Thailand-based integrated food company Betagro Public Company Limited (BTG) has launched its corporate venture capital arm, Betagro Ventures, to spur innovation across its business ecosystem.
Betagro Ventures, which will invest from a $30-million fund, will back early-stage startups and undertake venture building of new businesses in the foodtech and agritech sectors.
The fund will focus on three core strategies that include improving access to safe & high-quality foods; developing new sustainable sources of protein; and creating sustainable agro-industrial-food supply chains.
Betagro Ventures will tap the broader BTG ecosystem to support startups in providing access to end-consumers, domain expertise and strategic partnership opportunities.
Additionally, Betagro Ventures will focus on incubating and scaling internal business ventures, combining BTG’s agrifood industry knowledge with entrepreneurial talent.
Betagro Ventures managing director Chayadhorn Taepaisitphongse, who also serves as BTG’s chief strategy and innovation officer, noted that the traditional business models are being challenged by technological disruptions and rapidly evolving consumer behaviours.
“Yet, opportunities exist to embrace innovation by collaborating with startups to develop and scale new technologies,” he added.
BTG operates across multiple sectors including animal feed, livestock, meat production, and processed foods, catering to local markets and exporting to more than 20 countries. The company is also engaged in the pet food industry, distributes farm equipment, and invests in neighbouring countries including Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar.
The company debuted on the Thai IPO market in 2022, becoming the country’s second-largest IPO that year, raising 20 billion baht ($532 million at the time).
