Agri-Tech Innovation Lead

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; Hybrid; ZAR 180,000 - 360,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote position

Competitive compensation with bonuses

Opportunity to influence agri-tech 투자

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an Agri-Tech Innovation Lead to identify and champion groundbreaking technologies in the agri-tech space. This fully remote role involves market research, due diligence, and strategic guidance to portfolio companies, with a focus on AI, IoT, biotech, robotics, and precision farming.

You will work with a globally distributed team of investors and entrepreneurs to shape investment theses, monitor portfolio performance, and translate technical concepts into compelling business

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Agriculture, Engineering, CS, Business Administration or related field with focus on technology.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in venture capital, technology consulting, startup management, R&D, or related role within agri-tech.
• Proven track record identifying and evaluating innovative technologies or business models.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent networking, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience working in a remote or globally distributed team environment is highly desirable.
• Willingness to travel occasionally for industry events and due diligence as required.

Responsibilities

• Identify and scout emerging agri-tech innovations, startups, and research breakthroughs globally.
• Conduct thorough due diligence on potential investments, assessing technological viability, market potential, and team strength.
• Provide strategic guidance and mentorship to portfolio companies to accelerate their growth and innovation.
• Analyze agricultural market trends and identify key areas for technological disruption and investment.
• Develop and maintain relationships with entrepreneurs, researchers, industry leaders, and other stakeholders in the agri-tech ecosystem.
• Collaborate with internal investment teams to shape investment theses and strategies.
• Monitor the performance of portfolio companies and identify opportunities for value creation.
• Organize and participate in industry events, conferences, and workshops to stay at the forefront of agri-tech advancements.
• Translate complex technical concepts into clear business cases and investment proposals.
• Drive innovation initiatives across the firm's portfolio, fostering cross-pollination of ideas and technologies.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Strategic thinking

Problem solving

Networking

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Remote collaboration

Travel willingness

Education

Master's or PhD in Agriculture/Engineering/CS/Business/Related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a venture capital firm focused on revolutionizing the agricultural sector through technology. We are seeking a visionary Agri-Tech Innovation Lead to join our fully remote team. This role is responsible for identifying, evaluating, and championing groundbreaking technologies and startups within the agri-tech space. You will conduct market research, assess technological feasibility, and provide strategic guidance to portfolio companies, driving innovation from concept to market. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of current agricultural challenges, emerging technologies (e.g., AI, IoT, biotech, robotics, precision farming), and the startup ecosystem. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of agriculture by investing in and nurturing transformative innovations. You will work with a globally distributed team of experts, entrepreneurs, and investors, contributing to a more sustainable and efficient global food system. We are looking for a dynamic and forward-thinking leader who can identify high-potential opportunities and accelerate their growth, impacting agriculture worldwide, including areas relevant to the Mahikeng, North West region.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and scout emerging agri-tech innovations, startups, and research breakthroughs globally.
• Conduct thorough due diligence on potential investments, assessing technological viability, market potential, and team strength.
• Provide strategic guidance and mentorship to portfolio companies to accelerate their growth and innovation.
• Analyze agricultural market trends and identify key areas for technological disruption and investment.
• Develop and maintain relationships with entrepreneurs, researchers, industry leaders, and other stakeholders in the agri-tech ecosystem.
• Collaborate with internal investment teams to shape investment theses and strategies.
• Monitor the performance of portfolio companies and identify opportunities for value creation.
• Organize and participate in industry events, conferences, and workshops to stay at the forefront of agri-tech advancements.
• Translate complex technical concepts into clear business cases and investment proposals.
• Drive innovation initiatives across the firm's portfolio, fostering cross-pollination of ideas and technologies.

Requirements

• An advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in Agriculture, Engineering, Computer Science, Business Administration, or a related field, with a strong focus on technology and innovation.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in venture capital, technology consulting, startup management, R&D, or a related role within the agri-tech sector.
• Deep understanding of key agricultural challenges and trends, as well as emerging technologies relevant to farming.
• Proven track record of identifying and evaluating innovative technologies or business models.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent networking, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Experience working in a remote or globally distributed team environment is highly desirable.
• Passion for sustainable agriculture and the potential of technology to transform the industry.
• Ability to think critically and make informed decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to travel occasionally for industry events and due diligence as required.

Benefits

• Fully remote position with flexible working hours.
• Highly competitive compensation package including salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Opportunity to invest in and shape the future of agriculture.
• Work with a dynamic and experienced team of investors and industry experts.
• Exposure to a wide range of cutting-edge agricultural technologies and business models.
• Significant influence on investment strategy and portfolio development.
• Contribution to global food security and sustainable farming practices.
• Professional development opportunities and conference attendance.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Generous paid time off.