Episode 034 | Ben Gibbons: Investing In The Future of Sustainable Agriculture

In this episode my guest is Ben Gibbons. Ben is the Founder and Managing Partner of Waterpoint Lane, a venture capital firm focused on investing in growth stage companies centered in primary production, technology and services,  and consumer products,  that promote sustainable practices throughout our food system. In our conversation Ben and I talk about the really big challenges facing the world in creating and maintaining a sustainable food system in the face of escalating climate change impacts; the most promising policies, strategies and technologies for helping us reduce the environmental harm we are causing; the huge challenge of food security and a sustainable food supply in the face of climate impacts; and what advice Ben would offer listeners about what they can do to be part of making a difference in meeting the challenges of the Twenty-first Century Imperative and maintaining hope.  Background Ben grew up on his family’s sheep and wheat farm in central New South Wales, in Australia.   In 2019, Ben re-established his connection with the land and the sustainability of our food supply with his founding of the venture capital firm Waterpoint Lane.  (and Ben tells me that Waterpoint Lane was the name of the road leading up to the family farm!) Ben spent the previous 15-plus years of his career in investment banking and consulting to support growth-stage and middle-market companies, with extensive experience across mergers and acquisitions, debt, equity, and alternate capital financing transactions. Through Waterpoint lane, Ben sees significant opportunity to drive change in the way we think about our food system, change that contributes to climate solutions, and secures a lasting-and-sustainable legacy for our children. I hope you enjoy our conversation!                                             -------------------- You can read more about this podcast in the podcast’s Show Notes.  Please Support this Podcast: The Twenty First Century Imperative podcast relies entirely on user support. If you find it valuable please consider supporting us by becoming a patron at our TFCI Patreon Page. And we now have a new TFCI Online-shop, with all the proceeds going to cover our production costs!  And It has some great products for you! We have organic, fair-trade t-shirts and hoodies, as well as non-toxic BPA-free coffee containers, with great graphics! So, if you like the podcast, please think about helping us out by buying a t-shirt, hoodie or mug for you (and one for each of your friends!!!)