John Friedman
Asia Director at AgFunder
Singapore
Overview
Work Experience
Asia Director
2019 - Current
AgFunder is a venture capital fund manager investing in technology companies operating across the agri-food value chain. Founded in 2013, today AgFunder is one of the most active early-stage investors with over 80 companies across a portfolio ranging from upstream agri-genomics to robotics and automation, to marketplaces and novel ingredients. With $180m AUM and LPs including many of the world's leading food and agriculture companies, AgFunder and its media arm, AFN operate from offices in San Francisco and Singapore, alongside a global team spanning six continents. www.agfunder.com; www.agfundernews.com
AgFunder invests in impactful companies that can positively transform the world's food system.
Raised $2,250,000.00 from PULSAR.
Director
2019
GROW is an ecosystem catalyst established to advance innovation, sustainability, and resilience in the agrifood system. We are the first dedicated agrifoodtech impact accelerator in Southeast Asia, supported by AgFunder and Enterprise Singapore. GROW’s mission is to inspire and accelerate extraordinary founders who are developing technology solutions that deliver positive impact for people, place and planet. Through our range of accelerator programmes we work with startups to supercharge their growth on the global stage. www.gogrow.co
Principal Owner
2019
Singapore-based private family office with interests aimed at driving a more conscious consumer and sustainable agrifood system across Southeast Asia. Investments from Pre-Seed to Series A, including: abillion (SG), Alesca Life (CH), Fable (AU), Foodsta Kitchens (SG), Future Fields (CA), Green Rebel Foods (ID), Growflux (US), Next Gen Foods (SG), Shiok Meats (SG).
Institutional Macro Sales
2016 - 2019
Senior client coverage for hedge fund and real money investors with a focus on Emerging Market Fixed Income & Foreign Exchange products. Rebuilt the international asset manager team for Asia ex-Japan following Morgan Stanley’s 2015 fixed income overhaul. Led sales outreach and new client on-boarding, achieving 3X revenue growth in the first 24 months within a lean operational framework. Member of the Philanthropy Committee and SG Ally.
Morgan Stanley Venture Partners is a private equity firm that invests in high-growth companies in the technology and healthcare industries.
Institutional Client Group
2007 - 2015
Joined DB through the graduate intake program, and in turn became a driver of the firm's international recruitment efforts during an 8 year tenor in the Singapore office. Anchored relationships with key institutional clients and oversaw talent development through mentorship of junior analysts & interns. Led the Asia Vice Presidents’ Development program 2014.
DB Capital Ventures invests in early-stage and emerging growth businesses and is a venture capital firm based in New York.
Education
Bachelor of Arts
2003 - 2007