute of Entrepreneurship

Wade Institute is Victoria’s premier provider of entrepreneurial and venture investment education, empowering participants through programs that blend experiential learning with cutting-edge insights.

About Tenacious Ventures

Tenacious Ventures is Australia’s leading agrifood tech venture firm, focused on unlocking impact and returns at the intersection of food system transformation and climate solutions.

For inquiries, please contact:
Andrew Middleton
Program Director, Wade Institute of Entrepreneurship
vcc@wadeinstitute.org.au