VaVersa's MIA: Revolutionizing Restaurant Sustainability with Hyper-Local Produce Solutions - Our story behind investing
The news is out! Another impressive company that can be added to our portfolio: VaVersa. The company produces MIA’s which enable restaurants to grow over 80 different microgreens and herbs on-site, providing ultra-fresh and hyperlocal ingredients for their dishes. A pre-seed round has been raised by angels and of course ASIF Ventures. We are extremely excited to be part of the company and are excited for the journey ahead. Let’s take a look at how we came about our decision and how VaVersa aims to disrupt the current industry.
VaVersa produces MIA’s which are automated indoor gardens. This allows any restaurant or catering company to have their own indoor garden.
VaVersa allows restaurants to become more sustainable by growing their own produce and making them less dependent on wholesalers.
VaVersa has some exciting traction and their gardens can already be found in Amsterdam restaurants and corporate offices such as Uber and Vermaat.
The MIA, and benefits for Chefs.
The MIA is a vertical farming solution that allows you to grow up to 20 different herbs and microgreens in a compact space. With a subscription fee of €420 per month, you can have your own local garden, plants, and all the supplies and the team manages the equipment remotely.
One of the greatest benefits of the MIA is that it allows chefs to have their own garden in restaurants, even in highly dense populated cities where this would normally not be possible. This enables them to grow their own produce and maintain quality control, reducing their dependence on undependable wholesalers and minimizing the risk of ingredient shortages. Moreover, it allows them to cultivate rare and expensive herbs and microgreens that would otherwise be hard to come by.
Another great advantage of the MIA is that it can significantly help restaurants become more sustainable. For restaurant sourcing fresh, local ingredients can be difficult, and waste management can be a nightmare. That's where the MIA comes in.
The MIA is a revolution in the way restaurants approach sustainability. By growing their own produce, restaurants can have more control over the quality and freshness of their ingredients, instead of importing them from other countries. The MIA produces 2kg per week in herbs and microgreens, saving around 2,400 plastic packages per year and converting to 120 kg of CO2 annually. This not only saves on transportation costs but also helps reduce your carbon footprint. It's a huge win for sustainability and the environment. Moreover, The MIA also solves the problem of waste management. Chefs can simply pluck what they need and leave the rest to continue growing. With its use of only recyclable plastics and coconut shells for growing mats, and its ability to significantly reduce a restaurant's carbon footprint by excluding transportation, the MIA machine is an eco-friendly option that is sure to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.
What makes the MIA special?
The MIA is more than just a growing system for herbs and microgreens. It is a fully automated, sustainable, and eco-friendly solution that is set to change the way restaurants grow and source their produce.
First and foremost, the technology behind the MIA machine is truly impressive. With its light, temperature, and ventilation controls, and the use of natural 'guardian' insects instead of pesticides, the machine ensures optimal growing conditions that result in 5x higher production than greenhouses and 15x more than fields. And with a 90% reduction in water usage compared to fields, the MIA machine is a compelling choice for restaurants looking to prioritize sustainability and combat the effects of climate change.
The MIA is also easy to use and maintain, perfect for busy chefs with minimal time to spare. Plus, with the option to order plants online and have them delivered straight to their doorstep, chefs can have fresh, established plants ready to use in just a week.
The MIA's wooden design not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but also makes it a stunning addition to any restaurant. Customers can now learn more about the different herbs and microgreens used in their dishes, thanks to the included tablet. This feature enhances the customer experience by providing them with valuable information about the food they are consuming, making it a perfect combination of visual aesthetics and educational value. Ultimately, the MIA's wooden design and tablet feature will elevate any restaurant's atmosphere, making it a must-have for chefs and restaurants seeking to enhance their customers' dining experience.
The market and traction
Food and supply chains have always been important, but now more than ever, they are in need of more sustainability. Food production contributes about 37% to global greenhouse gas emissions, which is a significant contributor to climate change (1). Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the fragility of our food supply chains, highlighting the need for innovative solutions that can improve their resilience (2).
The market for sustainable food solutions, therefore, presents a compelling investment opportunity. According to a report by Grand View Research, the global vertical farming market size was valued at USD 2.23 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25.7% from 2021 to 2028 (3). Similarly, the hyper-local gardening market is also expected to grow at a CAGR of 17.9% from 2021 to 2028, according to the same report.
VaVersa, with its focus on providing sustainable and locally grown herbs and microgreens, is well-positioned to capitalize on this growing trend. What's more, VaVersa's solid traction in the market is impressive. Many big companies are already their customers and are willing to expand this to more restaurants and catering companies. This traction shows that the product has a high demand and that VaVersa has the potential to scale their operations and increase their revenue.
Additionally, a recent report by Allied Market Research shows that the adoption of precision agriculture technologies is on the rise, driven by the need for sustainable and efficient agriculture practices (4). VaVersa's technology and approach to sustainable farming align with this trend, making it a smart investment in a market with significant potential for growth.
In conclusion, the market for sustainable food solutions presents a compelling investment opportunity, and VaVersa is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend. With its focus on providing locally grown herbs and microgreens and solid traction in the market, VaVersa has the potential to scale its operations and become a leading player in this growing market.
ASIF X VaVersa
We at ASIF Ventures have carefully evaluated VaVersa's product, market, and team, and we are convinced that they have what it takes to make a significant impact in the sustainable food production industry. Their approach to solving the challenges faced by the food supply chain is not only innovative but also necessary to achieve a more sustainable future for all. We are particularly impressed by Olivier’s extensive experience in horticulture and business, which has allowed him to build a solid and dedicated team. We firmly believe that having a strong and experienced team is essential for any company's success, and we are confident that VaVersa's team has what it takes to achieve great things.
Therefore, we are delighted to announce that we have decided to invest in VaVersa and join them on their entrepreneurial journey. We believe that VaVersa's vision is aligned with our own values and investment goals, and we are excited to support them as they continue to grow and make a positive impact on the industry.
Welcome to the ASIF Ventures family, VaVersa!
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