Leading global AgTech investment fund to present at 400m Forum in Toowoomba

Technology innovation is the only way forward if the world is to feed an ever growing population according to Michael Dean, co-founder and chief operating officer of leading agriculture-focused online investment platform, AgFunder.

In a major coup for the region, Mr Dean will present at the inaugural 400m AgInnovate Investment Forum to be held in Toowoomba in May, hosted by Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise’s (TSBE) Food Leaders Australia (FLA).

The Forum will bring together Australiasia’s key players in AgTech for the very first time to lead a multi-nation conversation about the growing appetite for investment in Asian AgTech.

TSBE chief executive officer Dr Ben Lyons said that with companies starting to see global investment as a critical component to remaining competitive in the global agribusiness marketplace, it was appropriate to have the leading platform for global AgTech investment present to delegates.

“Mr Dean brings to the 400m Forum program a wealth of knowledge on investment in innovation and technology and how this will shape the future of sustainable agriculture and agribusiness,” Dr Lyons said.

Mr Dean will present to delegates on “What’s shaping AgTech: the global outlook for innovation and investment”.

“AgTech investment has grown exponentially over the past four years as the international investment community has recognised that technology innovation is the only way for us to feed an ever growing population with less land, less water and with a much more sustainable use of inputs,” Mr Dean said.

AgTech investment is responding, with 2015 seeing investment in food and agriculture technology exponentially increase.

In their 2015 AgTech Year in Review Report, AgFunder revealed US$4.6 billion was invested in global AgTech in 2015, up from US$2.36 billion in 2014.

Mr Dean has a history in commercialising opportunities in the agriculture and agribusiness space.

Prior to starting AgFunder, Mr Dean founded and operated SeedRock Africa Agriculture, a company that develops commercial agriculture and agribusiness in West Africa.

Mr Dean was instrumental in implementing the company’s farming operations, construction of the company’s edible oil processing facility, the launch of the “Africa Gold” sunflower oil brand and the granting of official leaseholds to over 43,000 hectares of agricultural land.

The event, supported by the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) and AgFunder as media partner, will be held on Wednesday, 18 May at the Toowoomba City Library.

For more information regarding the forum visit www.400mForum.com.au