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Prairie Crest Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 2016 and based in Des Moines, Iowa. The firm focuses on early-stage investments in agriculture and technology innovation, specifically targeting the AgTech sector. Prairie Crest Capital was established to address the significant funding gap in AgTech, particularly in underserved markets within the Midwest. The firm recognizes that agriculture, which contributes approximately 8% to the U.S. GDP, has historically received less than 3% of venture capital investment, creating a unique opportunity for targeted investment.
The management team at Prairie Crest Capital combines extensive experience in investment management, private equity, and entrepreneurship. This diverse background positions the firm as a key player in the AgTech investment space. Currently, Prairie Crest Capital operates with a focus on early to mid-stage technology companies, emphasizing partnerships with founders who possess breakthrough ideas. The firm has a national investment scope while primarily concentrating on the Midwest.
Prairie Crest Capital primarily invests in early to mid-stage technology companies, with a strong emphasis on the AgTech sector. The firm seeks to partner with founders who have innovative ideas and aims to provide both funding and development assistance to enterprises poised for accelerated growth. Investment stages include pre-seed, seed, and seed-plus, allowing the firm to engage with startups at various points in their development.
While the firm concentrates its investments in the Midwest, it maintains a national scope for its investment activities. Prairie Crest Capital's investment thesis highlights the need to support AgTech companies that have been largely overlooked by coastal institutional capital. The firm is particularly interested in companies that address global agricultural challenges through innovative solutions, thereby contributing to the growth of the AgTech market, which is projected to expand significantly in the coming years.
Prairie Crest Capital's portfolio includes innovative companies that are addressing global agricultural challenges through AgTech solutions. Notable investments include:
These companies exemplify Prairie Crest Capital's commitment to supporting enterprises that are positioned for growth and innovation in the AgTech sector. The firm actively seeks to invest in companies that can make a significant impact on agricultural practices and technology.
Mark White - Founding and Managing Partner. Mark has extensive experience in investment management and entrepreneurship, having co-founded Prairie Crest Capital to address the funding gap in AgTech.
Barry Adams - Founding and Managing Partner. Barry brings over 60 years of combined experience in marketing, operations, and finance, working alongside Mark White to drive the firm's investment strategy.
Kevin Kimle - Rastetter Chair of Agricultural Entrepreneurship at Iowa State University. Kevin's expertise in agricultural entrepreneurship enhances the firm's understanding of the AgTech landscape.
Lloyd Le Page - Founder of Heartland Global Inc. Lloyd's background in global agricultural markets contributes valuable insights to the firm's investment decisions.
Dr. Niebur - President and CEO of Origin Agritech, Ltd. Dr. Niebur's leadership experience in agritech provides a strong foundation for evaluating potential investments in the sector.
To pitch Prairie Crest Capital, founders should use the preferred channel available on their website at prairiecrestcapital.com. The pitch deck should include a comprehensive overview of the business model, market analysis, financial projections, and the team’s background. Founders should expect a response time that varies based on the volume of submissions, but timely follow-ups are encouraged.
In recent months, Prairie Crest Capital has made notable investments in the AgTech sector. The firm participated in an $8.5M Series A round for Hi Fidelity Genetics, focusing on precision agriculture genetics. Additionally, they invested $850K in Certintell, Inc., which specializes in telemedicine technology.
These investments reflect Prairie Crest Capital's commitment to supporting innovative companies that address critical challenges in agriculture and technology. The firm continues to seek opportunities to invest in early-stage companies that align with its mission to fill the funding gap in the Midwest.
What are Prairie Crest Capital's investment criteria?
The firm focuses on early to mid-stage investments in AgTech and technology companies. They seek to partner with founders who have breakthrough ideas and innovative solutions, particularly in underserved markets.
How can I apply or pitch to Prairie Crest Capital?
Founders can pitch their ideas through the firm's website at prairiecrestcapital.com. It is advisable to include a detailed business plan and financial projections in the pitch deck.
What makes Prairie Crest Capital different from other venture capital firms?
Prairie Crest Capital emphasizes a hands-on approach, providing support in areas such as sales calls, introductions to strategic partners, management recruiting, and commercialization strategy. This level of involvement helps portfolio companies accelerate their growth.
What is the geographic scope of Prairie Crest Capital's investments?
The firm primarily focuses on the Midwest but maintains a national scope for its investment activities, allowing them to engage with promising startups across the United States.
What is the typical check size for investments?
While specific check sizes are not disclosed, Prairie Crest Capital invests at the pre-seed, seed, and seed-plus stages, indicating a range that typically aligns with early-stage funding requirements.
What kind of post-investment involvement can founders expect?
Prairie Crest Capital provides extensive post-investment support, including assistance with regulatory compliance, fundraising, and strategic introductions, ensuring that portfolio companies have the resources they need to succeed.
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