NEW YORK—The Soros Economic Development Fund (SEDF), the impact investment arm of the Open Society Foundations, has committed $8 million to SP Ventures’ AgVentures Fund III, a Brazilian venture capital fund focused on transforming agriculture, food systems, and livelihoods—economic and social inclusion—across Latin America. 

This investment brings SEDF’s total commitment to nature-based solutions to climate change and inclusive development in Brazil and the region to $35 million, with additional investments planned. 

AgVentures III, managed by São Paulo-based SP Ventures, is an $80 million fund that invests in early-stage agriculture and climate-tech companies advancing low-carbon, climate-resilient food production and inclusive development. The fund supports innovations that:  

• Mitigate deforestation by increasing productivity on existing farmland 
• Enhance rural livelihoods and climate resilience  
• Reduce carbon emissions 
• Restore degraded land and improve soil health 
• Decrease reliance on chemical inputs 

The fund seeks to sustainably manage 50 million hectares of land, positively impact 500,000 rural livelihoods, and replace one million tons of chemical fertilizers and pesticides with organic alternatives. 

Global South innovation from partners such as SP Ventures is critical because tropical agriculture faces unique challenges that cannot be addressed by temperate-climate models. Locally developed, regenerative technologies and inclusive, tech-driven financial systems are essential to ensure global food security and climate resilience. By creating solutions tailored to local contexts, AgVentures III will help to drive sustainable development and empower farmers at scale in Brazil and globally. 

Francisco Jardim, Managing Partner at SP Ventures, said, “We are honored to partner with SEDF, whose global leadership in inclusive and sustainable finance aligns with our mission to build the technological backbone of regenerative agriculture in Latin America. This partnership is catalytic for our portfolio and the ecosystems we serve.” 

Georgia Levenson Keohane, CEO of the Soros Economic Development Fund said, “We are excited to invest in SP Ventures, which is helping to advance locally-led green growth, preserving the natural environment while improving livelihoods. SP Ventures can demonstrate that climate action and job creation are mutually reinforcing—and critical pillars of open society.” 

SEDF joins a strong coalition of co-investors, including: AGCO, FMC Corporation, BASF Venture Capital, Bidra Innovation Ventures, CHECK24, Grupo Fundea, and Minerva Foods.