Cultivating Innovation in AgTech

Ag Startup Engine is investing in tomorrow’s technology, today.

With a rich history at the intersection of agriculture and technology, Ames offers a unique
opportunity for those who are building the technologies that will drive food and materials
production long into the future. As such, it is the perfect location for investors to get a look at
tomorrow, today.

Among those investors is a unique initiative that is nurturing the growth of innovative startups
tackling challenges across the food and agriculture value chain. The Ag Startup Engine, an early-
stage ag tech investor, is not just investing capital; it's fostering a community of entrepreneurs
and investors, driving impactful change within the industry.

Mikayla Mooney, Venture Partner at Ag Startup Engine, offers insight on the essence of their
mission: "We invest in companies across the food and ag value chain, anywhere from idea stage
all the way up to companies that have a commercially viable product and are generating
revenue. We view ourselves as more than just an investment. A big piece of what we do is
creating that community—bringing together investors, founders, and helping companies
accelerate their growth."

Founded by Kevin Kimle, the Ag Startup Engine was conceived as a solution to empower
students and alumni of Iowa State University with entrepreneurial ambitions. Kevin, who
oversees entrepreneurial programs in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State,
recognized the potential of these budding innovators and sought to provide them with a runway
to pursue their ideas.

"Founders of agricultural technology businesses face many challenges,” Kimle says. “We aimed
to support them and provide an opportunity for them to commercialize their innovations. At its
founding, Ag Startup Engine was able to bring together a group of investors with expertise in
food and agriculture to guide investment decisions and mentor founders as they scale their
businesses."

Located adjacent to Iowa State in the Iowa State University Research Park, the Ag Startup
Engine benefits from its proximity to a rich pool of talent and cutting-edge research. While not
officially affiliated with the university, Ag Startup Engine leverages close ties to tap into a robust
ecosystem of innovation.

"There is a lot of agricultural technology developed and tested at Iowa State University,"
Mooney says. "Having that close connection to the university is beneficial for us. It allows us to
engage with a diverse range of entrepreneurs and leverage the research and resources
available."

Furthermore, Ag Startup Engine's physical location within the Research Park provides invaluable
support to startups in their portfolio. The collaborative environment fosters peer-to-peer
learning and facilitates access to resources essential for early-stage companies.

"We have a space where founders can come together, learn from each other, and accelerate
their growth," Mooney says. The benefits of this collaborative model extend beyond Iowa State
and the Research Park. While Ag Startup Engine’s roots are deeply embedded in the Iowa
ecosystem, their scope has expanded nationally, with investments spanning the entire United
States.

"We've opened up our scope with our second fund launched in 2020," Mooney says. "While
there's a tilt towards Midwest companies, we're not geographically constrained. We're investing
in startups across the country that are tackling challenges in food and agriculture."

“Our vision is to build a robust community of ag tech founders, investors, and industry experts,”
Mooney adds, “that collaborates to solve complex challenges in the industry.”