Listen "REPLAY - Raising $900 Million to Build a Business in Agtech"
Episode Synopsis
REPLAY - Raising $900 Million to Build a Business in Agtech: Want to know how this entrepreneur disrupted agriculture and built a successful business?In this episode of Money Moves, Neil Devani interviews Amol Deshpande, an entrepreneur and venture capitalist who co-founded Farmer's Business Network (FBN) and was the first investor in Beyond Meat. They discuss Amol's experiences raising $900 million for FBN, his early involvement with Beyond Meat, and insights on investing and scaling companies.Highlighted Topics:- Investing in Breakthrough Ideas: Amol discusses his investment in Beyond Meat when it was just an idea in a lab. He emphasizes the importance of betting on breakthrough technologies and the flexibility required in investment strategies.- Shifting Venture Capital Models: The episode explores how venture capital has evolved, with a shift from risk-taking on early-stage, high-potential ideas to a more conservative, "venture analyst" model.- Disrupting Traditional Industries: Amol shares his experience disrupting agriculture through FBN, discussing the challenges of breaking into an industry dominated by monopolies and entrenched players.- Challenges in AgTech and Beyond Meat: Amol reflects on the promise of plant-based and cellular meats, expressing skepticism about their long-term impact and viability despite Beyond Meat's initial success.- Advice for Entrepreneurs: Practical tips on raising funds, emphasizing the importance of waiting until you have customers and metrics before pitching to investors.Connect with Amol on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/amol-deshpande-2364b81/Connect with host Neil Devani: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neildevani/For more information on Necessary Ventures, visit the website at: https://www.necessary.vc/Want to support this podcast? Leave us a review on iTunes and be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel.
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