Investors and entrepreneurs are committing serious capital to farming protein-rich bugs. Astanor Ventures, a Brussels-based firm, raised $325 million last year to invest in sustainable agri-food startups. One of its portfolio companies, Ynsect, is farming mealworm beetles by the ton in France for pet food, fertilizer and fishmeal. Actor Robert Downey Jr. is one of the company’s top investors via his venture firm, Footprint Coalition.
Why Now: A global food-production crisis could make insects a crucial source of protein in the years to come.
Risks: Eating bugs? Even if they’re rendered tasteless and integrated in other foods it’s a big ask for people in many parts of the world.
How much you’ll need: Funds such as Astanor Ventures cater to wealthy families who share the same commitment to sustainable “impact” investing goals, but individuals can apply for entry to its funds with a minimum investment of 250,000 euros ($305,000). Eat Grub in the U.K., which sells bags of roasted crickets and grasshoppers, says on its website that it is planning to raise money via crowdfunding later this year.
Your Own Backyard: It Pays Immediate Dividends
At a time when lockdowns are affecting our lifestyles and mental health, there is one asset that is proving invaluable: a nice garden or backyard. Property owners could consider investing in a landscape design that reflects their aesthetic sensibilities and provides an oasis where they can exhale, relax, do some yoga. Maybe that’s an elaborate color garden teeming with exotic blooms, or a landscape of indigenous flora and hidden corners with benches and shade trees. It could even be a simple kitchen garden of potted herbs and vegetables.
There’s varying estimates of return-on-investment. Homes where landscaping was mentioned in the listing description sell for 2.7% more than expected, said Amanda Pendleton, a spokeswoman for U.S. real-estate website Zillow. Landscaping, new windows and bathroom upgrades were the best investments prior to selling a home, rather than a new kitchen, she said.
Why now: With work-from-home and lockdowns upending city centers, the demand for properties with well-designed green spaces should continue to rise.
Risks: Versailles-style topiary may be your thing but gardens that are too personalized may detract rather than enhance property value. If you aren’t planning on selling soon, you’ll have to continue to maintain the landscaping — though it can be important to think ahead for large plantings such as trees that need time to grow and mature.
How much you’ll need: Experts say $2,000 can kick start a botanical makeover, but professionally designed landscapes can run well into five-figures.
--With assistance from Emily Cadman, Suzanne Woolley and Devon Pendleton.
This article was provided by Bloomberg News.