Introducing Agustín Büchert from ClearLeaf
Q: Can you introduce yourself and your startup?
A: Sure, I’m Agustín Büchert, one of the co-founders and the Chief Science Officer at ClearLeaf. We’re based out of Costa Rica with our headquarters in the United States. ClearLeaf was established with the aim of launching a new line of fungicides and bactericides for agricultural use. Our products are designed to be safe for both human health and the environment, which is a core part of our mission. Currently, we’re operating in four different countries across Central America. Additionally, we’re in the process of registering our products in several other countries, including the United States, Australia, South Africa, the Philippines, and Colombia. Our growth is a testament to our commitment to providing sustainable and effective solutions for farmers worldwide.
Q: What inspired you to pivot from the medical device business to agriculture?
A: The pivot came from recognizing the versatility of our technology, originally designed to control infections on human skin, and seeing its potential to combat plant infections without damaging the environment, plants, animals, or insects. This shift was driven by the urgent need in agriculture to move away from harmful and toxic chemicals. Many agrochemicals in use today were approved decades ago without thorough checks for long-term health effects, such as cancer risks. Our goal is to offer farmers solutions that are not only efficient and profitable but also safe for people and the planet.
Q: Did historical farming practices influence your approach to developing your products?
A: Absolutely. Historical practices, where farmers used diverse crops to naturally repel pests, contrast with today’s reliance on agrochemicals due to the need to feed a growing global population and the prevalence of monocultures, which can deplete soil health. While agrochemicals are necessary to meet the world’s food demands, our approach at ClearLeaf is to challenge the notion that these chemicals must be harmful. We aim to prove that it’s possible to use agrochemicals that are safe for both humans and the environment, moving towards solutions that align with both modern agricultural needs and environmental sustainability.
Why Village Capital?
Q: How did you become involved with Village Capital?
A: Since the beginning of ClearLeaf, seven years ago, we’ve been active in the startup ecosystem We initiated our journey by participating in various accelerator programs, which significantly increased our visibility and allowed us to engage with more expansive networks. This exposure is evident when you look at our website, where we’ve listed numerous accelerator programs we’ve been part of. This experience has been incredibly beneficial for us. Village Capital came into our journey after noticing our startup in news articles about our participation in these accelerator programs. They reached out to us, and we didn’t hesitate to apply. Their interest in us was a pivotal moment, offering us a unique opportunity to further our growth and expand our impact in the AgTech space.
How a Founder Gets In
Q: Can you describe the application process for Village Capital?
A: The application process was straightforward and seamless. It typically began with filling out a form, followed by an interview stage. During the interview, the focus was on understanding our milestones and ensuring that ClearLeaf was at the appropriate stage of growth for their program. They were looking for startups that were neither too early in their development nor too late, and it turns out we were exactly at the right phase they were targeting. This alignment with their criteria made the process feel very natural and fitting for both parties.
Q: Did ClearLeaf receive funding as part of the Village Capital program?
A: Yes, but the funding wasn’t simply for being admitted into the program. Village Capital’s program, which lasted about three months, included a competitive element where participants vied for a prize. This is a common practice in some accelerator programs. We were one of the two winners of this competition and received a prize of $20,000. For a company of our size, especially considering where we were nearly three years ago, this funding was incredibly valuable. It’s important to note that there was no initial investment or participation fee involved; our financial benefit came solely from winning the competition.
Q: How does the competition aspect of the program work?
A: The competition was highly participative and involved voting by the participants, which might sound like it could turn into a popularity contest. However, in our experience, the process was fair and transparent. The program required us to complete weekly assignments, iterate on our pitches, and engage in numerous one-on-one conversations with other startups. Voting covered several categories, requiring thoughtful evaluation of each startup’s performance. If popularity in this context means being diligent, completing assignments effectively, and demonstrating a clear understanding of the tasks at hand, then I believe it’s a positive and fair measure of a startup’s commitment and potential.
Inside Village Capital’s Program Structure
Q: Can you provide more details on what the Village Capital program involved, like workshops or lectures?
A: Village Capital’s program was structured and well-organized . This structure was highly beneficial as it allowed participants to plan their schedules in advance, fitting the program’s demands alongside daily responsibilities such as fundraising and sales activities. The program followed a cyclical pattern of a pre-work week, a work week, and then a break week, which repeated. This scheduling made it possible to anticipate more intensive weeks and manage our time accordingly, avoiding other commitments during those periods.
