AGCO Ventures
AGCO Ventures manages AGCO’s venture capital funnel and
process for technology sourcing, Mergers & Acquisitions, strategic investments, incubation and public research partnerships. The group identifies investment and engagement opportunities that align with AGCO's business needs through corporate venture funds, start-up companies, incubators, accelerators, higher education and research institutions.
AGCO is focused on Farmer-First solutions that require fewer inputs and create more yield with innovative technology.
Bringing greater sustainability to the crop cycle is a key driver of our work. Labor shortages are an obstacle to farmers’ ability to operate within narrow work windows. There is increased pressure on farmers to feed a growing population. One of AGCO’s goals is to bring full crop cycle autonomy to the market by 2030. To accomplish all this and more for the farmer, we need innovative partners alongside extensive development and investment in technology and sustainable solutions.
Approach
AGCO Ventures is seeking to invest in farmer-first solutions that support sustainable farming practices at every point of the crop cycle through the following technology pillars:
Decision Support
Workflow & Execution
Clean Energy Transition
We collaborate with leading innovators to finance, nurture and accelerate commercialization of products and services that solve critical challenges for the agricultural industry – both today and in the future. We aim to cultivate mutually beneficial relationships, providing the capital, mentorship and market access required to build viable, scalable and sustainable business models. AGCO Ventures is the partner of choice for entrepreneurs seeking to serve all farmers and accelerate sustainable food production, adding unique value by contributing AGCO’s core capabilities:
Portfolio - Investments
Portfolio - Recent Acquisitions
Portfolio - Research Partners
University of Illinois
Purdue University
Want to Partner with Us?
Email us at AGCOVentures@AGCOcorp.com
Team
The AGCO Ventures team works cross-functionally and globally, combining deep industry and technical experience to support our corporate strategic goals and foster innovation.
Mark Theuerkauf
Mark Theuerkauf is the Director of PTx Mergers & Acquisition and AGCO Ventures. He is responsible for mergers, acquisitions, and venture investments in early start-up opportunities. Mark has led several critical acquisitions in the areas of machine optimization, telemetry hardware and electronic & software platforms for autonomous machines. He also sits on several advisory boards of portfolio companies and venture funds where AGCO has made investments. In addition, he plays a key role in partnering with AGCO stakeholders to align on the strategic areas of focus for AGCO Ventures. Prior to joining AGCO, Mark worked for other major off-road original equipment manufacturing (OEM) companies in a wide range of global senior leadership roles that have included both software product management and product development of software applications and related hardware to enable end-to-end digital connectivity between onboard and offboard applications. He has extensive experience with taking to market technologies specific to precision agriculture on a global scale. He is passionate about improving the end-user experience to ensure they realize the value and efficiency gains expected.
Alex Russomagno
Alex Russomagno is the Senior Manager of Strategic Engagement for AGCO Ventures, responsible for sourcing investment and partnership opportunities, executing transactions, and managing relationships with the venture community and portfolio companies. Before joining AGCO, Alex was a Senior Manager at Apeel Sciences, holding positions in Product Management, Commercialization and Strategic Planning & Analysis. Prior to joining Apeel, Alex worked at Bank of America (BAC) focusing on strategic principal investing in early- and growth-stage technology companies. In addition to the due diligence, market analyses and deal structuring, she managed ongoing relationships with portfolio companies to support performance and long-term strategic alignment. Alex has a Master of Business Administration from University of California, Berkeley, Haas School of Business, with certificates in Food Systems and Sustainability. She has an undergraduate degree from Villanova University with a major in Finance.
