Unruly Partners, an investment firm with a focus on agriculture, food, and health, has announced the appointment of Dame Alison Stewart as its Scientific Partner. This strategic move underscores Unruly’s dedication to evidence-driven investment and science-based entrepreneurship, particularly in areas that are often underfunded but crucial for global and human health.
Dame Alison Stewart brings a wealth of experience to her new role. She has held significant positions in academia, government, commerce, and industry, including her current role as Scientific Advisor to Cellora, an Unruly portfolio company. Her extensive background includes being the first female Professor at Lincoln University, founding Director of the Bio-Protection Research Centre of Excellence, and CEO of the Foundation for Arable Research. Stewart’s expertise in sustainable agriculture and plant protection is globally recognized, earning her the title of Dame Companion of the NZ Order of Merit in 2025.
In her new role, Stewart will play a pivotal part in interrogating scientific claims, assessing the commercial potential of research programs, and translating foundational research into investable, high-impact startups. Her appointment is expected to bolster Unruly’s ability to identify and nurture innovative scientific ideas that have the potential to drive significant change in agriculture and food systems.
For the agritech sector, Stewart’s appointment signals a heightened focus on scientific rigor and commercial viability. Her expertise is likely to attract more high-quality startups to Unruly’s portfolio, fostering a culture of innovation and impact. Investors, too, stand to benefit from this development. With Stewart’s guidance, Unruly can better de-risk investments, ensuring that the companies it backs are built on solid scientific foundations with clear paths to market.
Moreover, Stewart’s appointment highlights the growing importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in agritech. Her diverse background spans academia, industry, and government, reflecting the multifaceted nature of modern agricultural challenges. By bridging these worlds, Stewart can help Unruly’s portfolio companies navigate complex regulatory landscapes, access cutting-edge research, and build robust business models.
In essence, Dame Alison Stewart’s appointment as Scientific Partner at Unruly Partners is a significant step forward for the agritech sector. It underscores the firm’s commitment to backing bold, science-driven founders and signals a new era of innovation and impact in agriculture, food, and health. For investors, this development offers a promising opportunity to support ventures that are not only commercially viable but also poised to make a meaningful difference in the world.