Disclaimer: This editorial is not a ranking, and the inclusion of these companies does not imply superiority over others. The companies listed have secured notable AgTech Funding in 2024.
Key Takeaways:
- Oishii raised $150 million in Series B to expand internationally and enhance its indoor vertical farming.
- Monarch Tractor secured $133 million in Series C, marking the largest agricultural robotics funding to date.
- Inari achieved $103 million in funding, advancing AI-powered crop science.
- Carbon Robotics continued growth with $70 million in Series D, focusing on AI-driven weeding solutions.
- GrowUp and Pairwise secured investments to expand sustainable agriculture and gene editing technologies.
Oishii: Vertical Farming Expansion
Oishii (Profile), a vertical farming startup founded in 2016, raised $150 million in Series B funding, extending its prior $134 million round. The funds will drive Oishii’s first international expansion into Tokyo, Japan, and scale production of its flagship product, the Omakase Berry. Known for premium indoor-grown strawberries and cherry tomatoes, Oishii supplies luxury grocery outlets and high-end New York restaurants.
Monarch Tractor: Leading Agricultural Robotics
Monarch Tractor secured $133 million in Series C funding, the largest round in agricultural robotics. Astanor and HH-CTBC Partnership led the round, with support from additional investors. Monarch’s MK-V, the world’s first fully electric, driver-optional smart tractor, targets specialty crops such as vineyards and orchards. This funding will accelerate global expansion and AI-driven automation solutions through the WingspanAI platform.
Inari: Advancing Crop Science with AI
Inari closed a $103 million funding round, bringing its total equity to $575 million. The investment supports Inari’s AI-powered crop science initiatives aimed at enhancing sustainability and crop resilience. The funds will help expand research and innovation in crop breeding technology.
Carbon Robotics: AI-Driven Weed Control
Carbon Robotics raised $70 million in Series D funding, increasing its total to $157 million. Led by BOND, the round included investments from NVentures, Anthos Capital, and others. The funding supports the expansion of Carbon Robotics’ LaserWeeder™ technology, which eliminates weeds without chemicals. Carbon Robotics plans to enhance manufacturing and expand into Europe and Asia-Pacific.
GrowUp: Scaling UK Vertical Farming
Generate Capital invested $48 million in GrowUp, the UK’s leading vertical farm. This follows an initial $25 million investment in 2021. The funds will expand GrowUp’s Kent facility and further develop its branded salad products, supporting supermarket supply chains. GrowUp aims to accelerate R&D and strengthen its role as a B Corporation.
Pairwise: Gene Editing Innovation
Pairwise (Profile) secured $40 million in Series C funding to scale gene editing technologies. The funds will advance Pairwise’s Fulcrum™ Platform and expand collaborations with Corteva Inc. and Bayer. Pairwise continues to develop specialty and commodity crops, focusing on sustainability and improved yields.
Pyka: Autonomous Electric Aviation
Pyka (Profile) raised $40 million in Series B funding led by Obvious Ventures. Specializing in large-scale autonomous electric aircraft, Pyka’s products serve agricultural, cargo, and defense sectors. The funding will boost domestic manufacturing and enhance production of its Pelican Spray and Pelican Cargo aircraft. Pyka serves customers such as Dole, Embraer, and the U.S. Air Force.
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