Wayfinder team AG Tools recently won first place and a $200,000 investment at the San Diego Angel Conference, one of the largest pitch competitions in Southern California. 

In addition to this victory, AG Tools was accepted into the Women in Cloud Microsoft Accelerator, an immersive six-month program where women-led tech companies co-work with Microsoft. 

AG Tools uses data and analytics to optimize the food supply chain. By tracking the weather, strikes and other possible hindrances, AG Tools alerts farmers to potential issues, which helps them save money and reduces food waste.

More than 690 registrants from around the world attended the event. Due to COVID-19, the contestants submitted pre-recorded pitches as a substitute for in-person pitching.

Martha Montoya, CEO of AG Tools, recommends having patience and acceptance for pre-recorded pitching – it isn’t the same as in-person, but it is a viable alternative for social distancing.

“Part of the benefits of having an in-person pitch is to meet with potential investors and to showcase the product,” said Montoya. “It is frustrating, but health and society are more important. On a positive note, AG Tools’ entire team could attend this event, including investors and advisory board members.”

Panic buying has brought about a new need for supply chain management as grocery store shelves lack essential items for the public. The win not only brings AG Tools more recognition in the field, but it will also go toward the startup’s front end and sales support to meet growing demand for supply chain assistance. 

Looking forward, Montoya wants companies to adopt AG Tools in the virtual business world and provide data to supermarkets and food outlets on a large scale across America, with funding and accelerator support.

“New business models are going to emerge from this worldwide crisis,” said Montoya. “We will ride the wave of digitization on an industry that needs it more than ever to feed us all.”

Learn more about AG Tools. 

*AG Tools CEO Martha Montoya speaks at the Cove.
*Photo: UCI Beall Applied Innovation