Investing in
Chicago’s Food Shed
The Sustainable Local Food Investment Group is a network of accredited independent investors who share the mission of using private investment to re-establish a robust and sustainable food system across the Chicago foodshed. We identify promising start-up and early stage companies, then provide capital, expertise and a network of contacts to help drive their success.
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Sector
We invest in early stage companies along the entire food value chain:
- production / farming / urban ag
- processing / business services
- aggregation / distribution
- consumer packaged goods
- grocery / other retail
- food service / meal delivery
- waste / compost
Structure
We work to find a financing structure that maximizes value for us and you, whether as equity or convertible debt. We typically structure deals as LLC’s or C-Corps, and occasionally but rarely, as outright debt.
Amount
Each member is free to invest, or not, in any company presented before us. As a result, investments tend to range from as little as $25k to as much as $500k.
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Resources of Scale
We are a member-managed group of individuals who realize that by combining our dollars and varied expertise, we can maximize the efficacy and decision-making power of our investment dollars. We are made stronger by welcoming accredited investors from all professional and personal backgrounds.
A Breadth of Goals
Companies who present to us appeal to some mix of our mission to improve our local food supply and a desire for financial return. Likewise, each member’s goals within the organization fall somewhere along the spectrum of doing good versus doing well.
Commitment
All members must be accredited investors and are expected to attend a majority of monthly meetings and devote an extra hour or two per month to administrative duties. In general, members are expected to invest approximately $75k over a 3-year period.
Portfolio Companies
