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Acre Venture Partners is a venture capital firm founded in 2015 and headquartered in Santa Monica, California. The firm focuses on addressing critical challenges in food and agriculture, emphasizing both human and environmental health. Acre aims to create fundamental change in the food system by partnering with companies that develop breakthrough technologies and critical infrastructure.
As of 2025, Acre manages over $300 million across multiple funds, including Fund I, which was anchored by Campbell Soup Company with $125 million, and Fund III, which raised $140 million. The firm has a diverse portfolio of 25 companies, reflecting its commitment to investing in sectors that promote sustainability and innovation. Acre's team consists of experienced professionals with backgrounds in food policy, technology, and investment, enabling them to provide valuable insights and support to their portfolio companies.
Acre Venture Partners invests in companies that are creating systemic change in food and agriculture, with a focus on sectors such as agtech, climate technology, and consumer products. Their investment strategy spans various stages, including pre-seed, seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, and growth equity. The firm emphasizes the integration of impact with financial returns, seeking to partner with organizations that prioritize human health, environmental sustainability, and responsible production and consumption.
The firm looks for founders who are committed to addressing challenges in population health and planetary well-being. Acre values innovative technologies that can enhance food safety, reduce waste, and support sustainable agricultural practices. Their deal structure often involves leading or co-leading investment rounds, allowing them to play an active role in the growth and development of their portfolio companies.
Acre Venture Partners has built a notable portfolio of companies focused on sustainable innovations in food and agriculture. Key portfolio companies include:
Lucas Mann — Co-founder. Lucas has extensive experience in venture capital and has been instrumental in shaping Acre's investment strategy. He focuses on identifying innovative companies in the agtech sector.
Gareth Asten — Co-founder. Gareth brings a wealth of knowledge in investment management and has played a key role in building Acre's portfolio.
Sam Kass — Co-founder and Partner. Former White House Chef and Senior Policy Advisor for Nutrition to President Obama, Sam brings expertise in food policy and regulatory environments, enhancing Acre's strategic support for portfolio companies.
Bill Helman — Partner. Bill has a strong background in venture capital and has led numerous successful investments in the food and agriculture sectors.
Lynda Deakin — Partner. Lynda specializes in operational support and works closely with portfolio companies to drive growth and innovation.
David Chang — Partner. David has a background in technology and investment, focusing on identifying disruptive innovations in the agtech space.
Alex Bondar — Partner. Alex brings expertise in market analysis and helps portfolio companies refine their business strategies.
Maisie Kirn — Associate. Maisie supports the investment team in sourcing and evaluating new opportunities.
Jeff Dunn — Analyst. Jeff conducts market research and analysis to inform Acre's investment decisions.
To pitch Acre Venture Partners, founders should visit their website at acre.vc. It is important to include a comprehensive deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and impact potential. Acre prefers pitches that clearly articulate how the startup addresses challenges in food and agriculture.
Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks. Warm introductions are beneficial, as they can enhance the chances of securing a meeting with the investment team.
In 2025, Acre Venture Partners made significant strides in its investment activities. They co-led a $12 million Series A round for Ascribe Bio in October, partnering with Corteva to support the company's next-generation natural crop protection solutions.
Additionally, Acre made two new investments in July 2025, leading a $5 million seed round for Zucca, a generative AI platform for consumer packaged goods product development, and investing in Terradot, which focuses on enhanced rock weathering for CO2 removal.
As of October 2025, Acre's portfolio consists of 25 companies, reflecting their commitment to investing in sustainable innovations within the food and agriculture sectors.
What are Acre Venture Partners' investment criteria?
Acre Venture Partners invests in companies that create systemic change in food and agriculture, focusing on human health, environmental sustainability, and climate solutions. They target sectors such as agtech and consumer products across various stages from pre-seed to growth equity.
How can I pitch Acre Venture Partners?
Founders can submit their pitches through the Acre Venture Partners website at acre.vc. It is recommended to include detailed information about the business model, market opportunity, and how the company addresses challenges in food and agriculture.
What makes Acre Venture Partners different from other investors?
Acre Venture Partners integrates impact with financial returns, focusing on companies that prioritize human and environmental health. Their team has expertise in food policy and regulatory environments, allowing them to provide strategic support to portfolio companies.
What is the geographic focus of Acre Venture Partners?
The firm primarily invests in companies based in the United States, partnering with organizations that are innovating in the agtech and consumer sectors.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Acre Venture Partners invests across a range of stages, with check sizes varying depending on the stage of the company. They lead and co-lead rounds, allowing them to participate in both early and growth-stage investments.
What kind of support do portfolio companies receive?
Acre Venture Partners provides strategic support to its portfolio companies, leveraging their expertise in food policy and regulatory environments. They aim to help companies maximize their impact while achieving financial success.
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