Fresh Takes On Tech

Join host Vonnie Estes as she welcomes Rob Leclerc from AgFunder to discuss the transformative impact of Agentic AI on the venture capital industry. Delve into AgFunder's cutting-edge use of AI to innovate VC processes, manage portfolios, and streamline operations. With insights into the future of AI-driven investments and real-world use cases, this episode explores how AgFunder is harnessing AI for strategic advantage, offering a glimpse into the evolving landscape of venture capital. Discover the potential of AI as a game-changer in food tech and beyond.
Key Takeaways
AgFunder leverages AI to streamline its venture capital processes, optimizing research, deal sourcing, and portfolio management.
Rob Leclerc highlights the evolution from traditional to agentic AI, describing significant disruptions in the VC landscape.
Agentic AI allows AgFunder to automate complex tasks, equipping it to manage a plethora of articles and data-driven decisions.
The potential for AIs to conduct recursive self-improvement and the implications on the future of venture capital are explored.
Rob envisions a future where AI agents negotiate and collaborate, representing both startups and investors in the VC ecosystem.

Guest Resources
Rob Leclerc is a co-founder of AgFunder, a venture capital firm focused on food tech, climate tech, and agricultural innovation. With around $300 million in assets under management, AgFunder invests primarily in seed and Series A funding rounds, emphasizing transformative technologies in food and agriculture. Rob holds a master's degree in AI and virtual robotics and a PhD in computational biology and evolutionary biology from Yale University. As a leading figure in the venture capital landscape, Rob has a distinguished track record in leveraging technology to drive significant advancements in the agtech and foodtech sectors.
Show Links
International Fresh Produce Association - https://www.freshproduce.com/
Fresh Takes on Tech - https://www.freshproduce.com/resources/technology/takes-on-tech-podcast/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFreshProduceAssociation/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/IntFreshProduce/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-fresh-produce-association/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/intlfreshproduceassn/

Vonnie Estes hosts a conversation with Shail Khiyara, CEO of Swarm, exploring the transformative potential of agentic AI in agriculture. Khiyara shares insights on how Swarm's decision intelligence solutions optimize supply chain logistics and workforce planning, enhancing efficiency in various agricultural sectors. The discussion emphasizes the importance of starting with business problems rather than AI, capturing institutional knowledge, and the value of domain-specific AI solutions over generic alternatives. They highlight practical strategies for integrating AI in agriculture to boost margins and decision-making processes.
Key Takeaways
Vertical Domain AI Solutions: Swarm focuses on vertical domain-specific AI, providing tailored solutions that learn and adapt to specific business environments over time, particularly in agriculture.
Start with Business Problems: Businesses should identify core problems needing AI solutions, rather than fixating solely on data cleanup and standard AI applications.
AI and Institutional Knowledge: Utilizing AI to capture the decision-making prowess of experienced operators enhances sustainability and knowledge retention within agricultural entities.
AI as a Springboard: Companies can treat AI investment as a strategic asset to significantly improve efficiency and profitability, without overhauling existing processes.
Human in the Loop: In agriculture, AI is intended to augment human expertise, respecting the complex biological systems intrinsic to the field.

Guest Resources
Shail Khiyara is the CEO of Swarm, a decision intelligence company specializing in leveraging AI technology to tackle complex operational and business challenges across various industries, including agriculture and agri-food sectors. With extensive experience in heavy industrial operations such as oil, gas, and infrastructure megaprojects, Shail's oversight is driven by the critical need for precision and safety in decision-making. Under his leadership, Swarm has developed domain-specific AI solutions that transcend common technological hype and directly address customer needs in optimizing supply chain logistics and workforce planning.
Show Links
International Fresh Produce Association - https://www.freshproduce.com/
Fresh Takes on Tech - https://www.freshproduce.com/resources/technology/takes-on-tech-podcast/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFreshProduceAssociation/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/IntFreshProduce/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-fresh-produce-association/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/intlfreshproduceassn/

Delve into the transformative world of AI in the produce industry with host Vonnie Estes and guest Steve Statler, CEO of AmbientChat AI. Explore the intersection of AI, IoT, and supply chains, focusing on how agentic AI can revolutionize food logistics by enhancing efficiency, reducing waste, and improving consumer experiences. Gain insights into the implications of data ownership, AI standards, and the evolving dynamics between tech giants and traditional players. This episode offers a comprehensive look at the future of food supply chains and the vital role of AI.
Key Takeaways
Agentic AI: Moves beyond data visibility, offering actionable insights and system-wide improvements in the produce supply chain.
Data Ownership: Crucial for leveraging AI technologies in supply chains; businesses must ensure control over their data to retain agency.
Physical AI in Logistics: Innovations like sensor-tagged shipping crates drastically improve supply chain efficiency and minimize waste.
Consumer Empowerment: AI can customize and optimize food buying decisions, potentially increasing fresh produce consumption.
European Initiatives: Europe's efforts in digital product passports may set a global standard for ethical data management in supply chains.

