Avrio Ventures boosts capital to $75 million

Avrio Ventures Limited Partnership I has pushed its investment total to $75 million with the second closing of the Calgary-based venture capital fund focused on advanced materials originating from agricultural and related technologies. The fund — backed by FCC Ventures (a division of Farm Credit Canada) and Kirchner Investment Management Corp (a member of the Kirchner Private Capital Group) — is aiming to capitalize on increasing opportunities stemming from the convergence of agricultural science and industrial technologies. It has already made three investments in Siamons International Inc (natural antimicrobials), Origin BioMed Inc (topical treatments for nerve related pain) and SJ Irvine (gluten-free specialty processed foods). Founded in 2006, Avrio focuses on industrial bioproducts, food technology and nutraceutical ingredient firms….