The EVCA leadership is dedicated to building community across and empowering the next generation of venture capitalists through an array of activities—from hosting events, knowledge sharing, and connecting others. This EVCA Leadership Spotlight Series is intended to help the broader community get to know what's going on behind the scenes at the EVCA, as well as highlight the valuable contributions of those individuals who make the EVCA possible. Accordingly, it's a great privilege for us to announce this EVCA Leadership Spotlight on our very own EVCA AgTech Vertical Lead, Bijoy Shah of Fulcrum Global Capital.
Bijoy Shah is an investor at Fulcrum Global Capital, an early-stage venture fund focused on boosting global food production through investments in AgTech, Animal Health, and Supply Chain. While at Fulcrum, Bijoy has spent significant time in the Ag Robotics, Automation, and AgriFinTech sectors. A graduate of Boston College with a background in finance, entrepreneurship, and social impact, Bijoy co-founded the first student-led venture studio at Boston College in partnership with SSC Venture Partners. He is a Venture for America fellow, a network of early professional entrepreneurs ecosystems across 13 US cities, and serves as the Kansas City fellow lead for the group. After moving to Kansas City, he has continued his leadership pursuits in the community where he serves as the President of Impact KC, Kansas City’s most dynamic giving circle.
EVCA: Could you explain more about what you do in your role as an AgTech Vertical Lead at EVCA?
Bijoy: As the AgTech Vertical Lead for EVCA, I am responsible for connecting the investors in the EVCA community in the food production space. As a vertical, we hope to have a few in-person programming events at the various Ag and Food Tech conferences throughout the year, as well as engaging in thoughtful virtual discussions around industry trends and topics with the support of the Sidley Austin Agribusiness and Food team. .
EVCA: What made you interested in taking a leadership role at EVCA?
Bijoy: I was initially interested in taking a leadership role through EVCA because there was no existing AgTech vertical. Although there is some overlap with the ClimateTech, Supply Chain, and AI/ML verticals, creating a dedicated AgTech vertical was an opportunity to have discussions around the future of food and to meet other like-minded investors.
EVCA: What is your most contrarian view on an existing or emerging technology trend?
Bijoy: As an investor, I find myself swimming against the tide when it comes to the excitement surrounding climate tech investments. While the potential for innovative solutions to address climate change is undeniable, I approach this trend with caution, given that I'm at an AgTech focused-fund. It's easy to get swept up in the excitement, but I can't ignore the significant challenges and uncertainties facing the sector. From inflated expectations to questions about scalability and cost-effectiveness, there's a lot to think about, especially considering that investments are supposed to be financial in nature. I believe in the importance of thorough due diligence and separating genuine impact from greenwashing, instead of blindly following the crowd. Given that these investments are supposed to mitigate the negative impact of climate change, making unthoughtful decisions can lead to start-ups with inflated valuations, leading to an inability to raise future capital, and the technology/innovation eventually disappearing with the company's failure. Instead, striking a balance between financial decisions alongside climate-focused decisions will enable these technologies to truly serve their purpose and help the industry thrive.
Interested in taking on an EVCA leadership role? The EVCA leadership is dedicated to empowering the next generation of VCs through an array of activities—running 40+ channels on from hosting events, knowledge sharing, and connecting others. If interested in pursuing an EVCA leadership role, click here.
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