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Clay Capital, formerly known as VisVires New Protein, is a venture capital firm founded in 2014 and based in London. The firm focuses on investing in agrifood technology companies that aim to improve the relationship between human health and the health of the planet through innovative solutions. Clay Capital is recognized as a leading dedicated agrifood VC in the Europe-Asia corridor, emphasizing a mission-driven approach to investment.
The firm operates primarily in Europe and Asia, with a fund size of $145 million raised in October 2023. Clay Capital has a portfolio of 13 companies and aims to invest in up to 15 companies from its second fund. The firm has a strong emphasis on sustainable, nutritious, and circular outcomes in food production and consumption, addressing the interconnected challenges of environmental degradation, societal inequity, and human health.
Notable milestones include the rebranding from VisVires New Protein to Clay Capital, which coincided with the closing of Fund II. The firm has established itself as a key player in the agrifood technology sector, actively promoting its mission and portfolio while highlighting innovative solutions that enhance food systems.
Clay Capital invests in Seed to Series C companies primarily in Europe and Asia, focusing on high-impact agrifood technology. The firm addresses global challenges related to food and agriculture, emphasizing sustainable, nutritious, and circular outcomes in food production and consumption. Their investment strategy targets sectors such as agtech, biotech, healthcare, food-agtech, sustainable-packaging, robotics, and alternative-protein.
The firm seeks to promote innovative technologies that enhance food systems and improve the connection between human health and planetary health. Clay Capital looks for founders who are committed to creating solutions that tackle environmental degradation and societal inequity. The firm prefers to invest in companies that demonstrate a clear path to scalability and sustainability, with check sizes ranging from $3 million to $8 million, along with additional follow-on reserves.
Clay Capital's portfolio includes 13 notable companies that exemplify its focus on agrifood technology:
These companies reflect Clay Capital's commitment to addressing critical challenges in the agrifood sector through innovative solutions.
Matthieu Vermersch: Co-Founder & Partner. Matthieu has extensive experience in the agrifood sector and has been instrumental in shaping the firm's investment strategy.
Gerard Chia: Partner. Gerard emphasizes the firm's positioning as a bridge between Asian and European markets, leveraging his deep industry connections.
Marie-Anne Dupin: Co-Founder & Partner. Marie-Anne brings a wealth of knowledge in agrifood technology and has played a key role in the firm's growth.
Ali Morrow: Partner. Ali focuses on sourcing and evaluating investment opportunities within the agrifood sector.
Darren Leong: Principal. Darren is involved in deal sourcing and portfolio management, ensuring alignment with the firm's mission.
Luc Giraud: Operating Partner. Luc provides operational support to portfolio companies, drawing on his extensive industry experience.
Fatin Nur Atiqah: Legal and Compliance Manager. Fatin oversees legal matters and compliance for the firm.
Chung Heng Lim: Chief Financial Officer. Chung manages the firm's financial operations and investor relations.
Valérie Busser-Touchon: Advisor. Valérie offers strategic insights and guidance to the team.
Robin De Lacroix: Analyst. Robin supports the investment team with research and analysis.
Celine Ng: Analyst. Celine assists in evaluating potential investments and managing portfolio performance.
Emmalyn Tan: Assistant Finance Manager. Emmalyn supports financial operations and reporting.
Jolene Thiang: Accounts Executive. Jolene manages accounts and administrative tasks for the firm.
Sze Tan Cotte: Senior Advisor. Sze provides high-level strategic advice to the firm.
To pitch to Clay Capital, founders should visit their website at claycapital.vc. The firm prefers pitches that include a comprehensive overview of the business model, market potential, and alignment with their mission of reconnecting human health and planetary health through agrifood technology.
Founders should prepare a detailed pitch deck that outlines their innovative solutions, target market, and competitive landscape. Clay Capital values clarity and conciseness in presentations. Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks of submission.
In October 2023, Clay Capital closed its second fund, raising $145 million to invest in agrifood technology companies. This fund aims to support up to 15 companies across Europe, Israel, and Asia.
Recent investments from Fund II include Toopi, a French biostimulant producer, and WeedOUT, an Israeli bioherbicide startup. The firm also invested in Cook-e, a French kitchen robot company, in 2023, and plans to invest in NxtFood, a plant-based protein company, in 2025.
Clay Capital continues to highlight its commitment to sustainable practices and the interconnectedness of health and the environment through its portfolio updates and industry insights.
What are Clay Capital's investment criteria?
Clay Capital invests in Seed to Series C companies within the agrifood technology sector. The firm focuses on high-impact solutions that address environmental degradation, societal inequity, and human health.
How can startups apply or pitch to Clay Capital?
Startups can pitch to Clay Capital through their website at claycapital.vc. It is recommended to include a clear business model, market potential, and how the startup aligns with the firm's mission.
What makes Clay Capital different from other VCs?
Clay Capital emphasizes a mission-driven approach, focusing on the interconnectedness of human health and planetary health. The firm has a unique dual geography, operating between Europe and Asia, which positions it as a bridge for agrifood innovation.
What is the geographic scope of Clay Capital's investments?
The firm primarily invests in Europe and Asia, specifically targeting countries that are at the forefront of agrifood technology advancements.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Clay Capital typically invests between $3 million and $8 million in its portfolio companies, with additional reserves for follow-on investments.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Clay Capital have?
Clay Capital provides strategic guidance and operational expertise to its portfolio companies, helping them navigate challenges and scale their innovations effectively.
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