(Free Press Release) Open Prairie Ventures believes the United States' greatest opportunities exist in the agriculture technology field. Known as Agriculture 2.0, the venture capital firm sees tech-level returns funding the input side of the farmer's market.
Effingham, IL - December 03, 2010 -- There is a new wave in the old business of agriculture. It's known as High Yield Farming, aka Agriculture 2.0. And it's drawing big interest from Silicon Valley venture funds. These funds recognize that investments in technology to improve agriculture are sound philosophies that produce both exceptional crop and financial yields.
Open Prairie Ventures from Effingham, Illinois has been quietly leading the charge of mid-America Venture Capital firms funding the yellow brick road of Agriculture 2.0.
"Current projections are that the food supply will need to double over the next 30 years to feed the ever-increasing demands of the global population," said Jim Schultz, Founder and Managing Partner of Open Prairie Ventures (http://www.OpenPrairie.com). "If we are going to increase our food supply by 100% in the next thirty years, this demand for growth will be fueled by safe agricultural technologies that increase crop yields on less land."
Innovation in Agriculture has renewed interest in investment opportunities. It is unquestionable that technological improvements in the last thirty years have improved productivity in the agricultural sector. Schultz believes that process is only beginning.
"The rapid changes in technology have created investments related to:
1) Quality Control Processes
2) New market developments
3) Reduced labor costs
4) Improved production processes
5) Reduced environmental damage
6) Reduced energy consumption
"And several other game changers," says Schultz.
He and and his team have spent the last decade exploring agricultural technology companies ranging from non-toxic pesticides to indoor urban farming systems. In that time frame, they have funded numerous companies who met their criteria and shared their entrepreneurial outlook. Schultz shares some of the reasons behind the founding of Open Prairie Ventures in a new YouTube video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SL2ZtS8y77A
"The input side of the business is most compelling as we contemplate how to drive better outputs. In other words, we are interested in improving crop yields. We are agnostic as to how the crop is eventually used in the supply chain," insisted Schultz. "Being a Midwest-based early stage venture fund, Open Prairie Ventures is perfectly positioned to build a solid portfolio of investments that focus on this powerful global dynamic."
For more information on Open Prairie Ventures please visit: http://www.OpenPrairie.com/About.html
About Open Prairie Ventures:
Open Prairie Advisors was created to leverage its Principals' combined expertise of over 50 years in assisting small and middle-market companies navigate the path to building successful, entrepreneurial companies. As entrepreneurs themselves, the Principals of Open Prairie Advisors have developed a keen understanding of the challenges that entrepreneurs must confront. The firm is known for both discovering high-potential businesses and helping their management successfully implement solution-focused strategies. The company's approach works for firms during both recessionary and expansionary economic environments across the agricultural marketplace. For more information, visit http://www.OpenPrairie.com or call 217.347.1000.
Press Contact:
Jim Schultz
Managing Partner
Open Prairie Ventures
400 East Jefferson
Effingham, IL 62401
Main Office: 217.347.1000
[email protected]
http://www.OpenPrairie.com