Iowa AgriTech Accelerator leaves behind strengthened industry ecosystem at program closure, director says

For the Iowa AgriTech Accelerator, 2020 was a program success, executive director Nadilia Gomez said this week.  In January, the accelerator received “unprecedented numbers” of applications for the 2020 cohort. At the onset of a global pandemic in the spring, IATA transferred the entire program virtually for the four participating…

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America’s Cultivation Corridor launches Cultivo Virtual Academy

Applications are open now for Cultivo Virtual Academy, a six-week virtual program targeting international startup companies and entrepreneurs seeking entry in the U.S. market, America’s Cultivation Corridor announced Tuesday. Completion of the program will make participants eligible for a weeklong, in-person Cultivo event in Iowa, currently slated for 2022, giving…

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Growers Edge Financial closes $40M to develop data analytics, product development

A $40 million Series B round will help Johnston-based Growers Edge Financial expand its data analytics team and develop new warranties as an incentive to farmers adopting new practices, products and technology.  Founded in 2017, Growers Edge Financial recently closed the Series B round of financing, led by Seed 2…

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Iowa AgriTech Accelerator extends program application deadline to May 1

The Iowa AgriTech Accelerator is extending the deadline for applications to its annual AgTech Startup Program from March 31 to May 1, the accelerator announced this week. The board also announced a new member, Grant Kimberly, who serves as the senior director of market development for the Iowa Soybean Association…

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Iowa AgriTech Accelerator extends program application deadline to May 1

The Iowa AgriTech Accelerator is extending the deadline for applications to its annual AgTech Startup Program from March 31 to May 1, the accelerator announced this week. The board also announced a new member, Grant Kimberly, who serves as the senior director of market development for the Iowa Soybean Association…

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Cultivo Global Ag announces Australia as first country cohort

Australian entrepreneurs will join the inaugural 2020 cohort of the Cultivo Global Ag Innovation Program hosted by America’s Cultivation Corridor, a partnership program announced in October to host startups from a single targeted country each year. The names of participating companies have not yet been announced. Cohort members will travel…

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Iowa AgriTech Accelerator opens for applications for agtech startups Monday

The Iowa AgriTech Accelerator opens its application process on Monday to global agtech startups for the 2020 cohort. The accelerator, which hosts office space in the East Village, selects up to six global ag startups to spend 100 days of networking and mentoring in Des Moines. Applications will be closed…

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Rantizo expands into Wisconsin for agricultural drone spraying

Iowa City agtech startup Rantizo is the first company approved for agricultural drone spraying in Wisconsin, Rantizo announced this week. Rantizo said the approval from Federal Aviation Administration and the state of Wisconsin is aiding the startup in expanding state-by-state, and continuing partnerships with neighboring Departments of Agriculture. Earlier in…

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HarvestPort expands into Iowa after hiring FarmElement founder

HarvestPort, the San Francisco-based ag equipment lender and marketplace platform, is expanding into Iowa with the hiring of FarmElement founder Tyler Horbach as grower solutions manager in Des Moines.  Horbach graduated from Iowa State University in 2014 and went to work in financial services for a few years before founding…

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California-based HarvestPort expands to Iowa

San Francisco-based HarvestPort, an early-stage agtech company developing a marketplace platform for farmers and supplies, is opening new offices in Des Moines, the company announced. HarvestPort has also hired Tyler Horbach, founder of agtech startup the FarmElement, as Grower Solutions Manager. Horbach previously founded the FarmElement in Jefferson, Iowa in…

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