But at $225 billion assets they can't really do much with the smaller companies so we watch that stuff separately, with one source being AgFunder.
And recently there have been a lot of stories in and about Singapore:
June 2
Why AgFunder invested in Singrow
Editor’s Note: Michael Dean is founding partner of global agri-foodtech VC AgFunder, which recently invested in Singapore-based Singrow, a vertical farming startup. All views expressed are his own and not of AFN’s editor or team of journalists.
If you’ve ever tried buying strawberries in Singapore, the chances are you’ve ended up disappointed.It’s difficult to grow strawberries at scale in lowland tropical climates. The ones sold in Southeast Asia’s supermarkets have to be imported from more temperate regions.Those strawberries that do make it into stores in Singapore and other Southeast Asian cities tend to fall into two groups: expensive and insipid or sour-tasting fruit that was harvested prematurely ahead of cold-chain transit from Australia, China, or North America; or tastier but even more expensive berries airflown from Japan and South Korea. These typically arrive on Singaporean shelves mummified in layer upon layer of plastic packaging, deployed in a no-holds-barred effort to preserve freshness and aesthetics.This is not unique to strawberries; Southeast Asian countries also struggle to get hold of other fruits and vegetables such as stone fruits, melons, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, and nightshade vegetables.
So if Southeast Asians are to continue enjoying their strawberries, and the rest, a more sustainable solution is needed. One that, given the climatic and geographical limitations of cities like Singapore, requires a helping hand from technology.That’s why we’re proud to welcome Singrow to the AgFunder portfolio.Born out of the National University of Singapore (NUS), Singrow is directing its efforts towards local production of fruits and vegetables in tropical areas. And it’s starting with strawberries, which is a several hundred million dollar market in Southeast Asia, and far larger ($7 billion-plus) if you look to neighbours like China.....MORE
And June 5
Singapore’s Agrocorp gets $50m sustainability loan to enhance Covid-stricken food supply
Singapore-based agribusiness Agrocorp has received a $50 million borrowing base facility from Dutch financial institutions FMO and Rabobank. The loan is intended to “ensure a continuous flow of food from farmers to end-consumers” amid the Covid-19 pandemic, which “has challenged food supply chains globally and especially in developing markets in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa,” an Agrocorp statement said.
Agrocorp said the loan is its first-ever borrowing base facility, and will be split into two $25 million tranches....MORE
And June 4:
Something's cooking (so to speak)
Previously:
May 2019
Sept. 2017
April 2020
And many more over the years.
