Reservoir Acquires Contain, Adds Nicola Kerslake as General Partner

Reservoir, an agricultural innovation center and venture capital firm, has made a strategic move by acquiring Contain, Inc., an agriculture finance and data platform. This acquisition marks Reservoir’s first and brings Nicola Kerslake on board as general partner. Kerslake, who previously led Contain, will now chair Reservoir VC's investment committee and oversee due diligence and underwriting. The deal, whose terms remain undisclosed, is set to enhance Reservoir's value creation model for startups, particularly those in the rugged physical AI and agtech space. By integrating Contain’s marketplace, underwriting expertise, and market intelligence, Reservoir aims to accelerate the journey of startups from pilot projects to commercial scale. This acquisition underscores Reservoir's commitment to supporting agtech innovation in high-value crops, leveraging its unique on-farm robotics innovation centers in the Salinas Valley and beyond.

Reservoir’s approach combines venture capital with hands-on grower input and R&D space, providing a comprehensive ecosystem for startups. The addition of Contain’s capabilities strengthens Reservoir’s ability to help startups navigate the critical transition from pilot to commercial scale, a common hurdle in the agtech industry. Nicola Kerslake’s experience in agriculture finance and data analytics will be instrumental in refining Reservoir’s investment strategies and supporting portfolio companies. The acquisition also signals Reservoir’s expansion into new geographic regions, including key areas across California and the American West, where Reservoir Farms serve as on-farm robotics innovation centers. For more details, including images and bios, click here.

This move positions Reservoir as a more comprehensive partner for agtech startups, offering not just capital but also critical market intelligence and financing solutions. By integrating Contain’s platform, Reservoir can provide startups with data-driven insights and financial tools that are essential for scaling in the challenging agricultural sector. The acquisition aligns with Reservoir’s mission to help growers feed the world by turning promising ideas into practical tools. As the agtech industry continues to evolve, Reservoir’s expanded platform could serve as a model for how venture firms can support startups through every stage of growth, from concept to commercial deployment. Learn more about Reservoir at https://reservoir.co.