Key Takeaways:
- Rantizo, a leading operator network for spray drone services in agriculture, has raised over $6 million in an oversubscribed Series A funding round.
- The funding round was led by Leaps by Bayer, with Fulcrum Global Capital and Innova Memphis participation.
- Rantizo aims to expand its nationwide operator network and deploy work management and as-applied map software.
- The company has more than doubled the total acres flown year-over-year, with operators in 30 states.
- Rantizo addresses two significant challenges for ag retailers: workforce availability and the adoption of new technology.
Iowa-based Rantizo, a leading operator network for spray drone services in agriculture, has announced an expansion of its Series A funding round, securing over $6 million. The round was led by Leaps by Bayer, with participation from Fulcrum Global Capital and Innova Memphis. The funding will enable Rantizo to lean into a new growth strategy, focusing on expanding its nationwide operator network and deploying new software solutions.
A Vision for Autonomy in Agriculture
Mariah Scott, CEO of Rantizo, stated that the company’s vision is to build a service network that puts autonomy to work in agriculture, starting with spray drone services. “We are excited to expand our nationwide operator network, deploy our work management and as-applied map software, and continue our exponential growth in acres treated,” she said.
Expanding Services and Reach
Rantizo has more than doubled the total acres flown year-over-year and operates in 30 states. The company collaborates with over 20% of the Top 50 ag retailers, providing timely, local, and precision application services for various crops, including rice in Arkansas, corn in Iowa, hops in Oregon, and potatoes in Idaho.
Addressing Challenges in Agriculture
Up to 60% of ag retailers say their number one challenge is workforce availability, and another top concern is the adoption and use of new technology. Rantizo aims to solve both challenges through its nationwide operator network, leading drone service, and job management software.
Partnership and Growth
Jordan Hart, Regional Operations Manager at Simplot, mentioned that Rantizo has been a great partner in servicing their grower customers. “The drones utilized by Rantizo allow us to provide crop inputs on acres that otherwise may miss an application or go untreated due to poor or wet conditions,” he said. This year, Rantizo more than tripled the acres treated for Simplot due to the new strategy introduced by CEO Mariah Scott.
