During COP27 we’re going to be taking a look at Climate Investing and some of our portfolio companies who have a focus on sustainability. Today we are introducing Agrisound who first came to Anglia Capital Group in 2021 and were successful in securing funding through the group. Here, Casey Woodward, Founder and CEO talks to us about his take on climate investing.
Can you summarise AgriSound’s mission in a couple of sentences?
AgriSound is creating the world’s largest database on insect biodiversity. We have created low cost sensors that listen for the sounds of pollinators in the environment and are working with farmers and supply chain partners to deploy across the globe to protect food production.
When speaking to potential investors did you find that they were particularly looking to invest in companies with a focus on sustainability?
We find that many investors are keen to see their investments deliver benefit to the planet, but not at the sacrifice of a sub-standard business proposition. Our investors see strong business performance and a global positive contribution to sustainability as being equally important.
How do you think the early-stage investment community can influence the drive to net zero?
I think angels should look to deploy capital into companies that are aiming to leave the world in a better place. Investments in net zero companies often leverages grant funding to support the creation of new IP which can be used to secure further investment and will lead to disruptive technologies entering the market.
Do you think that VC’s and Angel Networks could do more to focus on and encourage climate investment?
I think the focus should be on taking a holistic view to sustainability with portfolio companies and not solely focusing on carbon emission reduction (‘carbon tunnel vision’). This is good news as it spreads risk across a larger base and will ultimately lead to better outcomes.
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