St. Louis-based venture capital firm Lagomaj Capital announced in February that it was going to do something unique — build a plant science research and development facility with its portfolio company, Benson Hill.
When I interviewed Lagomaj founder and Managing Director Felix Williams, he told me that Benson Hill, a provider of a crop design platform to develop healthier and more sustainable food and ingredients, will use the Crop Accelerator to experiment and study plants with the goal of creating a more equitable food system.
Lagomaj, founded in 2017, raised a fund — which Williams described as an evergreen structure — and has made more than 30 investments. It is also opening an office in Austin.
I spoke to Williams about Lagomaj’s decision to join Benson Hill on this endeavour. The following conversation was lightly edited for clarity and length.