Saskatoon, Saskatchewan: The Global Agri-Food Advancement Partnership (GAAP) has announced new support to bolster its venture funding model and provide even more value to agtech startups looking to establish in Canada, with Ag Capital Canada joining its Investment Committee.
Located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, GAAP is a new venture capital and incubator hybrid, investing in and supporting companies within the agriculture and food technology space. Founded by Ag-West Bio, the Global Institute for Food Security, the Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre and Innovation Place, GAAP was created to foster and drive innovation and the growth of Canada’s agriculture and food sectors, providing a soft landing for existing companies looking to gain access to the North American Market – and to permanently position Canada as a world leader in these areas.
“We are thrilled to have Ag Capital Canada come on board and provide its unique insight, to support GAAP’s provision of the most value to grow agtech businesses in Canada,” said GAAP interim Chief Executive Officer Jay Robinson. “There is abundant opportunity for innovation in agri-food, and this alliance with Ag Capital Canada will support GAAP with developing and delivering on those opportunities, growing early-stage technology within Canada and advancing innovation from around the world.
Ontario-based Ag Capital Canada works to discover, develop and nurture proven Canadian agricultural businesses by offering a blend of investment, business-management mentorship and entrepreneurial expertise, to help agricultural innovators make lasting impact.
“At Ag Capital Canada, our aim is to nurture entrepreneurship in Canada, foster growth in ag-business innovation and work with forward-thinking people – in mutually beneficial relationships,” said Scott Crawford, Controller at Ag Capital Canada. “GAAP’s model resonates with us, and we are pleased to support its unique structure to see agtech companies thrive in Canada.”
“We believe in the strength of Canada’s agriculture and food sectors, and we are invested in growing these sectors further by providing partnership, mentorship and expertise to innovators in the space,” John Lansink, General Partner at Ag Capital Canada said. “Our partnership with the GAAP will give us the platform to do this, so we can continue to help build profitable ag-related companies in Canada.”
Lansink and Crawford’s membership on GAAP’s Investment Committee takes effect immediately.
About GAAP’s Founding Partners:
Ag-West Bio is Saskatchewan’s bioscience industry association. A catalyst for industry growth, the company’s goal is to move research to market and grow biobusiness in the province. Ag-West Bio supports commercialization of technologies in the areas of sustainable crop production, value-added food processing, health, environment and bioproducts. The company aids strategic alliances, provides support for early-stage businesses, disseminates industry information, and hosts events to create connections and build community. Ag-West Bio is a not-for-profit, member-based organization. Funding is provided by the Government of Canada and Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture through the Canadian Agriculture Partnership (CAP). agwest.sk.ca
The Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre Inc. (Food Centre) is recognized globally as a key innovator in the food industry. The Food Centre works with local and international agri-businesses in ideation, prototyping and manufacturing of food and beverage products, specializing in the utilization of plant-based protein. The Centre’s expertise in product development, novel ingredient validation and application, extrusion and processing provides a one-stop-shop for industry to transform ingredients to innovative commercial products. foodcentre.sk.ca
The Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS) works with partners to discover, develop and deliver innovative solutions for the production of globally sustainable food. Founded by Nutrien, the Government of Saskatchewan and the University of Saskatchewan (USask), GIFS is agriculture’s innovation catalyst, connecting the agri-food ecosystem, advancing innovation and bridging the gap to commercialization to deliver resilient and sustainable food security for all stakeholders. gifs.ca
Innovation Place operates world-class technology parks adjacent to the universities in Saskatoon and Regina. By providing a supportive environment for start-ups and early-stage tech companies, we help grow Saskatchewan’s vibrant tech sector. Our collaborative community helps emerging and established tech companies thrive through flexible space and supportive partnerships. We are home to some of the most innovative companies in the country, with close to 150 tenants choosing to build and grow at our parks. innovationplace.com