By combining acoustic technology with environmental sensors, AgriSound’s scientists have developed a range of innovative products that can aid farmers and growers in maintaining an optimal pollination environment necessary for the survival of future pollinators, farms, gardens and ultimately the planet.
“Environmental Sustainability is proving to be a big motivator for investment across the Anglia Capital Group membership base. We were delighted that AgriSound were able to secure funding from our members and we look forward to seeing this young company grow over the coming years.”
AgriSound, who were recently showcased on the BBC’s The One Show alongside Deborah Meaden, have developed a low-cost sensor which can monitor insect activity by detecting the specific sound signatures by insect wingbeats. With financial support from Innovate UK, the UK’s innovation agency, the company has produced the first version of the product which is expected to be available from Spring 2022. The product can listen out to insect activity within a garden or field and send the data back to a web app for analysis and will support the targeting of wildflowers or new habitats to enhance and protect biodiversity. For farmers, ensuring that pollinators are in the right place and at the right time is important and, in some cases, can result in a doubling of fruit yields.
Without bees, butterflies, moths, and other bugs, 70% of all food crops would be lost. Pollination is crucial to maintaining healthy ecosystems by encouraging natural biodiversity, the removal of carbon from the atmosphere (from increased plant growth) and ensuring food has the optimum level of nutrients.
“I was drawn to AgriSound primarily because I find the business interesting and resonate with its aims. Their mission to interpret the sounds of nature in order to help farmers and growers to maintain an optimal pollination environment is both worthwhile and in line with the increasing global focus on sustainability and biodiversity.” Helen Withers, Anglia Capital Group Member and Investor in AgriSound.
Consumers are driving the need for new pollinator-friendly farming practices, with retailers and governments restricting access to pesticides to support this. Farmers need to understand where to target interventions to improve pollinator levels, whilst regulators require evidence for compliance.
“We’re really excited for the year ahead. We are working with our partners to bring automated insect monitoring technologies to farms across the UK to help to ensure that we protect our pollinator communities whilst producing high-quality food. Support from Anglia Capital Group has been great to help us to prepare for the upcoming season and grow the business” Casey Woodward, Founder and Chief Executive Officer.
Anglia Capital Group’s Members have supported the rapid growth of 45 companies to-date by sharing, not only their capital, but also their personal experience and knowledge from their own diverse careers.
Investment in early-stage companies involves risks such as illiquidity, lack of dividends, loss of investment and dilution. Investment in start-up companies are higher risk and should be considered as part of a diversified portfolio. For Professional investors only.