Top 13 Venture Capital Firms Investing in AgTech Startups

For founders in the agriculture technology (AgTech) space, preparing to raise capital means knowing who to talk to. Understanding which venture capital firms are actively investing in your sector is a crucial part of an effective fundraising process, helping you connect with partners who truly get your business.

To help you identify the right investors, our team created this overview of the top VC firms in AgTech, food tech, and climate tech. This guide offers a summary of relevant early-stage and seed-stage investors to help you build a targeted list for your funding round.

Rho provides access to business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay—built for startup teams moving fast.

Key Takeaways

• Securing venture funding in AgTech means finding a strategic partner who understands the industry’s unique challenges and opportunities.

• Leading venture capital firms like DCVC Bio, Yamaha Motor Ventures, Big Idea Ventures, and AgFunder are notable backers of startups in the AgTech sector.

• Once your funding is secured, Rho helps you manage and deploy capital efficiently with integrated business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

Which VC Firms in AgTech Are Right for Your Stage?

Whether you’re an early-stage company or preparing for an exit, knowing who to talk to is key. We’ve put together a quick overview of which venture capital firms in AgTech invest at each stage.

Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms in AgTech

Pre-seed and seed funding are the earliest forms of institutional capital, designed to help you turn an idea into a viable product and achieve initial market traction. For founders seeking seed stage venture capital firms, investors like Big Idea Ventures, AgFunder, and Fledge specialize in backing promising AgTech and food tech companies at their inception.

Early Stage VC Firms in AgTech

Early-stage funding, typically Series A and B, is for companies with a proven product and market fit, aimed at scaling operations and growing the team. Among the many early-stage VC firms, you might connect with investors like R7 Partners, Cavallo Ventures, and DCVC Bio, which all have a history of backing foundational technologies in agriculture.

Late Stage VC Firms in AgTech

Late-stage funding supports established companies preparing for major growth, an acquisition, or an initial public offering (IPO). Some of the most active climate tech venture capital firms, such as Prelude Ventures and Cleveland Avenue, are also experienced late stage VC firms that have guided portfolio companies to successful exits. After securing a significant round, our integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—can help you manage and deploy that capital efficiently.

Keep in mind that many global venture capital firms, including Yamaha Motor Ventures and Finistere Ventures, invest across multiple startup funding stages.

Here is a closer look at the top VC firms investing in the AgTech sector. We've included key details about their investment stages, geographic focus, and what makes each firm a compelling partner for founders like you.

1. DCVC Bio

DCVC Bio is a venture capital firm that backs early-stage life science companies using deep-tech solutions to solve major problems. They focus on businesses where computational and engineering approaches can create foundational change.

The firm has a clear focus on biotechnology and AgTech, backing companies with strong scientific foundations. Their portfolio includes notable companies like BioPhero, which engineers synthetic insect pheromones and was acquired by FMC, and MycoWorks, which creates a sustainable leather alternative from mycelium.

This firm is a strong potential partner if you are a founder with a deep technical background building a company in life sciences or agriculture. They are particularly interested in businesses that are creating new platforms or foundational technologies.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage venture

• Industries of focus: AgTech, Biotechnology, Life Science

• Geographical presence: Based in San Francisco, California

• Founded: 2018

• Notable portfolio companies: BioPhero, MycoWorks, AbCellera

• Portfolio size: 59 investments

You can refer to their website here.

2. Yamaha Motor Ventures

As the corporate venture capital arm of Yamaha Motor, this firm invests in startups transforming industries like robotics, food, and agriculture technology. Based in Silicon Valley, they look for ambitious founders with whom they can build long-term, collaborative partnerships.

Yamaha Motor Ventures invests across multiple stages, from seed to late-stage rounds, with a broad focus that includes AgTech, transportation, and wellness. Their portfolio highlights a focus on robotics and automation, featuring companies like Soft Robotics, a developer of soft-gripper systems, and successful exits like PrecisionHawk, a drone analytics provider that was acquired.

This firm is a good fit for founders whose technology aligns with Yamaha’s strategic interests in mobility, automation, and AgTech. If you are building a company in these areas and could benefit from the resources and market access of a global corporation, Yamaha Motor Ventures may be a strong partner.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage venture

• Industries of focus: AgTech, Automotive, Food and Beverage, Transportation, Wellness

• Geographical presence: Palo Alto, California

• Founded: 2015

• Notable portfolio companies: Shippeo, PrecisionHawk, Veo Robotics, Soft Robotics

• Portfolio size: 43 investments

You can refer to their website here.

