Fundraising

The indoor farming start-up intends to extend across the GCC and secured a joint venture with South Korean vertical farmer Farm8 in October ahead of a planned expansion into Asia.

The firm, co-founded by partners including three former Queensland University of Technology start-up program managers, is seeking up to A$50 million for its first VC fund.

The firm will pursue a growth equity strategy in North America and has taken commitments from the Canada Life Assurance Company and BMO Capital Partners.

AAM’s flagship Diversified Agriculture Fund is seeking more capital to deploy into its northern Australia cattle assets and to expand its softwood timber businesses.

Synthesis Capital – founded by two former VC investors at Jeremy Coller’s family office – has raised $300m for its debut alternative protein venture fund.

The Japanese trust bank made its first timberland investment last year amid a trend that has now led to New Forests being acquired by Mitsui & co and Nomura.

The vehcile attracted investment from a wide pool of LPs including sovereign wealth funds, pensions and family offices as it hit its $175m target within three months of launching in 2021.

The growth and agtech vehicles have received strong interest from North American institutional LPs, with LACERA having already committed $100m to the funds.

The firm has returned to market to raise more capital after acquiring its third property, crossing A$100m in assets under management.

British fund manager Gresham House took home the fund manager of the year awards as Sweden’s AP3 won the institutional award.