AgroParisTech and Genopole choose Demea for AGIR
May 04 2026Following a selection process that concluded in early April, the AGIR fund initiative (AgroParisTech Genopole Innovation Responsable), launched by AgroParisTech and Genopole, has been entrusted to Demea Sustainable Investment. On the AgroParisTech side, this fund will be managed by its subsidiary dedicated to research commercialization, AgroParisTech Innovation. It will support the launch of impact startups working to accelerate major transitions (food, agriculture, environment, energy, digital, etc.) around five key strategic thematic pillars: forestry, agriculture, agri-food, the environment, and biotechnology.
Climate and sovereignty issues at the heart of the project
These sectors are indeed essential for France and Europe, both in terms of growth and sovereignty. They are facing the harsh realities of climate change and must therefore adapt quickly while also contributing to its mitigation. The stated objectives of this new initiative are numerous and aim, in particular, to contribute to better compensation for farmers, the development and promotion of healthier and more sustainable food, improved production that consumes fewer resources and inputs, and, finally, the restoration of ecosystems.
Innovation in the service of an economy that is in harmony with nature
In this context, projects and companies that are part of this movement must be supported by ambitious innovation and development strategies as well as funding commensurate with the challenges at hand, in order to create and nurture champions of impact and sustainable growth who will succeed in balancing economic, environmental, and social performance.
Bridge the funding gap in the pre-seed stage
The AGIR fund’s focus on the pre-seed stage—an area where there are still too few solutions available today—will help fill a gap and quickly finance early-stage startups, enabling them to validate the relevance of their innovations, markets, and business models; build their teams; and prepare for subsequent funding rounds through seed and venture capital funds. It will thus target existing investment opportunities that are currently not being addressed by existing investment vehicles.
A community of experts dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs
The AGIR fund will invest up to €500,000 to acquire minority stakes alongside entrepreneurs across the entire national agri-food ecosystem. It will primarily benefit from the support of AgroParisTech alumni, offering a structured and engaged network, as well as strong industry expertise to the companies in its portfolio.