Astanor Ventures: Focus on Early Stage Mission Driven Companies tackling Social or Environment Issues

Astanor Ventures is a venture capital firm that was founded in 2017.

The firm has a strong commitment to supporting early-stage and mission-driven companies that have identified a social or environmental issue and have developed a nature-positive solution to resolve it. Astanor Ventures invests in companies that are focused on sustainable agrifood technologies.

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The investment strategy of Astanor Ventures is geared towards enabling the transition to a low-carbon, resilient and resource-efficient economy.

The firm seeks to invest in companies that significantly contribute to this transition. Astanor Ventures has recently secured €360 million in the final closing of its second venture fund, which will be used to bolster their commitment to sustainable agrifood technologies.

This investment will enable Astanor Ventures to continue supporting early-stage companies that are focused on developing innovative solutions to address social and environmental issues.

Astanor Ventures has a team of experienced professionals who have a deep sector knowledge and a diverse network of entrepreneurs, impact investors, farmers, chefs, policy makers and food lovers.

The firm brings together capital, knowledge, and networks to give rise to a future of food that is nourishing, regenerative, trusted and delicious.

With a strong commitment to sustainable agrifood technologies, Astanor Ventures is well-positioned to play a leading role in the transformation of the agri-food value chain.

Photo by Gabriel Jimenez

Astanor Ventures’ Investment Philosophy

Astanor Ventures’ investment philosophy is centred around the belief that investing in sustainable and resilient agrifood technologies is essential for a healthier and more equitable future. As a visionary impact investor, Astanor Ventures is committed to supporting early-stage and mission-driven companies that have identified social or environmental challenges and developed nature-positive solutions to address them.

Astanor Ventures’ investment strategy is grounded in the principles of regenerative agriculture, biodiversity, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship. T

he company believes that investing in disruptive technologies that promote sustainable food production and reduce waste is key to building a more resilient food system.

Astanor Ventures’ core investment thesis is to invest in companies that are creating positive externalities by improving the health of the planet and its people.

The company believes that a company’s impact should be defined by the external impact its product or service has on the planet and its people. Astanor Ventures continuously assesses the impact of its investees and strives to support companies that are making a positive impact on society and the environment.

Astanor Ventures’ investment philosophy is aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). The company believes that investing in sustainable and regenerative food systems is essential for achieving these goals and building a more equitable and sustainable future.

In summary, Astanor Ventures’ investment philosophy is focused on investing in sustainable and resilient agrifood technologies that have a positive impact on society and the environment. The company’s commitment to regenerative agriculture, biodiversity, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship sets it apart as a visionary impact investor that is dedicated to building a healthier and more equitable future.

Key People in Astanor Ventures

Astanor Ventures is led by a team of experienced professionals who bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. The team is comprised of partners, directors, and other key personnel who work together to identify and invest in innovative agrifood tech startups that have the potential to make a positive impact on the world.

Eric Archambeau

Eric Archambeau is a Co-Founder of Astanor Ventures. He has over 25 years of experience in venture capital, having invested in more than 40 companies across Europe and the United States. Before founding Astanor, Eric was a General Partner at Wellington Partners, where he led investments in companies such as Spotify, Hailo, and Qype.

Christina Ulardic

Christina Ulardic is a Partner at Astanor Ventures. She has over 15 years of experience in investing and building companies in the agrifood tech sector. Prior to joining Astanor, Christina was a Partner at Capricorn Venture Partners, where she focused on investments in sustainable agriculture and food. She has also worked at McKinsey & Company, where she advised clients in the food and agriculture industries.

Hendrik Van Asbroeck

Hendrik Van Asbroeck is a Director of Impact at Astanor Ventures. He is responsible for ensuring that the companies in Astanor’s portfolio are making a positive impact on the world. Hendrik has over 15 years of experience in sustainability and impact investing. Before joining Astanor, he was a Senior Investment Manager at Triodos Bank, where he focused on investments in sustainable agriculture and food.

Leslie Kapin

Leslie Kapin is a Director at Astanor Ventures. She has over 20 years of experience in venture capital and private equity, having worked at firms such as Goldman Sachs and Index Ventures. At Astanor, Leslie is responsible for sourcing and evaluating new investment opportunities. She also works closely with portfolio companies to help them grow and achieve their goals.

The team at Astanor Ventures is committed to investing in companies that are making a positive impact on the world. They bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table, and work closely with portfolio companies to help them grow and succeed.

Investment Focus Areas

Astanor Ventures is a global leader in agrifood tech impact investing, committed to fostering transformative change in the agrifood system. The company’s investment strategy is focused on supporting early-stage and mission-driven companies that have identified a social or environmental issue and have developed a nature-positive solution to resolve it.

Astanor Ventures invests in companies that operate in the agriculture, technology, and food system industries. The company’s investment focus areas include:

Regenerative Agriculture

Astanor Ventures is committed to investing in companies that promote regenerative agriculture practices. Regenerative agriculture is a holistic farming approach that aims to improve soil health, increase biodiversity, and enhance ecosystem services. Astanor Ventures believes that regenerative agriculture can help mitigate climate change and promote sustainable food production.

Agrifood Tech

Astanor Ventures invests in agrifood tech companies that are developing innovative solutions to improve the efficiency and sustainability of the food system. The company is particularly interested in companies that are using technology to reduce waste, increase productivity, and improve the nutritional value of food.

Bioeconomy

Astanor Ventures is committed to investing in companies that are developing sustainable bio-based products and processes. The company believes that the bioeconomy has the potential to create a more sustainable and circular economy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote biodiversity.

Systemic Change

Astanor Ventures is committed to investing in companies that are driving systemic change in the agrifood system. The company believes that systemic change is necessary to create a more sustainable and equitable food system. Astanor Ventures is particularly interested in companies that are working to address issues such as food waste, food insecurity, and the exploitation of farmers and workers in the food supply chain.

Market and Ecosystem

Astanor Ventures is committed to investing in companies that are building resilient and sustainable markets and ecosystems. The company believes that building strong and sustainable markets and ecosystems is essential for creating a more sustainable and equitable food system. Astanor Ventures is particularly interested in companies that are working to promote local food systems, reduce food waste, and improve access to healthy and sustainable food.

Astanor Ventures has invested in a number of companies that align with its investment focus areas, including Infarm, Ynsect, Notpla, and Apeel. Astanor Ventures’ investment strategy is focused on creating positive impact in the agrifood system, promoting sustainable and regenerative practices, and driving systemic change.

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