Founded in 2021, SLC Ventures is the corporate venture capital arm of SLC Agrícola, a large-scale grain and fiber production company focused on cotton, soybean and corn crops. SLC Ventures aims to innovate the agricultural sector through technology by cofinancing agritech startups to rethink how the business has developed in recent decades. “We are not a fund, but we invest our own resources together with venture capital funds,” says Carlos Aranha, ecosystem leader at SLC Ventures. “I’m responsible for looking for startups as well as for developing connections with both entrepreneurs and funds in Brazil and abroad.” The division can invest up to US$1 million per startup, operating in the field of biologicals, supply chain, fintech, decarbonization, precision farming, education, IOT and artificial intelligence applied to the industry. “The use of data can help farmers to manage their operations easier and fully benefit from modern equipment,” says Carlos. “For this reason, we also invest in startups aiming to educate farmers about innovation.” 

In its nearly three years of operation, SLC Ventures has invested in three businesses focused on vertical farming, financial management and precision agriculture, and it ran a Venture Builder Program by selecting six early startups (from among more than 180) across the country, providing capital, knowledge, mentorship and market access. While screening the startups ecosystem, SLC Ventures prioritizes the strategic view rather than only focusing on the financial aspect. “We refuse the idea of merely adding startups to our portfolio but strive to work closely with entrepreneurs to help them grow with the goal of positively impacting future generations through a more ESG-compliant agriculture,” says Carlos. The investing division is currently developing a new business model for the upcoming years, trying to increase its investment capacity.

carlos.aranha@slcagricola.com.br 

Main photo: Eduardo Rocha