3. Big Idea Ventures

Big Idea Ventures is a combined accelerator and venture capital firm that invests in companies working on major global issues. They primarily back entrepreneurs, scientists, and engineers in the food, agriculture, and biotechnology sectors.

The firm has a strong focus on alternative protein and food technology, operating both a traditional venture fund and an accelerator program. Their portfolio includes companies like PlantBaby, which makes the dairy-free kids’ beverage “Kiki Milk,” and Future Biome, a biotech venture reducing livestock methane emissions.

This firm is an excellent match for founders in the alternative protein or sustainable food space, especially those at the earliest stages who can benefit from an accelerator. They look for mission-driven teams with scientific or engineering backgrounds aiming to create significant impact.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage venture, and private equity

• Industries of focus: AgTech, Alternative Protein, Biotechnology, Food and Beverage, Nutrition

• Geographical presence: Based in New York

• Founded: 2018

• Notable portfolio companies: Evo Foods, Vevolution, PlantBaby, Future Biome

• Portfolio size: 140 investments

You can refer to their website here.

4. AgFunder

AgFunder is a venture capital firm that invests in impactful companies aiming to positively transform the world's food system. They are also a well-known media company, providing data and news on the food and agriculture technology market.

The firm concentrates on seed and early-stage companies, with a clear focus on AgTech, food tech, and enabling FinTech. Their portfolio highlights a mix of deep science and market-facing innovation, including GreenLight Biosciences, an RNA-platform biotech that gave AgFunder an IPO exit, and AI Palette, which uses AI to accelerate product development.

AgFunder is a strong match for early-stage founders building a high-impact company in the food or agriculture space. They are a good fit for teams with a clear vision for creating a more sustainable and efficient food system.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage venture, convertible note

• Industries of focus: Agriculture, AgTech, FinTech, Food and Beverage

• Geographical presence: San Francisco, California

• Founded: 2013

• Notable portfolio companies: GreenLight Biosciences, Sentera, SIMULATE, AI Palette

• Portfolio size: 136 investments

You can refer to their website here.

5. Capria Ventures

Capria Ventures is a venture capital firm that specializes in the Global South, investing in applied Generative AI to address significant market needs. They partner with founders in emerging economies to build and scale impactful companies.

The firm invests from seed to late-stage rounds, with a clear focus on sectors like FinTech, EdTech, AgTech, and SaaS. Their portfolio includes several unicorns, such as Indonesian FinTech platform Akulaku and Nigerian payments provider Moniepoint, highlighting their ability to back companies with massive growth potential.

Capria is a strong potential partner for founders in regions like Southeast Asia, India, and Africa who are building technology-driven businesses. If your company is using AI to solve a major challenge in an emerging market, their experience scaling businesses to unicorn status could be a great asset.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage venture

• Industries of focus: AgTech, Artificial Intelligence (AI), EdTech, FinTech, Impact Investing, SaaS

• Geographical presence: Based in Seattle with a focus on the Global South

• Founded: 2012

• Notable portfolio companies: Akulaku, Moniepoint, Jumbotail, Signzy

• Portfolio size: 67 investments

You can refer to their website here.

6. Cleveland Avenue

Cleveland Avenue is a venture capital firm that invests in food, beverage, and technology companies with the potential to drive significant growth. They support businesses across the entire lifecycle, from seed and early-stage rounds to later-stage growth equity.

The firm's portfolio shows a dual focus on disruptive consumer brands and the technologies that support them. They have backed major names like Beyond Meat and the AI-driven food-tech unicorn NotCo, while also investing in robotics and AI through companies like Bear Robotics.

This firm is a compelling partner for founders building companies in the food, beverage, and lifestyle industries, especially those using technology to innovate. After securing a significant round, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—can help you manage and deploy that capital efficiently.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, late-stage venture, private equity

• Industries of focus: Food and Beverage, AgTech, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics, E-Commerce, Lifestyle

• Geographical presence: Based in Chicago, Illinois

• Founded: 2015

• Notable portfolio companies: Beyond Meat, NotCo, Bear Robotics, SparkCharge

• Portfolio size: 136 investments

You can refer to their website here.

7. R7 Partners

R7 Partners is a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage companies building foundational technologies. They focus on businesses with the potential to transform major industries like transportation, robotics, and finance.

