We are thrilled to kick off our new show on scaling climate innovation: CLIMB by VSC with an engaging conversation with Rob Leclerc, managing partner of AgFunder. Founded in 2013 and based in Silicon Valley, AgFunder is one of the world’s most active FoodTech and AgTech investors today. In this episode, we discuss:
(00:01) Intro to AgFunder & Rob Leclerc's background as well as what led him to becoming a co-founder of AgFunder
(04:22) key risks to the future of food and agriculture? 
(07:23)  and where does Venture Capital play in food & ag, plus what AgFunder like to invest in across the value chain. 
(09:29) What are the over-hyped or over-funded segments within Food & Ag,  
(13:23) What's been the catalyst that has moved people to more climate-conscious agriculture practices?
(15:04) What role does government play in making an impact on climate innovation? How do you price that risk within Food & AgTech?
(19:11) What are the criteria that matter most to Rob and AgFunder when they look to invest in a startup?
(21:17) What is the interplay between AgFunder News and the venture fund? What are the benefits of having a media entity relationship?
(27:38) What do founders overlook or underestimate when building a business in FoodTech or AgTech?
(31:07) How does building in the world of "Atoms vs. Bits" change fund structure and time horizons for investment?
(35:17) What makes for a good lead for a FoodTech & AgTech investment?
(39:21) What is some advice Rob would wish he could give his younger self?
(40:24) Key lessons from this episode and final thoughts
About VSC Ventures:
For 20 years, our award-winning PR agency VSC has worked with innovative startups on positioning, messaging, and awareness and we are bringing that same expertise to help climate startups with storytelling and narrative building. Last year, general partners Vijay Chattha and Jay Kapoor raised a $21M fund to co-invest in the most promising startups alongside leading climate funds.
Through the conversations on our show CLIMB by VSC, we're excited to share what we're doing at VSC and VSC Ventures on climate innovation with companies like Ample, Actual, Sesame Solar, Synop, Vibrant Planet, and Zume among many others.