Smallhold's Farmtech & the Future of Fungi - Andrew Carter

Today’s guest is the co-founder of Smallhold, Andrew Carter. Smallhold is a multi-operational mushroom farm implementing innovative logistics and technology to grow mushrooms everywhere. Hailing from Brooklyn and quickly expanding, Smallhold builds futuristic ‘minifarms’ that can be installed almost anywhere, empowering communities and businesses with a supply of local, quality mushrooms.

We discuss Smallhold’s unique trajectory into the mushroom space and how a history of inventive agriculture fuels the drive and infrastructure of Smallhold. Andrew shares his experience with growing an unconventional startup with nuggets of wisdom for fellow entrepreneurs. We also talk about the ‘shroom boom’ and how mushrooms are “the produce of our times”.

Andrew Carter has an extensive background in Environmental Science and Ecological Design. He has been an arborist, has worked with hydroponics and was part of WindowFarms, helped grow the successful greenhouse company BrightFarms, and was a consultant for indoor agriculture. Andrew has traveled the world learning about innovative ag and is now pioneering the industry for mushroom cultivation in the United States.

Topics covered:

• The origin story of Smallhold and their expansions
• Organic and certified organic mushroom farming
• Innovations in urban agriculture
• Macrofarming vs. mini-farming of mushrooms
• Supply chain and the mushroom industry in United States
• Why mushrooms are a future food
• Considerations on mushroom-related startups and the possibilities for growth

Show Notes
Smallhold Website: https://www.smallhold.com/

The Mushroom Will Survive Us - NY Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/07/style/growing-mushrooms.html

Phyllis Ma’s Photography: https://phyllisma.com/about

A Speciality Mushroom Business Grows in Brooklyn: https://www.wsj.com/articles/a-specialty-mushroom-business-grows-in-brooklyn-11599408000

Mushrooms, The Last Survivors: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/18/t-magazine/mushrooms-fashion-food-art.html?

I Ordered Two Bags of Dirt, and A Week Later I Had Mushrooms: https://www.bonappetit.com/story/mushroom-farm

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