The firm shows a clear preference for deep tech and hardware-focused startups, with a portfolio that includes autonomous cargo flight developer Xwing and seafloor mapping company Bedrock. Their track record includes several successful exits, such as the IPO of Bloom Energy and the acquisition of Oculii.

R7 Partners is a strong fit for founders with deep technical expertise who are building companies in complex, asset-heavy sectors. If you are an early-stage team creating a truly foundational technology, their experience guiding companies to major exits could be valuable.

• Investment stages: Early-stage venture

• Industries of focus: AgTech, Air Transportation, Enterprise Software, FinTech, Robotics, Transportation

• Geographical presence: Based in Chicago, Illinois

• Founded: 2014

• Notable portfolio companies: Bloom Energy, AEye, Xwing, Bedrock

• Portfolio size: 30 investments

You can refer to their website here.

8. Fledge

Fledge is a global network of business accelerators that invests in mission-driven, for-profit companies. It functions as both a venture capital firm and an accelerator, providing capital and hands-on support to early-stage businesses aiming to solve significant global challenges.

The firm has a clear commitment to social and environmental impact, with a portfolio heavy in CleanTech, sustainable agriculture, and recycling. Notable investments include Burn Manufacturing, a maker of high-efficiency cookstoves for African households, and Evrnu, a textile-to-textile recycling pioneer whose NuCycl fiber was named one of TIME’s Best Inventions.

Fledge is a strong match for founders whose companies are built to solve a specific social or environmental problem. Its accelerator model is particularly valuable for early-stage teams that would benefit from structured guidance and mentorship in addition to capital.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage venture, debt

• Industries of focus: AgTech, CleanTech, Social Impact, Sustainability, Renewable Energy

• Geographical presence: Based in Seattle, with a global network

• Founded: 2012

• Notable portfolio companies: Burn Manufacturing, Evrnu, Shift Labs, BridgeCare

• Portfolio size: 89 investments

You can refer to their website here.

9. Finistere Ventures

Finistere Ventures is a venture capital firm that invests across the agriculture and food technology sectors. They support companies at multiple stages, from seed rounds to later-stage growth, backing innovations that shape the future of food.

The firm's portfolio shows a focus on both deep science and supply chain technologies, from biotech and genomics to FinTech for growers. Notable investments include the indoor-farming unicorn Plenty and precision-agriculture platform CropX, highlighting their interest in high-growth potential.

Finistere Ventures is a good match for founders building companies in AgTech and food tech with a strong scientific or technological foundation. Once your funding is secured, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage venture

• Industries of focus: Agriculture, AgTech, Biotechnology

• Geographical presence: Based in San Diego, California

• Founded: 2005

• Notable portfolio companies: Plenty, CropX, ProducePay, ZeaKal

• Portfolio size: 66 investments

You can refer to their website here.

10. Prelude Ventures

Prelude Ventures is a venture capital firm with a singular focus on climate technology. They back companies developing solutions to reduce carbon intensity across a wide range of industries, from food and agriculture to clean energy and manufacturing.

The firm invests across multiple stages, from seed to late-stage, and has built a portfolio of high-profile companies. Notable investments include the satellite-imaging firm Planet, which resulted in an IPO exit, and the e-scooter operator Lime.

Prelude Ventures is a strong fit for founders building companies with a clear mission to address climate change, regardless of their funding stage. After securing a significant round, our integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—can help you manage and deploy that capital efficiently.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage venture

• Industries of focus: AgTech, CleanTech, Food and Beverage, Carbon Capture, Clean Energy

• Geographical presence: Based in San Francisco, California

• Founded: 2013

• Notable portfolio companies: Planet, Lime, Fervo Energy, Benson Hill

• Portfolio size: 150 investments

You can refer to their website here.

11. Sente Ventures

Sente Ventures is an international investment and innovation platform that operates as a hybrid venture capital firm and entrepreneurship program. They support early-stage startups in sectors like AgTech, food, and logistics.

The firm's portfolio shows a strong interest in deep tech and mobility, featuring battery-tech unicorn Our Next Energy (ONE) and the EV route-planning platform Make My Day.

