‘I’m increasingly positive’: Retailers offer agtech a way beyond the traditional VC model

Despite a challenging investment climate for agtech, new funding models are emerging in the UK, with a mix of public investment, private capital, and increasing involvement from retailers and supply-chain businesses. Dr Belinda Clarke of Agri-TechE highlights that this broader financial ecosystem enables start-ups to generate revenues earlier and reduces reliance on traditional venture capital or grants. Retailers and supply-chain actors are targeting innovations that address specific commercial needs, making their support complementary to public funding. Clarke also notes a shift in the industry towards integrating multiple technologies to address practical farm and supply-chain challenges, emphasizing evolution over disruptive change.