AgFunder Network Partners

Category: AgTech

Groundwork BioAg raises $11m to expand mycorrhizal inputs business

May 13, 2021

Grondwork BioAg has developed a line of biobased inputs sold on five continents based on mychorrizae, which it describes as queen of biologicals.

Valmont acquires crop analytics startup Prospera for $300m

May 13, 2021

With Prospera on board, Valmont now claims to be the world’s largest, vertically integrated artificial intelligence company in agriculture.

Ginkgo Bioworks to go public at $15bn valuation as agrifood SPAC frenzy continues

May 12, 2021

Ginkgo Bioworks said it will use the capital raised to “dramatically increase the scale” of its cell-programming tech platform.

Apeel Sciences acquires ImpactVision to look inside fruit & veg for freshness

May 12, 2021

California’s ImpactVision has developed hyperspectral imaging tech which will allow Apeel’s clients to see ‘inside’ their fresh produce to better understand its quality.

Is sustainability reporting ready for its Xero moment?

May 11, 2021

FLINTpro has been built in Australia to help the ag industry and government understand what they need to report to improve their land management practices.

CEA Food Safety Coalition leafy greens certification label mockup

CEA Food Safety Coalition launches certification standard for indoor-grown leafy greens

May 10, 2021

The CEA Food Safety Coalition has launched a new certification for indoor leafy greens growers that takes into account the industry’s specific attributes.

Brief: Benson Hill to go public in $2bn SPAC merger

May 10, 2021

The deal involving the St Louis-based startup – which is developing gene-edited and selectively bred versions of crops used in alt-protein and animal feed production – is the latest in a string of recent agrifoodtech SPAC mergers.

Pure Harvest is not just a vertical farm, but a ‘veridical’ one, says CEO

May 7, 2021

Fresh off the back of a $60 million growth round in March, the Middle East CEA startup claims it can achieve up to 15x the yield with a tenth of the water of incumbent solutions – and it’s targeting Southeast Asia next.

Hwy Haul raises $10m Series A for produce logistics marketplace

May 6, 2021

Hwy Haul wants to modernize the antiquated produce supply chain through its digital platform while reducing spoilage and boosting profits in the process.

GROW Impact Accelerator launches second cohort to advance new frontiers in food & agriculture

May 6, 2021

The GROW Impact Accelerator’s new cohort has been picked from over 270 applicants hailing from 58 countries. Seven out of the 10 teams have female founders.

World’s biggest meat firm pays $409m for plant-based protein maker

May 5, 2021

Brazil’s JBS says the acquisition of Dutch brand Vivera “strengthens and boosts” its growing portfolio of alt-protein products.

8 startups reshaping the global food system

May 5, 2021

Eight startups presenting at F&A Next’s virtual summit on May 26 exemplify the creativity and ingenuity that has global investors eager to place their bets on the agrifoodtech sector at large.

Online ag marketplaces: An entry point for farmers into the tech ecosystem

May 4, 2021

Online ag marketplaces that connect farmers with commodity traders and other buyers can help encourage broader adoption of digital technologies across agriculture, writes Dmytro Lennyi.

CubicFarm Systems nets $1.5m for on-site indoor farming setup to feed livestock

May 3, 2021

The Canadian company is testing its HydroGreen indoor forage-growing technology with a major beef and dairy operation in Wyoming.

Calling all agtech startups! Lely wants to help you revolutionize the dairy industry

April 29, 2021

Are you a startup innovating in the dairy industry? If so, ag machinery company Lely wants to hear from you for its upcoming Feed the Future Challenge 2021.

EU to launch carbon farming framework by end-2021 following two-year study

April 29, 2021

Carbon farming can “contribute significantly” to EU climate effort, the European Commission says after a two-year study into regenerative ag practices.

EXCLUSIVE: Vence raises $12m to enable rotational grazing with virtual electric fences

April 28, 2021

Vence aims to use the Series A funds to support more rotational grazing with its GPS-enabled collars that can keep livestock within virtual boundaries.

Ag retailers job is to help their grower customers increase yields using tech

5 strategies ag retailers can use to help their customers increase crop yield

April 27, 2021

Ag retailers need to help their customers boost crop yields to meet growing demand. But what method should they recommend to help growers produce more?

EAVision raises $30m Series C funding for its mountaineering ag drones

April 26, 2021

The Suzhou-based startup is targeting the 34% of China’s farmland which is in mountainous areas, much of which is dedicated to fruit, nut, and tea cultivation.