Sprout

Sprout Agritech is a New Zealand-based startup accelerator and early-stage investor founded in 2015. It backs founders developing innovations across the agrifood value chain, with stated interest spanning food production, processing, distribution and consumption, as well as animal health, climate and waste management. The investment portfolio stands at 11 companies.

The firm combines equity investment with hands-on company-building support, tailored programmes and introductions to industry and other stakeholders. Its stated aim is to bridge the gap between research and scalable businesses, turning what it describes as breakthrough science and ideas into globally scalable startups.

Alongside investment, Sprout operates several programmes: Sprout Accelerator, a startup acceleration programme for early-stage agrifood founders; Germinate, a programme supporting early-stage agrifood ventures; and partnership programmes run with external partners. The organisation reports having developed the capability of more than 250 entrepreneurs. Its stated mission focuses on feeding people, supporting livelihoods and sustaining the environment.