Ceres Partners has announced the appointments of Nick Schupbach and Justin Lott as Managing Director and Director of Private Equity, respectively. Both Schupbach and Lott come to Ceres from their roles as co-founders of Appia Capital Partners, an investment firm with a focus on agriculture, water, and water rights.
In their new roles at Ceres, Schupbach and Lott will help lead the private equity strategy, driving growth in Ceres’ food and agriculture investment portfolio while expanding opportunities in water resources across the U.S.
Perry Vieth, Founder and CEO of Ceres Partners, commented: “We’re thrilled to welcome Nick and Justin to our team. Their expertise in agriculture and water investments will strengthen our private equity capabilities and add value to our food-and-agriculture-focused investment solutions.”
Brandon Zick, Chief Investment Officer of Ceres Partners, added: “Having worked closely with Nick and Justin on our farmland fund, we respect their diligence, integrity, and vision for natural resources investments. Their contributions will be invaluable to our private equity strategy and to our investors.”
Schupbach brings a wealth of experience in natural resource investments, including water rights, farmland, and timber, with additional focus on carbon markets. Since 2008, he has been actively investing in water rights and has published multiple white papers on this sector. Reflecting on his new position, Schupbach said, “Joining Ceres is a fantastic opportunity. Ceres’ network and expertise align well with our approach to agriculture and water rights, and I’m excited to lead this initiative.”
Lott, with 20 years of investment experience spanning liquid and private markets, has a strong background in water, agriculture, and transportation. He has also served on boards for several agricultural companies. “I look forward to working with the Ceres team,” Lott stated. “Water is a common thread between our two firms’ investment strategies, and I believe our combined experience will enhance outcomes for our water and agricultural private equity strategies.”
Ceres Partners’ private equity portfolio includes early- to mid-stage companies across the agriculture and food sectors, positioning the firm for growth in sustainable investment opportunities.
