Green Sense Farms, LLC

Green Sense Farms is the world's largest indoor vertical farm.

By growing in a controlled indoor environment in stacking towers, it can plant 24/7 and harvest 365 days a year, pesticide, herbicide and GMO free.

All environmental factors can be controlled including LED lights, environmental control (humidity, temperature, and CO2) and fertigation (irrigation, drainage and fertilization).

As Heather Clancy from Forbes recently wrote: “Vertical farms are capturing attention for two big reasons: local interest in produce that doesn't have to be transported hundreds of miles before it makes it to the kitchen, and the need to find new food sources for the world’s growing population. That means farmers will need to produce up to 70% more food, tough to do in a world where 80% of the land suitable for farming is already in use. It stands to reason that indoor alternatives will continue to blossom, especially in expanding urban communities.”

Green Sense Farms is currently raising funds so it can expand its operations and build a network of Farms in the USA, Canada, China and Scandinavia so its produce is always locally grown and fresh. It grows high-quality micro-greens, baby green culinary herbs and lettuces.

It can grow these high-quality crops consistently through its automated computer controls which provide the precise amount of light, nutrients, water, temperature and humidity, to create ideal growing conditions year-round.

By putting these farms at the point of consumption and distribution, it reduces the amount of miles food travels and ensures that its crops are always fresh and nutritious.

Its sustainable growing practices reduce waste and conserve resources, making its product good for consumers and the environment.

It currently serves produce companies and supermarkets (like WholeFoods) that seek high-quality leafy greens and culinary herbs that are locally grown, sustainably farmed and chemical free.

Green Sense Radio Show, hosted by Founding Farmer, Robert Colangelo, is heard in syndication nationwide on 37 stations coast to coast and available through podcasts. The radio show plays an important role in its education and outreach as well as its marketing strategy.

KEY FACTS
- 2015 Revenue: $788K
- Harvest capacity ~3 million plants per year
- Opened first farm in China in August, 2016
- Innovation partners include Phillips
- Products currently distributed to grocery stores, produce companies, and select restaurants
- Harvest year-round, using a fraction of the land, water, and fertilizer of traditional field farming

EXIT STRATEGY
The company believes there is a tremendous financial opportunity for indoor vertical farming.

Its goal is to build a network of indoor vertical farms and grow the value of its business by operating profitable Farms.

Its options for an exit strategy might include:

- Selling the network of Farms to a strategic investor or a financial investor.
- An IPO.
- Merging with or acquiring other indoor vertical farming operations and paying investors a dividend from profits.

Team Background

Robert Colangelo - CEO, Founding Farmer

Robert Colangelo is a scientist, author and environmental entrepreneur who founded several leading market based organizations that include: Environmental Planning Group, American Business Center Nizhnevartovsk, Siberia, Russia, Brownfield Development LLC, Environomics Communications, Brownfield News magazine, The National Brownfield Association, The Surplus Property Roundtable, Green Sense radio show and Green Sense Farms, LLC.

Mr. Colangelo is recognized as a national expert and an authoritative source on indoor vertical farming, brownfield redevelopment and sustainability; he is the author of several books and numerous articles on the subject and is the host of the nationally syndicated Green Sense radio show.

Mr. Colangelo holds a Masters and Bachelors degree in Earth Science from Northeastern Illinois University.

Carl Wenz - Cofounder, CFO, Treasurer

Mr. Wenz co-founded Green Sense Farms and serves as its CFO.

Mr. Wenz started his accounting career at the Dearborn Group, LLC, an Arlington Heights, IL firm that owned and managed numerous apartment developments in IL and IA.

He then worked at Utilities, Inc., a multi-state water and wastewater utility holding company. As the VP of Regulatory Matters, Mr. Wenz was responsible for all functions dealing with rate setting and economic regulation in the Company’s sixteen state service area.

He then formed DC Custom Homes, LLC. As a partner in the firm, he participated in the acquisition, redevelopment and sale of numerous residential properties in the suburbs of Chicago.

He also is a partner in AC Capital Partners, LLC, a firm that owns and leases assisted living centers in Wisconsin.

Rob Schlyer - General Counsel and Investor Relations

Mr. Schlyer has been practicing law for 15 years and has closed more than $200M in commercial and residential real estate transactions.

He has contract based and foreclosure related litigation experience and has served as general counsel to numerous real estate funding entities.

As a solo practitioner for the past 10 years, Mr. Schlyer has identified revenue generating properties for client purchase, managed reconstruction projects, underwritten assets, conducted title reviews, overseen litigation, and counseled on market evolution in the "green" space.

Mr. Schlyer is an Illinois licensed attorney.

Lane Patterson - Systems Manager

Lane is a pioneer and innovator with over 20 years’ experience in building controlled environment agriculture systems.

Prior to working at Green Sense Farms, Mr. Patterson worked at the South Pole Food Growth Chamber, NASA Steckler Space Center and University of Arizona Controlled Environment Agriculture Center.

Corbett Miller - Grower

Corbett is a Grower for Green Sense Farms, Portage, IN Farm.

His focus on commercial hydroponic growing began in 2010 while working as the Greenhouse Manager at the University of Indianapolis.

He also worked as a professional hydroponic internship through Walt Disney World and grew 120+ varieties of edible crops from all over world in their indoor grow system.

Since joining Green Sense Farms, he has been responsible for improving crop production, and meeting customers’ orders.

Mr. Miller holds a dual degree in Biology and Environmental Science from Indianapolis University.

Co-Investors