Venture capital is essential for scaling agtech innovation from early-stage to market-ready products. This AIVA Network panel at Agriculture Enlightened, featuring investors that are part of the AIVA Network Coalition and moderated by EMILI Board Chair Ray Bouchard, will explore successful strategies to advance agtech investment in Manitoba and beyond. The conversation will touch on agtech investment opportunities, learnings and success stories from Manitoba, and types of initiatives that are attractive to investors.
Erin Trapp is a partner at Emmertech, a Saskatchewan-based venture capital firm dedicated to agtech and agribusiness innovation. In her role, she helps source, evaluate, and support portfolio companies while also leading investor relations and overseeing fund operations. Her background in governance, financial operations, and strategic planning gives her a unique perspective on both building and backing innovative ventures.
John Cassidy is managing director of Canada at SVG Ventures | THRIVE, spearheading the organization’s strategic initiatives for expansion in Canada. As a key player in the SVG investment team, he has successfully led investments in 21 cutting-edge agri-food tech companies across Canada.
Wilson Acton is the co-founder and managing partner at Tall Grass Ventures, a leading investment firm investing in the future of agriculture and food. In addition to being a serial entrepreneur and four-time tech startup founder, as a lawyer, Wilson has an extensive background in mergers and acquisitions and capital markets. Prior to law and venture building, Wilson was a fifth generation farmer in southern Saskatchewan.
Ray Bouchard is EMILI’s board chair. He has been involved in the agriculture industry for over 45 years. He is board chair, past-president and CEO of Enns Brothers Ltd. and co-founder and partner of Agi3. He is also board director for the Manitoba First Fund and Health Sciences Centre Foundation. Ray’s passion and vision for the future of Canadian agriculture is ambitious as he sees the long-term benefits for Canadians, the economy and the environment.
Since 2020, Agriculture Enlightened has brought together a diverse audience including more than 1,450 producers, agri-food and technology experts, industry leaders, decision-makers, researchers, and students from across North America and the globe. Our audience has consistently praised the depth of expertise our speakers bring to the conference, the variety of subject matter, and the many opportunities throughout the day to network. In 2026, we look forward to building on the success of our past events. Purchase your early bird tickets today.