23/10/2026

Slush 2026 Profile: Vertically Pure

Stephen Edwards will be headed to Helsinki this November to showcase Vertically Pure, a low-carbon vertical farm addressing market shortfalls.

Who Are Vertically Pure?

Vertically Pure is seeking £5,000,000 in equity investment to fund the commercial fit-out of our low-carbon vertical farming facility near Ipswich.

We are raising this capital to scale our proven agricultural model, capture an expanding market, and launch commercial production by December 2027.

The Market Problem

  • Supply Gap: The UK suffers from a major shortage of home-grown, year-round fresh strawberries.
  • Rising Demand: The fresh strawberry market has expanded on average 8% annually over the past 5 years.
  • Soaring Costs: Retail prices have climbed on average 12% every year since 2021.
  • Retail Pressure: UK retailers are actively seeking a reliable, domestic, year-round solution provider. Vertically Pure provides that solution.

The Vertically Pure Solution

  • Energy Innovation: We have researched renewable energy generation options and circular energy utilisation and have selected a proven fuel cell energy system that is low cost, fully sustainable and with pricing resilience against global market shocks.
  • Guaranteed Low Unit Cost: This allows us to lock in cheap production via long-term fixed electricity pricing.
  • Efficiency Boost: Our proprietary technology dramatically lowers electricity usage and increases operational efficiency.
  • Proven Operations: Our 450 sqm test farm has run successfully since May 2025, validating our growing methods and premium Class I fruit.

Commercial Traction and Backing

  • Retailer Discussions: We are in active supply talks with ASDA, Morrisons, Berry World, and United Fruit Growers ahead of our 2027 launch.
  • Scalability: Our facility sits on a 700-acre green project development site owned by our parent company Curzon De Vere. Future scalability options available to meet expanding market share over time.

Investment Sought

The Investment Ask

  • Funding Goal: £5,000,000 in equity.
  • Capital Use: Our strategy for phased rollout and expansion is tied directly to production milestones and market share through formal retailer agreements.