AMES, Iowa, July 27, 2020
Ag Startup Engine (ASE), at the Iowa State University (ISU) Research Park, announced that it is welcoming their Golden Grade Sponsor, Farm Credit Services of America (FCSAmerica), a financial cooperative that serves producers in four states, including Iowa.
The Ag Startup Engine effort was launched over three years ago to help address two fundamental gaps that prevent agricultural startups and entrepreneurs from being more successful in Iowa: early, seed-stage investment and organized mentorship from renowned Iowan and Midwestern entrepreneurs.
“Entrepreneurs are helping to drive today’s technological advancements in agriculture. These innovators include producers working to solve their own challenges, start-ups applying proven technology to our industry, and men and women searching for better production and business practices,” said Krista McDonald, executive vice president and chief strategy officer at FCSAmerica. “The support entrepreneurs receive through ASE is vital to turning ideas into real-world solutions. FCSAmerica is proud to support ASE and the innovations it is helping to deliver to our customers and U.S. agriculture as a whole.”
“The Golden Grade Sponsorship supports the operational efforts of ASE while exclusively connecting our portfolio company founders to the sponsor,” said Joel Harris, codirector of ASE. “ASE has had the pleasure of working with FCSAmerica on several agriculture startup pitch competitions. We’re grateful for their continued support and connections, as well as the opportunity to work hand and hand to help our startups become as successful as possible.”
Other sponsor levels are available including Silver Planter and Platinum Harvester. Ag Startup Engine is actively looking for companies to finance and accept into their program.