Key Takeaways
- Tupu, a Berlin-based agtech startup, has secured $3.2M in a Seed round of funding to transform the mushroom farming industry.
- The funding round was co-led by FoodLabs and Zubi Capital, with participation from other notable investors.
- Tupu aims to use the funds to scale production, supply major players in the food service and retail sectors, and advance its automation technology.
- The company’s technology includes a patented modular farming system, the first gourmet mushroom harvesting robot, and advanced AI with camera vision.
- Since its launch in November 2022, Tupu has supplied over three tons of mushrooms monthly to various customers, including Michelin-starred chefs.
Berlin-based agtech startup Tupu has announced that it has secured $3.2 million in a Seed funding round. The round was co-led by FoodLabs and Zubi Capital. It included participation from Clear Current Capital, FoodHack, IT-Farm, Coast Cap, and business angels in the food and tech sectors like Roger Hassan and Gil Horsky.
Funding and Future Plans
Tupu plans to use the funds to scale production and supply major players in the food service and retail sectors. “We are grateful to have such forward-thinking investors onboard that share our faith in the power of mushrooms to address the pressing challenges of global food insecurity in the face of the climate crisis,” said Eldad Arnon, co-founder and CEO of Tupu. The company also aims to increase space efficiency and advance its automation technology.
Technological Innovations
Founded in 2021 by Eldad Arnon and Daniel Lock, Tupu aims to revolutionize the mushroom industry. The company’s technology includes the first gourmet mushroom harvesting robot, advanced AI with camera vision, and integration of IoT data points throughout their farms. This digitization and automation address challenges in agriculture, from labor shortages to improving yields and spatial efficiency.
Sustainable and Local Produce
Tupu utilizes a patented modular farming system along with bioscience, robotics, and AI to grow organic gourmet mushrooms directly in cities. Since launching its first farm in November 2022, the company has supplied over three tons of mushrooms monthly to customers, including local wholesalers and Michelin-starred chefs. “Mushrooms offer immense potential across various sectors – food is just the beginning,” said Daniel Lock, co-founder of Tupu.
Environmental Impact
According to Tupu, mushrooms are eco-friendly and can be grown year-round indoors, avoiding supply chain disruptions. They offer essential vitamins, antioxidants, fiber, and protein with minimal environmental impact. Compared to other food sources, mushrooms surpass vegetables regarding CO2 emissions, water consumption, and land usage efficiency.
