Solum Partners, a specialized investment management firm dedicated to the food and agriculture sector, has announced the successful closing of its second fund, Solum Partners Fund II, L.P., and related investment vehicles (“Fund II”). Exceeding its initial fundraising goal, Fund II secured $850 million in capital commitments from a diverse group of global institutional investors who recognize the growing importance of strategic investments in sustainable agriculture.
Established in October 2020 after spinning out from Harvard Management Company (HMC), Solum Partners distinguishes itself through a hands-on investment approach. The firm’s team of over 25 professionals leverages deep industry knowledge to partner with leading large-scale agricultural operators worldwide. A core tenet of Solum Partners‘ strategy is the prioritization of local collaborations, fostering operational excellence, and driving continuous improvement across its investment portfolio.
Fund II is strategically deploying capital into production assets across the globe, encompassing a variety of crop types that are vital to the global food supply chain. These investments span diverse agricultural sectors, including coffee, almonds, apples, and berries, demonstrating Solum Partners‘ commitment to diversification within agriculture. Beyond financial returns, Solum Partners emphasizes a commitment to supporting the communities where it invests. The firm aims to generate sustainable impact through proactive portfolio management, focusing on responsible and ethical agricultural practices.
Colin Butterfield, CEO of Solum Partners, expressed enthusiasm about the successful fundraise, stating, “We are very grateful for the significant interest and confidence our investors have shown in Fund II. The strong demand is particularly noteworthy given the complexities of the current global economic and geopolitical environment. We are honored to manage this capital and are dedicated to identifying and developing sustainable food and agriculture assets that offer compelling risk-adjusted returns for our investors.”
Butterfield further highlighted the evolving landscape of the agriculture and food production industry. “To thrive in this dynamic sector, businesses must adapt and achieve meaningful scale,” he noted. “At Solum Partners, we are proud of our unique owner-operator model. We actively partner with farmers and industry leaders, providing not only essential capital but also driving operational enhancements and strategically leveraging vertical integration. This approach ensures our partners are well-positioned for sustained and accelerated success at the forefront of the industry.”
Eaton Partners served as the exclusive placement agent for Fund II, and Kirkland & Ellis LLP provided legal counsel to Solum Partners.
About Solum Partners
Headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, Solum Partners is a leading investment management firm with approximately $1.9 billion in assets under management as of March 31, 2023. The firm focuses exclusively on the agriculture and food production industry, utilizing its hands-on approach and deep sector expertise to create value and deliver attractive, risk-adjusted returns for its investors. Solum Partners‘ investment strategy is built upon a foundation of strong partnerships, a commitment to operational excellence, and a culture of continuous improvement, all underpinned by a comprehensive Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) approach. For further information about Solum Partners and its investment philosophy, please visit https://solumpartners.com/ or direct inquiries to [email protected].
Contacts
Prosek Partners, on behalf of Solum Partners
Bea Broderick / Josh Clarkson / Peter Gavaris
[email protected]
