Homestead Capital, Farmland Specialist Investment Manager, Adds Kudu Investment Management as Strategic Partner

Company Overview - Homestead Capital USA LLC manages over $1 6 billion in equity and credit assets, focusing on high-quality farmland properties and lending to farmland operators [1] - The company is majority employee-owned and led by co-founders and co-CEOs Daniel Little and Gabe Santos [1] - Homestead has 20 employees and operates in multiple regions across the United States, including the Pacific, Pacific Northwest, Mountain West, Delta, and Midwest [7] Investment and Partnership - Kudu Investment Management made a passive, minority investment in Homestead, although financial terms were not disclosed [3] - Kudu has invested in 30 asset and wealth managers across the US, Canada, UK, and Australia, with partner firms collectively managing approximately $128 billion as of September 30, 2024 [5] - Homestead views Kudu as a partner that shares its conviction in the benefits of investing in diversified US agricultural assets [4] Business Strategy - Homestead focuses on acquiring farmland with opportunities for value enhancement through capital improvements, tailored farm management, economies of scale, crop selection, and customized operating strategies [6] - The company primarily works with small and mid-sized farmers to improve capacity and profitability [7] Industry Context - Agricultural assets are seen as poised for growth as investors allocate more funds to the real assets market [4] - Kudu provides long-term capital solutions, including generational ownership transfers, management buyouts, acquisition and growth finance, and liquidity for legacy partners [6]