Copia Agro & Food to raise $50m to invest in ag-tech projects

Copia, established in 2014, is a privately owned impact investing fund. Copia invests in outstanding agricultural and food technologies developed by Israel’s leading research institutes which carry the promise of adding significant value across the food supply chain and addressing substantial market potential. It invests in technologies that have passed their proof-of-concept stage and are not more than 2-4 years from market readiness. The fund’s unique structure leads the technologies’ transitions from research to market readiness via hands-on management and in cooperation – already from the initial stages – with prominent industrial partners.   Copia chooses technologies that will be transformed into products and processes that will make the global food supply chain safer, more efficient and sustainable in the following areas of expertise: (1) Plant Science  - Identification and control of pests and agents of plant diseases (insects, mites, fungi, bacteria, viruses, phytoplasmas, nematodes and noxious weeds). - Improvements in yield and quality of important agricultural crops with a priority for the use of environmental-friendly techniques that reduce chemical usage.  (2) Food Science - Extension of food products’ shelf-life, while keeping their quality and nutritional value. This includes foods intended for human consumption and animal feed derived from plants and animals. - Improving the quality and safety of food and beverages while enhancing production efficiencies, reducing energy consumption and minimizing preservatives usage.  (3) Animal Science - Improving performance and production of fish, poultry, cattle and sheep via multidisciplinary approaches. - Maintaining performance, production and welfare of animals under a-biotic and biotic stresses.