LAS VEGAS, NV - Where barriers are built, records are broken. We've learned this time and time again, and the AgSharks Pitch Competition put on by Western Growers (WG) and S2G Ventures brings innovators together to prove it. The organizations recently named the winner of the 2022 competition, announcing that Nutjobs has earned a record equity investment offer of $6 million from the event's judges.

"I'm excited because Nutjobs got a chance to pitch in front of the entire Western Growers membership, to show off their wares and brag about their tech," said Walt Duflock, Vice President of Innovation at WG. "That will accelerate their success, and we know that they are ready."

Nutjobs transforms nutshell waste into bio-benign plastic alternative products that are bio-based, compostable, and derived from secondary agricultural waste, a press release explained, creating plastic substitutes that are cost-effective and sustainable.

In addition to the investment, Nutjobs will receive international recognition, mentoring, potential access to farms to pilot its technologies, and exposure to WG's expansive network.

“Once again, the AgSharks competition has brought together top growers and entrepreneurs making advancements in the agriculture sector,” said Aaron Rudberg, Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer at S2G Ventures. “We congratulate Nutjobs on being selected as the winner of this year's competition. With increasing concerns about plastics in our soil systems, along with the prevalence of wasted food byproducts, Nutjobs' upcycled solution addresses these issues in a unique way. We look forward to partnering with Paul and the team as they continue to make inroads in the space.”

Paul Kephart, Founder, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Technical Officer of Nutjobs, also commented on the big win.

"We are thrilled to win the AgSharks competition, among such a strong group of finalists," said Kephart. "It is opportunities like these that not only help companies spread the word about new ag-focused technologies, but also support our efforts to innovate further and scale our business. The network of growers, investors, and industry leaders at this event is incredible, and many of these conversations are just the beginning of partnerships that will make a long-term difference across the food supply chain. We are grateful to S2G and Western Growers for hosting an outstanding event."

For more information on the competition's finalists, you can find the complete press release here.

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Western Growers