The program featured an online platform that provided access to lecture materials, readings, and a variety of expert talks covering different topics. Moreover, there was a strong emphasis on mentoring, with mentors from large corporations or with significant entrepreneurial experience offering guidance through lectures. We also had opportunities for one-on-one discussions with these mentors to talk about our progress, challenges, milestones, and specific needs. This combination of structured learning, expert insight, and personalized mentoring significantly enhanced our development and integration of new strategies into our business.
Standout Moments and Strengths of Village Capital’s Program
Q: Could you share any standout moments or strengths from your experience with Village Capital?
A: One of the most remarkable aspects of the Village Capital program was the ample opportunity for one-on-one interactions with other startups. Unlike many accelerator programs where participation can feel like attending a university lecture without engaging with fellow students, Village Capital made sure we connected with each other. This approach fostered a sense of community and camaraderie among participants. It felt like we were all friends by the end, which significantly enriched the learning experience. These interactions allowed us to share challenges, solutions, and feedback, learning from each other’s experiences in a way that wouldn’t have been possible in a more isolated setting. This emphasis on collaboration and peer support is something I consider a major strength of the program, as it not only aids in solving immediate problems but also builds a network of mutual support that can last beyond the program itself.
Reflections on Village Capital’s Program Improvements
Q: Was there anything about the Village Capital program that disappointed you or could be improved?
A: Reflecting on my experience and looking back at my notes, I find it hard to pinpoint any specific areas of disappointment or aspects that I believe need improvement. Having participated in numerous accelerator programs, I can confidently say that Village Capital’s program stands out as one of my favorites. I genuinely don’t have any complaints about the program. Its structure, the opportunities it provided for engagement and learning, and the overall experience were all highly beneficial to ClearLeaf and me personally.
Navigating Mentor Choices in Village Capital’s Program
Q: How did you manage the wide range of mentor options in the program?
A: The abundance of mentor choices within Village Capital’s program was indeed both a blessing and a challenge. We were presented with a long list of potential mentors, which could be overwhelming, especially for teams stretched thin. Fortunately, I had the advantage of going through the program alongside one of my co-founders. This collaboration allowed us to share the workload effectively. If I was busy, my partner would take over the mentorship exploration for that week, and vice versa. This dynamic was crucial because thoroughly researching each mentor, such as reviewing their LinkedIn profiles and understanding their industry relevance, requires significant time and effort. For teams with limited time, making informed choices from a list of 20 mentors can be daunting, possibly leading to random or less strategic selections. However, because we were able to dedicate the necessary time to this process, we made some valuable contacts. While these connections didn’t directly result in funding, they provided us with extensive practice in pitching our startup. This experience was invaluable, emphasizing that sometimes the process of pitching to many is an essential step towards finding the right match.
The Accelerator’s Impact on ClearLeaf
Q: Can you share how the accelerator program impacted ClearLeaf?
A: The accelerator had a significant impact on our growth and development, though it’s challenging to pinpoint specific outcomes directly attributed to the program. Since completing the program, we’ve seen substantial progress across various aspects of our business. We expanded our product registrations, which is a crucial step for our growth and ability to operate in new markets. Additionally, we’ve made new hires to strengthen our team and support our expanding operations. The program also reinforced the importance of continuous practice in pitching, especially for fundraising efforts. This practice has been invaluable as we navigate the complexities of securing investment. Furthermore, the cash prize we won through the program provided us with essential financial support, enabling us to invest further in our development and expansion strategies. Overall, the accelerator played a pivotal role in our journey, offering us tools, knowledge, and resources that have contributed to our achievements and ongoing success.
Final Advice for Potential Village Capital Applicants
Q: Do you have any advice for those considering applying to Village Capital or similar accelerators?
A: My advice to anyone debating whether to apply to Village Capital or any accelerator is a resounding yes. The team and people involved are incredibly insightful and supportive. If you’re unsure whether your startup is a good fit, apply anyway. They are very efficient in their process and won’t waste your time if there’s not a mutual fit. One key recommendation is to fully engage with the networking opportunities provided by the program. It’s crucial to dedicate time, attend all sessions, and actively connect with others. Being proactive and keeping an open mind throughout the program can significantly enhance your experience. This is a phenomenal learning opportunity, not just about growing your startup, but also about personal growth as a business professional. Approach the program ready to learn, open to new ideas, and willing to reconsider your approaches if necessary. This mindset can make all the difference in maximizing the benefits of the accelerator experience.