Perth-based precision water and fertiliser tech company SWAN Systems has announced the completion of a A$3million capital raise.
Established by former ag producers in 2016, the local startup said the money will be used to build momentum on recent work in various export markets including the US, Mexico, Chile and Zimbabwe.
SWAN, which stands for ‘scheduling water and nutrients‘, as well the river near their head office in East Perth, has been involved in a number of large irrigation projects.
The company said that funding will also help consolidate its operations in Australia and New Zealand where customers include those in horticulture, viticulture, local government (parks), water utilities, golf courses and schools.
Investment has been sourced from strategic providers including AC Ventures out of Perth and PureTerra Ventures based in The Netherlands.
PureTerra has a global mandate with a focus on supporting innovative water solutions across a broad range of sectors. AC Ventures’ mandate is across Australia with a particular focus of companies that have been through the Federal Government’s Accelerated Commercialisation program and have transitioned to “scale up” mode.
AC Ventures is lead by well-known local venture capitalist Larry Lopez, who worked as National Director on the AC grant 2016-2020. SWAN was awarded a $590K AC grant back in 2018, the same year the company won the Incite Awards Startup of the Year.
The team at SWAN Systems has developed a product that is addressing a key farming challenge to do more with less.
The founders have extensive lived experience in the agricultural sector and this deep domain knowledge and expertise has created a product with enormous global potential.
Larry Lopez
Understandably, co-founder and CEO of SWAN Tim Hyde, was delighted with the deal, especially being backed by the new AC Ventures Fund, as well as the Dutch fund PureTerra.
“We are very excited to expand our shareholder base with such strategic partners that bring business acumen and global networks along with strong balance sheets,” said Tim.
“The transition from a Perth-based startup to a global player is much more achievable with the support from groups with experience and financial capacity.”
PureTerra invests in early-stage technologies in the water and environmental sectors that are poised to make a positive impact on the environment at a global level. They invest from early growth stage onward.
“Given 70% of the world’s water is used in agriculture we have a clear focus on investing in companies that are creating superior efficiency and environmental outcomes,” said Nic Pannekeet, Managing Partner at PureTerra.
“SWAN’s unique product has proven its capability to optimise and manage large-scale irrigation businesses that result in strong economic and social license outcomes.”
With more funding rounds happening, and a new player (AC Ventures) in town, the virtuous venture wheels are beginning to turn.
