CIO Bulletin

S2G Ventures – Backing the Best Entrepreneurs That Are Improving the Overall Health and Sustainability of the Food System

There is no bigger industry on our planet than food and agriculture, with a consistent, loyal customer base of seven billion. Investment in agriculture and food tech companies almost doubled to US$22.3billion and is expected to accelerate further in 2022. Venture Capital (VC) investment in startups that are working in agriculture and allied fields is gaining traction. The rapid growth being witnessed by the industry can be attributed to growing disposable incomes and aspirational lifestyles of the world population. The business case for more investment is clear. From innovation in food, operations, packaging and the overall experience, capital is a key enabler. It has also led to faster adoption of technology across the entire supply-demand cycle.

S2G Ventures is one such multi-stage venture funding company primarily investing in food and agriculture industries. In light of evolving consumer behaviors and preferences, dwindling natural resources and urbanization, and the fragility of the supply chains, one thing is clear: meeting the needs of future generations will require a drastic shift in the way they approach food. At S2G Ventures, they believe a healthier food system is the under-recognized solution to critical global challenges like climate change, healthcare, and nutrition. Food should be produced in a way that considers human and environmental health just as much as taste and profit – and they back trailblazing entrepreneurs with the big ideas to help make that dream a reality.

Helping Food and Agriculture Startups to Build Sustainable Food System through Venture Investment

Systems Investing: S2G looks beyond the investment opportunity in front of us to understand how an investment fits into the broader value chain. By focusing on the entire food supply chain, from how products are grown to the ingredients in the food to how consumer behavior is changing, they are able to construct a portfolio that sees the bigger picture environmental and financial system impact and synergies. This approach gives them an edge in the market and industry insights others may not see. Now more than ever, consumers want to know where their food comes from. And be assured that it is safe, fresh, and reliably and responsibly prepared. S2G’s portfolio companies are innovating in the areas of perishability, packaging, testing, ingredients and logistics to make the food supply safe, resilient and sustainable.

Long Term/Multi-Stage Investments: S2G invests in companies that are transforming the farm gate. Innovations in agriculture input, on-farm technologies and techniques, along with new financing and merchandising solutions, are resulting in better yields, new crop traits and more environmentally conscious practices. This is a marathon, not a sprint, which is why S2G invests in high-potential start-ups at various stages of maturity – from seed to growth stage. They work collaboratively with its entrepreneurs to build their businesses for the long-term.

Value-Added Partners: By focusing on the entire food supply chain, from how products are grown to the ingredients in the food to how consumer behavior is changing, they are able to construct a portfolio that sees the bigger picture environmental and financial system impact and synergies. S2G don’t just write checks. They work to be value-added partners to their portfolio companies. They strive to be entrepreneurial-focused, and provide resources and relationships that help them push through challenges every day in the lab, the field, the kitchen, so their ideas can go from seed to growth.

The Visionary Leader at the Helm of S2G Ventures

Aaron Rudberg is the Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of S2G Ventures. He is excited about investing behind entrepreneurs that are helping farmers build more profitable businesses and meet the demands of the changing consumer. Aaron has worked in the investment business his entire professional career, and brings experience as an entrepreneur and institutional investor. Prior to joining S2G, Aaron spent 10 years at Baird Capital where he was a Partner and Managing Director overseeing the global strategy, investor relations, marketing and business development for the $3.5 billion private equity and venture capital business. Aaron previously spent time at a private equity fund-of-funds and a venture capital firm. Early in Aaron’s career, he was an entrepreneur building a venture backed software company that was acquired.

Mr. Rudberg received a BA from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. He is a member of the board of The Civic Federation, Adler Planetarium, and was named an Emerging Leader by the Chicago Council of Global Affairs in 2014.