For Vanderbilt alum, James Valencia, sustainability isn't just a buzzword—it's a way of life. What started as a small experiment with microgreens in a 100-square-foot space has blossomed into Radical Shoots, a thriving business supplying fresh, nutrient-dense greens to clients all over the Nashville region. But Valencia's journey into urban farming wasn't a straightforward one.
While studying at Vanderbilt University, Valencia was drawn to sustainable technology but wasn't sure how to apply it. That changed when he took Professor Kevin Galloway's "How to Make Almost Anything and Make it Matter" class, where he connected with an alumnus running a hydroponic farm in Mount Juliet, Tennessee. Seeing leafy greens thriving in a soil-free environment was a revelation. "I didn't grow up with a farming background," he recalls, "but walking into that greenhouse and seeing the most beautiful, leafy greens, all growing with no soil inside PVC channels, just blew my mind."
Determined to learn more, Valencia pursued opportunities in sustainable agriculture, working with hydroponic farms and learning gourmet medicinal mushroom cultivation in shipping containers for Whole Foods. His entrepreneurial journey was further shaped by the Wond'ry, Vanderbilt's Innovation Center, where he participated in the NSF I-Corps program and became a participant of the Founder program. These experiences helped him refine his business, understand his customers, and scale Radical Shoots. "The biggest help for me has been the Founder program at the Wond'ry. My mentor, Martin Renkis, meets with me every week, and really helps me gain perspective on my problems," Valencia said.
© Vanderbilt University James Valencia
Microgreens, as Valencia explains, are young vegetables and herbs harvested when they are just one to four weeks old. Despite their small size, they pack a nutritional punch, offering up to 40 times the nutrient density of their fully grown counterparts. Their rich vitamin and antioxidant content makes them a powerful addition to any diet, supporting immune function, reducing inflammation, and promoting overall well-being. "Microgreens grow fast, require minimal resources, and are incredibly nutrient-dense," he says. "They're a great entry point for people who want to engage with local, sustainable food systems."
Valencia's passion for microgreens goes beyond their health benefits; it drives the foundation of his business model. He was able to expand operations to a greenhouse at the Nashville Farmers' Market, allowing him to scale production and engage directly with the public. In 2023, he acquired CC Gardens, a longtime Nashville microgreens company, embedding Radical Shoots as a supplier in the local chef ecosystem. His companies supply restaurants all across the Nashville region and he recently secured contracts with Vanderbilt Dining and Athletics. Valencia is also in talks to add three greenhouses at Opryland, further expanding operations, and exploring new areas such as fish and tomatoes.
© Vanderbilt UniversityRadical Shoots at the Launch Incubator Space
Radical Shoots is built on a foundation of sustainability, education, and community impact. In addition to running a successful business, Valencia is committed to educating the next generation. Through hands-on workshops and field trips at the Nashville Farmers Market, he introduces students to the principles of urban farming, sustainability, and nutrition. These experiences aim to inspire young minds to think differently about where their food comes from and how it's grown, a topic which Valencia finds of utmost importance. "Most of the spending in United States healthcare focuses on chronic diseases, with the majority of the diseases being diet related," commented Valencia.
Looking ahead, Valencia envisions expanding Radical Shoots beyond microgreens, exploring new methods of sustainable agriculture, and continuing to push the boundaries of food innovation. "There's so much potential in rethinking how we grow food," he says. "I want to keep experimenting, keep learning, and keep sharing what I discover." Radical Shoots is preparing for its first round of seed funding, aiming to expand operations even further. "This next phase brings the introduction of regional partners while keeping our mission intact—providing reliable, nutrient-dense foods that are inspiring and convenient," Valencia said.
Through Radical Shoots and his other ventures, James Valencia is not just growing microgreens—he's cultivating a movement toward a more sustainable future, one tiny leaf at a time.
Source: Vanderbilt University