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Koan Capital Corp. operates the Koan Agtech Fund, a venture capital firm based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Founded around 2021, the fund is dedicated to supporting early-stage AgTech startups that focus on improving agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability. The firm emphasizes operator-led expertise, combining capital deployment with deep industry knowledge to drive growth in the AgTech sector.
Koan Capital Corp. primarily targets pre-seed to seed stage investments, providing funding between $50,000 and $250,000. The fund's geographical focus is on Canadian companies, although it remains open to exceptional international opportunities. The firm aims to enhance the overall value of food products through innovative solutions developed by its portfolio companies.
Koan Capital has established itself as a dedicated rolling fund for early-stage agricultural technology startups, with a strong emphasis on sectors such as crops, livestock, aquaculture, and food safety. The firm is committed to improving the agricultural landscape through strategic investments and partnerships.
The Koan Agtech Fund invests in early-stage AgTech startups, specifically at the pre-seed and seed stages. The fund provides financial support ranging from $50,000 to $250,000, targeting companies with valuations between $2 million and $10 million. Koan Capital focuses on sectors including crops, livestock, aquaculture, and food safety, with a primary emphasis on Canadian startups while also considering exceptional international opportunities.
Investment areas include on-farm inputs such as crop and animal genetics, microbiome, breeding, and animal health. The fund also looks at direct-to-consumer farmer platforms, on-farm machinery like automation and drones, as well as fermentation and agricultural waste processing technologies. Core technology focuses include automation, digitization, IoT, AI and machine learning, traceability, and ESG/carbon initiatives in agriculture.
Koan Capital seeks to partner with founders who are innovative and committed to enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability. The firm values operator-led expertise and aims to provide not just capital but also strategic guidance in areas such as go-to-market strategies, corporate governance, and exit planning.
Remi Koan Schmaltz - General Partner. Remi is a serial entrepreneur and active angel investor with a strong background in AgTech. He co-founded and served as CEO of Decisive Farming, a precision agtech company acquired by TELUS. His leadership in the industry earned Decisive Farming the award for 'Most Significant Tech Transaction of the Year' in 2020. Remi brings extensive operational experience in scaling Canadian AgTech companies.
Chris Ewing - CFO. Chris has a background in finance and plays a crucial role in managing the financial aspects of Koan Capital. His expertise supports the firm’s investment strategies and operational efficiency.
To pitch to Koan Capital, founders should utilize the preferred channel available on their website at koan.vc. It is essential to include a comprehensive deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and how the startup aligns with Koan's investment focus. While specific application forms are not mentioned, a well-structured pitch deck is critical.
Founders can expect a response time that varies depending on the volume of inquiries, but it is advisable to follow up if no response is received within a reasonable timeframe. Warm introductions are beneficial but not strictly necessary.
What are Koan Capital's investment criteria?
Koan Capital primarily invests in early-stage AgTech startups at the pre-seed and seed stages. The firm focuses on sectors such as crops, livestock, aquaculture, and food safety, with funding ranging from $50,000 to $250,000.
How can startups apply or pitch to Koan Capital?
Startups can pitch to Koan Capital through their website at koan.vc. It is recommended to include a detailed business plan and information on how the startup aligns with Koan's focus areas.
What makes Koan Capital different from other venture capital firms?
Koan Capital differentiates itself by combining capital with operator-led expertise. The firm provides not only funding but also strategic guidance in areas such as go-to-market strategies, corporate governance, and exit planning.
What is the geographical scope of Koan Capital's investments?
While Koan Capital primarily focuses on Canadian AgTech startups, it is open to considering exceptional international companies that align with its investment thesis.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Koan Capital typically invests between $50,000 and $250,000 in its portfolio companies, targeting early-stage startups with significant growth potential.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Koan Capital have?
Koan Capital actively supports its portfolio companies by providing guidance in various areas, including capital raising, team building, and exit planning, leveraging the expertise of experienced AgTech operators.
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