In this ION Influencers fireside chat, Chris Ramsay and Simon Ewell, co-founders of Pelican AG, explored the most important trends shaping AgriTech, regenerative agriculture, and impact investing. The discussion offers a deep dive into how food systems, capital markets, and climate resilience are converging—and why investors and corporates can no longer afford to ignore the “farm-to-gut” value chain.

Key Themes and Topics Discussed

1. From Personal Health to Investment Thesis

Chris Ramsay opens by sharing how his personal health journey—recovering from a chronic gut condition—led him to uncover the deep connection between soil health, food quality, and human health. This realization became the foundation for Pelican AG’s investment philosophy: transforming food systems by working with nature rather than against it.

2. The Rise of Regenerative Agriculture

A central theme of the conversation is the shift from “sustainability” to regeneration. The speakers argue that land is either regenerating or degenerating—there is no neutral state. Regenerative agriculture focuses on:

• Restoring soil health and biodiversity

• Improving water retention and climate resilience

• Reducing dependency on synthetic fertilizers and chemicals

This approach is increasingly supported by government regulation, corporate commitments, and consumer demand.

3. The “Soil-to-Gut” Value Chain

Pelican AG’s strategy spans the entire soil-to-gut ecosystem, linking:

• On-farm technologies (soil health, grazing systems, biologics)

• Financial services for farmers transitioning to regenerative practices

• Food analytics platforms measuring nutrient density and food provenance

The message is clear: better soils lead to more nutritious food, more resilient supply chains, and ultimately better health outcomes.

4. AgriTech as a Management Revolution

Simon Ewell frames today’s changes in agriculture as a management revolution, comparable to lean manufacturing in post-war Japan. Farmers are adopting new, ecology-based knowledge systems that prioritize resilience and long-term productivity over short-term yield maximization.

5. Where Capital Is Flowing—and Where It Isn’t

While much venture capital has concentrated on areas like alternative proteins, lab-grown meat, and vertical farming, Pelican AG sees untapped opportunity in:

• Software-driven AgriTech

• Regenerative finance platforms

• Low-CapEx, execution-focused business models

These companies often have clearer paths to profitability and fewer structural trade-offs.

6. What Pelican AG Looks for in Founders and Companies

Key characteristics include:

• Strong return potential (targeting venture-level outcomes)

• Clean, scalable business models

• Proven product–market fit

• Founders capable of navigating volatile markets

The firm emphasizes systemic platforms over niche consumer brands, aiming to reshape entire industries rather than single products.

7. Measuring Impact and Performance

Pelican AG tracks both financial and impact KPIs, including:

• Soil health and biodiversity indicators

• Acres of land regenerated

• Capital flows into nature restoration

• Quality of life for farming communities

The goal is to minimize trade-offs between profit, planet, and people.

8. Corporates, LPs, and the Future of Asset Management

The conversation highlights growing interest from:

• Large food corporates facing climate and supply-chain risk

• Asset managers exploring natural capital and biodiversity finance

• Pension funds and LPs seeking resilient, long-term investment themes

Looking Ahead: The Future of AgriTech Investing

In closing, Ramsay predicts that regenerative food systems will become a cornerstone of asset management over the next decade. With rising climate volatility, health costs, and regulatory pressure, capital will increasingly flow toward solutions that restore nature while delivering strong financial returns.

Key timestamps:

00:07 Introduction to the Fireside Chat
01:19 Health Journey and Its Impact on Career
02:07 The Need for Sustainable Food Systems
03:20 Building a Team in Agri Tech
04:26 Simon Ewell’s Background in Impact Investing
05:27 Focus on Food and Agriculture
06:06 Educating Investors on New Trends
10:17 Current Investment Trends in Food Sector
10:56 Investment Strategy and Return Profiles
11:55 Characteristics of Innovative Companies
12:43 Management Revolution in Agriculture
13:44 Challenges of Industrial Food Systems
14:32 Identifying Key Characteristics of Founders
15:44 Successful Agri Tech Investments
17:47 Diversification Beyond Agri Tech
19:08 Opportunities for Corporates in Nature Restoration
20:52 Emerging Managers and Investment Hesitations
25:15 Future of Asset Management in Agri Tech
30:32 Conclusion and Closing Remarks