Jeriko: Why does Agritech need a tailor-made VC model?

If AGTECH startups must turn to other sources of capital, investors who wish to accompany companies in the sector, must adapt to its particularities. Between long R&D cycles, slow technological adoption and regulatory constraints, Actritech investment requires a differentiated approach. It is in this logic that Jeriko structured his investment model.

Why does the classic VC model not work in Agritech?

The traditional venture capital model is based on rapid yields and investment cycles from five to seven years. This scheme hardly applies to Agritech, where innovation follows a distinct tempo. The development cycles of agricultural technologies are often extended, requiring validations in real conditions over several years before being adopted on a large scale. The adoption by operators remains progressive, farmers having to reconcile economic profitability and transition to more sustainable practices. In addition, the strict regulatory environment, imposing rigorous health and environmental standards, delays the marketing of innovations.

Jeriko: an adapted and targeted investment approach

Faced with these obstacles, Jeriko adopts an investment strategy breaking with the classic models. Rather than structuring a closed fund, it operates according to a logic Deal by Dealoffering investors an essential flexibility. This model makes it possible to adjust investment choices according to the maturity of startups and their market prospects. Jeriko thus favors solutions with proven scalability and which can be adopted quickly within existing agricultural processes. The reduction of chemical inputs and the improvement of resources management are at the heart of the selection criteria, as well as the ability of startups to integrate with large agrifood chains and agricultural cooperatives.

Jeriko’s investment covers several strategic segments. Precision agriculture is illustrated by Hyperplan, which optimizes agricultural yields thanks to artificial intelligence. The reduction of inputs and decarbonation are embodied by Carbonfarm, which targets the reduction of methane emissions in rice cultivation, and by Alvie, which accompanies the transition to agricultural practices less dependent on pesticides. In the field of agricultural automation and robotics, Seederal Technologies develops electrical tractors adapted to sustainable farms.

Unique flexibility for investors

Unlike conventional funds that lock the capital of investors over several years, Jeriko adopts a more modular approach. Investors can individually choose the startups in which they wish to engage, thus avoiding the constraints of a closed investment vehicle and limiting the risk of prolonged illiquidity. This model also promotes co-investment with specialized funds such as Serena, Astanor and Seventure, allowing risk sharing and pooling of expertise.

The founders of the fund

Jeriko was created by Olivier Tilloy and Emmanuel Leconte, two experts with additional courses. Olivier Tilloy, co -founder of Techmind, has solid experience in the investment and financing of technological startups. Emmanuel Leconte, on the other hand, is an entrepreneur from the agricultural world. With more than 25 years of experience in the sector, it provides precious field expertise and in -depth knowledge of the challenges encountered by farmers and stakeholders in the food chain.

What are the participations of the Jeriko portfolio?