Western Growers and S2G Ventures Open Applications for 2023 AgSharks Competition; Dave Puglia and Audre Kapacinskas Share
SALINAS, CA - Aptly named after the apex predator of the sea, Western Growers and S2G Ventures’ AgSharks Competition is a unique event where startup companies pitch their innovations in front of a live audience of the world’s largest specialty crop producers to win a $250,000 minimum investment. And the chance has arisen once again as the duo announces applications are now open for the 2023 AgSharks Competition.
“As our partnership with S2G Ventures to host the AgSharks competition at the Western Growers Annual Meeting enters its sixth year, we look forward to finding finalists who can bring real-world technology solutions to solve the issues impacting the specialty crop community,” said Western Growers President and Chief Executive Officer Dave Puglia. “2022 AgSharks winner NutJobs earned a record $6 million equity investment—and this year we invite entrepreneurs to apply who have a similar bold vision.”
Three innovative startups will be selected to pitch their solutions to a panel of growers, shippers, processors, and venture capitalists in front of more than 300 fresh produce farmers and industry leaders during the WG Annual Meeting in Kauai on November 12–15, according to a press release.
In addition to potential investment capital, the winner(s) will receive international recognition, mentoring from S2G and WG, potential access to farm acreage to pilot their technologies, and access to WG’s expansive network of fresh produce companies.
“It takes an ecosystem of stakeholders working together to unlock better outcomes for consumers and producers,” said Audre Kapacinskas, Principal, S2G Ventures. “Western Growers has been a tremendous partner, serving as a bridge between growers, innovators, and investors to accelerate innovation in agriculture. As an investor, we bring capital to the table, and having an open dialogue with growers allows us to have a better understanding of industry needs and how we might work together to meaningfully move the needle on innovation in agriculture. We look forward to collaborating again this year.”
Applications close on July 28, 2023. Entrepreneurs and startups interested in entering the competition can apply here. For details about previous winners and their success since the competition, click here.