Guest Resources
Steve Statler is the CEO of AmbientChat AI and the host of the Mr. Beacon podcast. With an extensive background at the intersection of AI, ambient IoT, traceability, and supply chains, Steve is a recognized thought leader in the technology sector. His previous work with Wiliot, an Israeli semiconductor company, highlighted his innovation in ambient IoT, pioneering advances like affordable and ubiquitous temperature-sensing tags. Steve is passionate about the transformative potential of AI in physical supply chains, seeking to enhance efficiency and sustainability.
Show Links
International Fresh Produce Association - https://www.freshproduce.com/
Fresh Takes on Tech - https://www.freshproduce.com/resources/technology/takes-on-tech-podcast/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFreshProduceAssociation/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/IntFreshProduce/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-fresh-produce-association/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/intlfreshproduceassn/

Vonnie Estes hosts Seana Day, CEO of Dave Wilson Nursery, on "Fresh Takes on Tech." Seana shares her journey from investment banking to leading a longstanding tree nursery business, tackling challenges of modernizing legacy systems. Discover how Shauna used her tech and finance background to revolutionize the nursery industry, focusing on data-driven decision-making and enhancing customer outcomes. The conversation delves into integrating AI and technology to address implementation challenges in agtech, offering valuable insights for industry stakeholders. Tune in for a comprehensive look at transforming traditional agricultural practices.
Key Takeaways
Seana Day transitioned from investment banking to agtech innovation, eventually becoming CEO of Dave Wilson Nursery, showcasing her diverse career in finance and agriculture.
The critical role of a nursery in the specialty crop supply chain is often underestimated, as nurseries are integral in helping growers select and commercialize fruit and nut varieties.
Modernizing an agribusiness like Dave Wilson Nursery involves creating a comprehensive data backbone, evolving from outdated systems to a more agile, technology-enabled operation.
Successfully driving change in a nursery business requires strong leadership, effective communication, and involving staff in the design and implementation processes.
Agtech companies often falter in implementation and onboarding; treating these aspects with the same care as product development can greatly enhance adoption and succes

Guest Resources
Seana Day is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in investment banking, agtech innovation, and agriculture. She has worked at the intersection of technology, finance, and agribusiness, transitioning from evaluating agricultural technologies to hands-on leadership as the CEO of Dave Wilson Nursery. Her career spans roles across investment banking, agtech investment strategies, and advisory capacities. At Dave Wilson Nursery, she brings her expertise to revitalize and innovate within this longstanding tree nursery business, applying her knowledge to drive modernization and operational transformation.
Show Links
International Fresh Produce Association - https://www.freshproduce.com/
Fresh Takes on Tech - https://www.freshproduce.com/resources/technology/takes-on-tech-podcast/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFreshProduceAssociation/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/IntFreshProduce/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-fresh-produce-association/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/intlfreshproduceassn/

Vonnie Estes hosts Elliott Grant on Fresh Takes on Tech to explore the revolutionary potential of agentic AI in the food and agriculture sectors. Unlike generative AI, agentic AI autonomously sets goals and executes tasks, transforming processes from pricing negotiations to supply chain efficiency. The conversation delves into how this technology could level the playing field between small suppliers and large retailers, optimize consumer choices for health and sustainability, and fundamentally reshape industry dynamics. Grant also previews his upcoming book, "Eating Tomorrow: AI and the Future of Food."
Key Takeaways
Agentic AI vs. Traditional AI: Agentic AI is designed to independently set goals, plan, and execute tasks, unlike existing AI that primarily provides information based on prompts.
Potential in Agriculture: Agentic AI could revolutionize agricultural processes, from disease diagnosis to optimizing supply chains, offering actionable insights and automation.
Levelling the Playing Field: Smaller producers may benefit from agentic AI as it could provide them with negotiation power comparable to larger corporations, fostering fairness.
Consumer Impact: This AI advancement could lead to healthier consumer choices by aligning shopping behaviors with nutrition and sustainability insights.
Transparency and Trust: Ensuring that agent discussions are transparent and follow clear protocols is essential for acceptance and success in real-world applications.

Guest Resources
Elliott Grant is a distinguished professional who has consistently operated at the intersection of technology, agriculture, food, and data. He has an impressive track record of leading agricultural technology companies and delving deeply into food-related decision-making processes. Currently, Elliot is exploring significant shifts in AI, particularly the transition of AI from being a mere information tool to becoming an active agent capable of making decisions, taking actions, and negotiating autonomously. Elliot is also an author with a forthcoming book that encompasses various dimensions of AI, including a chapter focused on agentic AI. He continues to contribute valuable insights into the fresh produce industry while engaging with cutting-edge technology sectors.
Show Links
International Fresh Produce Association - https://www.freshproduce.com/
Fresh Takes on Tech - https://www.freshproduce.com/resources/technology/takes-on-tech-podcast/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFreshProduceAssociation/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/IntFreshProduce/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-fresh-produce-association/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/intlfreshproduceassn/