The Ag Startup Engine (ASE) was launched in 2016 to help address two fundamental gaps that prevent agricultural startups and entrepreneurs from being more successful: early-stage investment and organized mentorship from successful entrepreneurs.
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Investment Philosophy
What matters to ASE?
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When we invest in companies we are looking for founders who are problem-centric, gritty, and are tackling a significant problem in agriculture.
What are the characteristics of typical ASE investments?
ASE invests $25-100k into each company via equity, safe, or a convertible note. We are not picky on the instrument.
What industries does ASE invest in?
We view ag-tech broadly, from seed to consumption with an emphasis on midwest agriculture solutions. We have core areas that we have focused on including animal health, robotics, precision agriculture, livestock automation, and sustainability.
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To see the types of companies we have invested in, check out our portfolio.
How often does ASE make investments?
ASE hosts monthly investor meetings for companies to pitch to our members. After that meeting, if there is interest, we can move quickly to an investment.
Fund 1: Fully deployed.
Fund 2: 2 years left of deployment. Likely to invest in 12-15 more companies.
Does ASE follow on to its investments?
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Yes, we can.
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Working with ASE
What makes ASE special?
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ASE’s investor network includes farmers, producers, retired ag-tech executives, and corporations. Many of which provide mentorship or turn into first customers for the companies we invest in.
ASE is also focused on building a community for ag-tech founders. We’re run by founders and keep founders central to everything we do.
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How does ASE help founders and startups?
We provide access: Our investors are often mentors, partners, and first customers.
We have a plethora of resources that are available to founders as they build in scale.
More Information
What is the best way to contact ASE and stay up-to-date?
To schedule a call to discuss investment opportunities and if ASE is a good fit for you, reach out to mikayla@agstartupengine.com or reach out to us here. ​