FarmWise
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Overview of FarmWise
FarmWise was an agricultural technology company founded in 2016, initially based in San Francisco before relocating its headquarters to Santa Clara, California. The company focused on developing autonomous weeding and thinning equipment powered by artificial intelligence, robotics, and computer vision, with the aim of improving labor efficiency and reducing chemical inputs in vegetable farming.
History and Founding of FarmWise
Founding Team and Origins
FarmWise was founded by Sébastien Boyer and Thomas Palomares, both graduates of École Polytechnique, with additional academic backgrounds from MIT and Stanford, respectively. The company was originally named Deeplook Technologies before adopting the name FarmWise.
Early Development
FarmWise began by developing mechanical weeders that used AI and computer vision to identify and remove weeds without herbicides. This technology targeted labor-intensive vegetable crops in regions such as California's Salinas Valley.
Key Products and Business Model
Product Development
FarmWise introduced the Titan, a self-driving weeder, followed by the Vulcan, a precision weeding implement designed for compatibility with existing tractors. These tools were built to reduce chemical usage and support efficient field operations.
Service-Based Model
Instead of selling equipment outright, FarmWise operated under a service model where customers paid per acre of weeding, allowing access to the technology without high capital expenditure.
Commercial Deployment and Partnerships
The company worked with growers across California and collaborated with Roush, a Michigan-based manufacturer, for hardware development and testing. By 2023, FarmWise had completed weeding operations on over 20,000 acres.
Funding and Recognition
FarmWise raised multiple rounds of venture funding, including:
- $5.7 million in seed funding (2017)
- $4.5 million investment from Cleveland Avenue (2018)
- $14.5 million Series A round (2019)
Cumulative funding reportedly exceeded $65 million, with some estimates reaching $95.7 million.
The company received several accolades, including:
- Time Magazine's "100 Best Inventions of 2020"
- AgFunder Innovation Award
- Recognition by MIT Technology Review and Forbes
Operational Challenges and Acquisition
Financial Pressures
FarmWise faced difficulties amid reduced venture capital activity and rising economic constraints on growers. These conditions affected the company's ability to scale and sustain operations.
Wind-Down and Acquisition
In April 2025, FarmWise ceased operations and was acquired by Taylor Farms, a major producer of ready-to-eat salads and vegetables. The acquisition was intended to preserve the Vulcan technology and maintain continuity for existing users.
Broader Market Context
The company's closure reflected wider challenges within the ag-tech sector, where adoption hurdles and capital constraints have affected multiple startups.
Summary Table: FarmWise
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2016 by Sébastien Boyer and Thomas Palomares |
| Headquarters | Santa Clara, California |
| Original Name | Deeplook Technologies |
| Core Focus | Precision weeding and thinning using AI, robotics, and computer vision |
| Key Technologies | Titan (autonomous weeder), Vulcan (tractor-mounted implement) |
| Business Model | Per-acre service model rather than equipment sales |
| Funding | Over $65 million (up to $95.7 million) |
| Recent Developments | Operational wind-down and acquisition by Taylor Farms (April 2025) |
Read the company's most recent news here.
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