Smallhold's Farmtech & the Future of Fungi - Andrew Carter

Today’s guest is the co-founder of Smallhold, Andrew Carter. Smallhold is a multi-operational mushroom farm implementing innovative logistics and technology to grow mushrooms everywhere. Hailing from Brooklyn and quickly expanding, Smallhold builds futuristic ‘minifarms’ that can be installed almost anywhere, empowering communities and businesses with a supply of local, quality mushrooms.We discuss Smallhold’s unique trajectory into the mushroom space and how a history of inventive agriculture fuels the drive and infrastructure of Smallhold. Andrew shares his experience with growing an unconventional startup with nuggets of wisdom for fellow entrepreneurs. We also talk about the ‘shroom boom’ and how mushrooms are “the produce of our times”.Andrew Carter has an extensive background in Environmental Science and Ecological Design. He has been an arborist, has worked with hydroponics and was part of WindowFarms, helped grow the successful greenhouse company BrightFarms, and was a consultant for indoor agriculture. Andrew has traveled the world learning about innovative ag and is now pioneering the industry for mushroom cultivation in the United States.Topics covered:The origin story of Smallhold and their expansionsOrganic and certified organic mushroom farmingInnovations in urban agricultureMacrofarming vs. mini-farming of mushroomsSupply chain and the mushroom industry in United StatesWhy mushrooms are a future foodConsiderations on mushroom-related startups and the possibilities for growthShow NotesSmallhold Website: https://www.smallhold.com/The Mushroom Will Survive Us - NY Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/07/style/growing-mushrooms.htmlPhyllis Ma’s Photography: https://phyllisma.com/aboutA Speciality Mushroom Business Grows in Brooklyn: https://www.wsj.com/articles/a-specialty-mushroom-business-grows-in-brooklyn-11599408000Mushrooms, The Last Survivors: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/18/t-magazine/mushrooms-fashion-food-art.html?I Ordered Two Bags of Dirt, and A Week Later I Had Mushrooms: https://www.bonappetit.com/story/mushroom-farmwww.mushroomrevival.comWe are a functional mushroom company and make 100% certified USDA Organic and Vegan mushroom supplements. We are transparent with our lab results, and use actual fruiting bodies aka mushrooms! We provide our supplements in tincture, capsule, powder, and delicious gummy form. Energy (Cordyceps): Need a little pick-me-up before a workout or when you’re picking up your kids from school? The Energy Cordyceps is the mushy match for you.Focus (Lion’s Mane):  Needing a little more focus in your daily life? Lion’s Mane is known to be the mushroom for the brain and may support cognitive function.Calm (Reishi): Looking for some tranquility and zen in your life? Reishi will bring you into the zen state of mind you’ve been searching for.Daily 10 (Mushroom Mix): It’s like having 10 bodyguard mushrooms fighting off all those bad guys. This is a good place to start as it contains all of the daily mushies you need.  Use code ‘PODTREAT’ for a 30% discount.