Rabobank launches investment initiative to promote innovation

By Emma Jane Cash

- Last updated on GMT

© iStock/DigitalStorm
© iStock/DigitalStorm

Related tags Finance Investment

In an effort to promote innovation, Rabobank announces launch of the Rabo Food & Agri Innovation Fund (RFAIF), allowing companies to receive up to €3 million.

High-potential, early-stage food and agri companies will have the chance to receive funding and support from the bank, as part of Rabo Private Equity.

In relation to Rabobank’s Banking for Food strategy, the initiative holds four main food principles: increasing the availability of food; improving access to food; promoting balanced, health nutrition; and improving stability in food chains.

The programme has a geographical focus on Western Europe and the US, including more than 30 countries, and is available to companies across the entire supply chain from inputs to retail.

Richard O’Gorman, lead of the investment initiative as part of Rabo Private Equity, said: “We consider investments all along the food and agri value chain, with a particular focus on ambitious companies that operate in sectors in which we can optimally leverage the bank’s knowledge and expertise, network and position to help create shareholder value.”

Rabobank said it wants to target global food and agri challenges, including demographic developments, environmental challenges and supply chain efficiencies, through the initiative.

Each company can receive equity investment of €500,000 up to €3 m, also well as gaining networking opportunities and knowledge and expertise from Rabobank.

“The fund focuses on companies that are in support of Rabobank’s Banking for Food strategy. This strategy focuses on contributing to food security in the context of a rapidly growing world population, changing demographics and consumption patterns and an increasingly complex food system,”​ said Lizette Sint, global head of Rabo Private Equity.

Rabobank’s Banking for Food strategy includes the following objectives: considered and well thought out business model; a view to supply chain scalability and margin potential; a great entrepreneurial team; and company products and services that address structural needs in the food and agri systems.

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1 comment

breaking through the Rabo glass ceiling

Posted by Peter Bourke,

Rabo make plenty of editorial noise on this valuable type of development work but try getting them to talk with you - very challenging indeed!

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