About
Us
FUND
The $50 million Graininnovate Fund established by the Grains Research & Development Corporation (GRDC) will invest in startups to help drive the future profitability and sustainability of Australia's grain growers.
The Fund invests from seed to growth stage in startups from Australia, and globally, that fit the fund's investment mandate (2-page summary).
GrainInnovate's startup investments can be viewed on the portfolio page
MANDATE
The Fund may invest in startups developing software, hardware or new business models applicable to Australia's grain growers. Click here (or on the image to left) to learn more about the GRDC investment plan and key investment targets.
Areas of interest include:
-
Genetic tools & technologies
-
Crop & environmental sensing
-
Grain storage logistics
-
Renewable technologies
-
Task automation
-
Crop protection technologies
-
Water & nutrient use efficiency
-
Crop management logistics
MANAGER
The fund is managed by Artesian Venture Partners, Australia's largest and most active early stage venture capital firm. Artesian is a full stack venture capital firm focused on the Asia Pacific region with offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Singapore and Shanghai.
What
the Fund
Offers
Seed Stage
At seed stage the fund will invest $25,000 - $100,000 in startups that meet the funds mandate and investment criteria and:
-
participate in, or are referred by, partner accelerators, incubators and university programs
-
are referred by industry / corporate partners or other VC firms
ANGEL STAGE
At angel stage the fund will invest $100,000 - $500,000 in startups that meet the funds mandate and investment criteria and:
-
were previously invested in, by the Fund, at seed stage
-
are referred by partner angel groups, accelerators, incubators and university programs
-
are referred by industry / corporate partners or other venture capital firms
SERIES A
At Series A the fund will invest $500,000 - $5 million in startups that meet the funds mandate and investment criteria and:
-
were previously invested in by the Fund, at seed and/or angel stage
-
are referred by industry / corporate partners or other VC firms
GROWTH STAGE
As a portfolio startup moves into its growth stage, the Fund will work with its partners including the Grains Research & Development Corporation (GRDC), industry bodies corporates, venture capital firms and other investors to facilitate further investment, distribution and partnership opportunities.
EXITS
The Fund will work with portfolio startups to identify potential exit opportunities, mergers and acquisitions via its broad network of industry contacts.
Why
Us
EXTENSIVE AgriFood Industry NETWORK
As a cornerstone investor in the Fund, the Grain Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) provides access to the most extensive network of connections in the Australian grain industry including:
-
growers
-
logistic providers
-
research institutes
-
government authorities
-
corporates
-
industry bodies
GLOBAL VIEW WITH AN AUSTRALIAN FOCUS
The Fund is looking to invest in world-leading agrifood technology startups. Startups may be founded anywhere, but as part of the Fund's investment due diligence, startups will demonstrate their commitment to
developing the profitability and sustainability of Australian grain growers.
A TRUSTED PARTNER FROM SEED TO EXIT
The Fund is a seed-to-exit partner and investor for the world's best agrifood technology startup founders. Our aim is to deliver value via technical expertise, industry knowledge and networks, specialist advice and support. Our goal is to be a valued, trusted adviser assisting you to navigate through challenges and opportunities.
The investment by GrainInnovate in Data Farming has been fundamental to delivering value to the Australian grains industry - the value goes well beyond the dollars invested. Whilst this is a completely new method of investment, it clearly demonstrates that industry can benefit from alternative investment approaches

Tim Neale
Managing Director
Data Farming

Contact
Us
SYDNEY
Level 4, 1 Castlereagh Street
MELBOURNE
Level 3, 45 Wangaratta Street, Cremorne
NEW YORK
Level 6, 136 madison ave
SHANGHAI
Suite 2526, 5 Corporate Avenue, 150 HuBin Road
SINGAPORE
78 buxton road
LONDON
Suite 105, 51 Holland St,
W8 7JB