Starting an AgTech startup can be a thrilling and rewarding experience. A lot goes into building a successful AgTech startup, from developing an innovative product to securing funding and making important business connections. That's where The Combine comes in. The Combine is an AgTech accelerator program that provides startups with the resources they need to succeed.
1. Mentorship from Industry Experts
One of the biggest advantages of The Combine is access to a network of experienced industry experts with years of experience in agriculture, business, and technology. When joining the Combine, startups gain access to mentorship through Josh DeMers, our program manager, as well as a dedicated group of ag producers known as the Insights Network. These networking and mentorship opportunities allow businesses to get an edge on their competition.
2. Access to Early-Stage Investors
The Combine also provides startups with access to capital and early-stage investors. During the program, startups have the opportunity to pitch their ideas to investors and secure funding to help grow their businesses. The Combine works with a vast network of investors and organizations that are interested in supporting AgTech startups. By participating in The Combine program, startups can increase their chances of securing funding and growing their business.
3. Support From a Community of AgTech Entrepreneurs
The Combine is not just a program; it's a community. By participating in The Combine, startups gain access to a supportive community of AgTech entrepreneurs who are facing similar challenges and opportunities. This community allows startups to share ideas, collaborate on projects, and form important industry relationships. The Combine also hosts regular events and networking opportunities to help startups make these connections.
4. Validation of Your Product and Business Model
Another major advantage of The Combine is the opportunity to validate your product and business model. Through The Combine’s Insights Network, companies are connected to ag producers to help with testing their products. This direct access to producers allows companies to get on the farm testing to advance their products. This testing allows startups to see how their product fits into the market, what customers want, and how to improve their product to meet customer needs. This validation can significantly increase a startup's chances of success.
5. Access to an Incubator Space
The Combine provides companies in their program with access to a creative working space. Upon being admitted into The Combine Incubator, companies will have access to the Combine space, including private offices, hot desks, a conference room, and so much more. Taking a step and allowing The Combine to aid you through your entrepreneurial pursuit will help set your startup up for success.
The Combine offers a wide range of benefits for AgTech startups. By participating in the program, startups gain access to mentorship from industry experts, access to early-stage investors, a supportive community of AgTech entrepreneurs, validation of their product and business model, and exposure to new markets and opportunities. If you're an AgTech startup looking to grow your business, consider The Combine as your accelerator program.
What is The Combine?
Invest Nebraska's Combine Incubator is a statewide initiative focused on supporting high-growth agri-food entrepreneurs through mentoring, commercialization support, physical incubation space on Nebraska's Innovation Campus, and a network of helping farmers and ranchers across the state. Invest Nebraska is a private, non-profit statewide venture development organization focused on high-growth companies in Nebraska and growing the state's entrepreneurial economy. Invest Nebraska works directly with entrepreneurs, researchers, and companies to help commercialize their technologies, launch and grow new businesses, and access needed capital.
Thank You To All of The Combine's Generous Sponsors:
