Key Takeaways:
- Marcos Enriquez, founder of ISI Farmer, is launching a coworking-based vertical farming platform in Madrid focused on microgreens and local distribution.
- ISI Farmer aims to connect urban farmers directly with consumers, beginning with 10 farmers in a 400-square-meter facility.
- The initiative will lease modular 2x2m controlled-environment boxes to urban growers, offering training, packaging, and last-mile delivery support.
- Enriquez plans to replicate the model across cities and is seeking international investors to support expansion.
- Collaboration with the City of Malaga and interest in the 2027 International Expo are part of ISI Farmer’s broader urban agriculture vision.
Marcos Enriquez Launches Controlled Urban Farming Concept in Madrid
In a recent interview on the Vertical Farming Podcast, Marcos Enriquez, founder of ISI Farmer, discussed his vision for creating a distributed network of urban farms through a coworking model, beginning with a facility in Madrid. The initiative is designed to help small-scale growers enter vertical farming and connect directly with consumers, particularly restaurants and food service providers.
“Urban farmers don’t need to be experts at first,” Marcos Enriquez said. “We’ll provide the infrastructure, training, and support so they can grow microgreens profitably and sustainably in the city.”
A Modular, Low-Risk Approach for New Growers
The first ISI Farmer site is currently under development and will host ten urban farmers in a 400-square-meter warehouse. Each participant will lease a 2×2 meter growing unit—referred to as a “box”—within a controlled environment. These modular units are designed to standardize growing conditions using hydroponics and automation, minimizing variability in crop production.
Enriquez likens the approach to the consistency of cooking with a kitchen robot: “If you follow the recipe, you should get reliable results every time.”
The program starts with microgreens due to their short growth cycles and strong demand from high-end restaurants in Madrid. The pilot is supported by solar panels and includes access to a shared electric vehicle for local distribution.
Targeting Local Distribution and Circular Economies
ISI Farmer is targeting local distributors and existing produce suppliers with established relationships to high-end restaurants. “Many of our initial farmers are already selling produce—they just haven’t produced it themselves before,” Enriquez explained. “This allows for a smoother market entry.”
The startup is in ongoing discussions with municipalities, including Madrid and Malaga, about replicating the coworking farm model in other locations. These conversations include social integration objectives, such as training unemployed individuals and improving accessibility.
Funding and Expansion Plans
The company is seeking €500,000 in investment to complete construction of the Madrid facility and expand the model. Enriquez noted that interest from digital-focused investors in Spain is growing, but he is also looking to connect with international investors focused on AgTech and food systems.
“This model can work in cities across the world—anywhere there’s demand for fresh, local produce,” Marcos Enriquez said.
A Platform for Traceability and Standardization
Enriquez previously worked on a blockchain-based traceability platform and brings this experience into ISI Farmer’s framework. By creating standardized procedures for cultivation, harvesting, and distribution, the company hopes to ensure product consistency and food safety.
“Our long-term goal is to connect every grower and consumer through a transparent, data-driven platform,” Marcos Enriquez added.
