Mad Markets, a Public Benefit Corporation (PBC), has made a significant move in the world of regenerative agriculture by acquiring Timeless Seeds, Inc. This well-known lentil and chickpea processing company, established in 1987, has been a pioneer in the organic agriculture movement. Mad Markets aims to address the challenge of a highly consolidated agricultural infrastructure that favors monoculture commodities, ultimately reducing the diversity of agroecosystems and the quality of food. Their mission is to promote the adoption of regenerative organic agriculture across the United States.
By acquiring Timeless Seeds, Mad Markets is taking a bold step towards achieving this vision. They intend to become a go-to source for regenerative organic ingredients, catering to a diverse range of clients, including consumer packaged goods companies and wholesale buyers. The strategy involves building the ‘missing middle’ of regenerative supply chains by investing in established infrastructure companies that can directly connect communities of growers and buyers.
Alex Heilman, CEO of Mad Markets, highlights the significance of the acquisition, stating that it presents an opportunity to strengthen their efforts in connecting farms, brands, processors, distributors, retailers, and institutional sourcing partners. He envisions a fourfold increase in Timeless’ sales over the coming years. Heilman emphasizes their commitment to supporting rural farm communities and addressing climate change impacts within the food system by assisting buyers in achieving their sustainable sourcing goals.
David Oien, Co-Founder and CEO of Timeless Seeds, affirms the alignment of this ownership transition, stating that their company was founded in 1987 to support farmers by providing processing facilities and market opportunities for soil-building crops. He sees Mad Markets’ strategic vision, market connections, and experienced team as the ideal partners to propel Timeless to new heights.
Mad Markets’ investment is anchored by Terra Regenerative Capital, a public benefit investment vehicle focused on driving climate-smart agriculture in the United States. Builders Vision, an impact platform supporting organizations building a more humane and healthy planet, is backing the investment in Timeless Seeds. Alongside Blueberry Capital Partners and twenty-four other mission-aligned investors, Mad Markets plans to embark on an acquisition strategy for infrastructure across the country, beginning with this purchase.
Tara Smith Swibel, co-founder and Managing Partner of Terra Regenerative Capital, emphasizes the potential of regenerative agriculture as a climate change solution. She highlights the need for infrastructure to connect producers to the marketplace, stating that Mad Markets possesses the vision and strategy to build these supply chains, deliver strong financial returns for investors and farmers, and benefit other stakeholders.
Kristen Moree, Senior Investment Associate at Builders Vision, agrees, acknowledging that access to markets and infrastructure often hinder the growth of regenerative agriculture supply chains. She believes Mad Markets is addressing these bottlenecks by filling critical gaps on both sides of the supply chain, ultimately spurring wider adoption of regenerative agricultural production systems.
The acquisition of Timeless Seeds signifies a strategic move by Mad Markets to build a robust network connecting farmers, processors, and buyers, contributing to the wider adoption of regenerative agriculture practices. The investment from Terra Regenerative Capital and Builders Vision, along with other aligned investors, signals a strong commitment to a future where regenerative agriculture plays a crucial role in addressing climate change and ensuring a sustainable food system.
