From the ground up
“We are an agri-food specialist investment firm, currently raising for our first fund focused on Australian farmland,” Guy explains. “It’s a fairly niche strategy, but one where we have deep experience. We’ve spent more time on farms than at desks.”
Founded by four individuals with operational backgrounds in farming and food production, Viresco brings deep sector expertise and a mission to institutionalise farmland investing.
Why farmland?
Guy describes farmland as an underappreciated asset class in the UK and Europe, though more established in the US. The Viresco team believes this gap presents an opportunity.
“We’re strong believers in farmland as an asset class. The top-line fundamentals work: growing global population, shrinking supply of farmland. But there’s so much nuance in the sector that makes it compelling from both a sustainability and returns perspective.”
From technological innovation to differentiated farming systems, Guy highlights the diversity and scalability of the sector, if you know where to look and how to operate effectively.
The juggling act: Manager-building + fundraising
As a first-time manager, Guy is candid about the challenge of spinning multiple plates; raising a fund while building a business from scratch.
“We’ve left comfortable jobs with income to being literally a startup. We’re doing advisory work to keep the lights on, while also building out the asset management strategy.”
Viresco has now locked in a soft cornerstone commitment from a family office, which has accelerated the operational buildout. “That commitment meant, ‘Oh wow, now we really need to get the backend sorted.’ It’s fundraising, operations, fund structuring, all at pace.”
Community support: The role of BEMI
Guy credits the British Emerging Manager Institute with helping Viresco get key elements in place quickly.
“We would be lost without the couple of people we’ve spoken to on the service provider side. Through BEMI, we’ve had advice on fund structuring, service providers, and more. It’s a big weight off the mind.”
“It’s a really nice ecosystem to tap into. We’re hugely appreciative of the help and guidance. It’s already had a massive impact on our ability to move forward.”