Sente is a good fit for early-stage founders who are seeking structured support alongside capital. Once you secure funding, our integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—can help you manage and deploy that capital efficiently.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage venture, convertible note

• Industries of focus: AgTech, Food and Beverage, Food Processing, Internet of Things, Logistics, Retail

• Geographical presence: Based in Chicago, Illinois

• Founded: 2008

• Notable portfolio companies: Our Next Energy (ONE), Make My Day, Hopstack

• Portfolio size: 36 investments

You can refer to their website here.

12. Cavallo Ventures

As the corporate venture capital arm of Wilbur-Ellis, Cavallo Ventures invests in early-stage companies creating innovations in food and agriculture. Their focus is on startups developing new ingredients, animal nutrition, and crop protection technologies.

The firm backs companies with strong scientific foundations, from peptide-based biopesticides to cell-free biomanufacturing platforms. Their portfolio includes companies with significant market traction, such as Sound Agriculture, whose biological crop inputs are used on millions of acres.

Cavallo Ventures is a great fit for founders building businesses in specialized AgTech and biotech niches who can benefit from a strategic corporate partner. Once you secure funding, our integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—can help you manage and deploy that capital efficiently.

• Investment stages: Seed and early-stage venture

• Industries of focus: AgTech, Animal Nutrition, Crop Protection, Ingredients

• Geographical presence: Based in San Francisco, California

• Founded: 2016

• Notable portfolio companies: Vestaron, Sound Agriculture, Vow Foods, Debut Biotechnology

• Portfolio size: 53 investments

You can refer to their website here.

13. Better Food Ventures

Better Food Ventures invests in early-stage technology companies that are creating a positive impact in the food and agriculture industries. They focus on innovators applying technology to solve real-world problems from farm to fork.

The firm has a clear focus on seed and early-stage companies and a strong track record of successful exits, including the acquisitions of LumiGrow and Nima Sensor. Their portfolio includes companies like Afresh Technologies, which uses AI to help grocery retailers reduce food waste.

This firm is a good fit for founders with a technology-driven company in the food or AgTech space, especially those at the seed stage. Their history of guiding companies to acquisition could be valuable for teams with a similar goal. Once you secure funding, our integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—can help you manage and deploy that capital efficiently.

• Investment stages: Seed and early-stage venture

• Industries of focus: Agriculture, AgTech, Cloud Computing, Food and Beverage, Machine Learning, Retail Technology

• Geographical presence: Menlo Park, California

• Founded: 2013

• Notable portfolio companies: Afresh Technologies, Love With Food (acquired), Nima Sensor (acquired), LumiGrow (acquired)

• Portfolio size: 20 investments

You can refer to their website here.

What This Tells Us About The VC Scene for AgTech Companies

This overview shows a healthy and varied group of investors for companies in the AgTech space. A significant number of firms concentrate on seed and early-stage funding, which is a positive signal if you are in the initial phases of building your business. This suggests a strong appetite for new ideas and foundational technologies within the sector.

While many investors are based in major US hubs, firms with a global focus are also active, creating opportunities for founders in different markets. The mix of traditional VCs, corporate partners, and accelerator programs also means you have options for finding the right kind of support. Once your funding is secured, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.

Raise Confidently with Rho

Building a focused list of investors saves you critical time and energy during a fundraise. This approach helps you connect with partners who are genuinely interested in your vision and sector.

Once your funding is secured, the next step is managing it well. If you’ve just raised, Rho can help you set up your financial stack in minutes.

Our platform gives you the tools to deploy your new capital with confidence. We offer integrated business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay designed for growing startups.

FAQs about Venture Capital Firms Focused on AgTech

What are the top AgTech venture capital firms in India?

India has a growing AgTech scene. Firms like Omnivore, Ankur Capital, and Beenext are active investors, backing startups that are improving agricultural efficiency and sustainability across the country. Look for investors with a specific regional focus.

Are there AgTech VC firms in Europe?

Yes, Europe has a strong ecosystem for AgTech investment. Firms like Astanor Ventures, Anterra Capital, and Pymwymic are dedicated to funding sustainable food and agriculture startups, offering capital and strategic support for European founders.

What do food tech venture capital firms look for?

Food tech VCs typically seek companies with a scalable solution to a clear market problem. This could be a novel alternative protein, supply chain software, or a unique consumer product with strong branding and initial traction.

How do I find early-stage VC firms for my AgTech startup?

Start by researching firms that list AgTech or food tech in their investment thesis. Use industry reports, attend sector-specific events, and review the portfolios of firms like the ones in this guide to identify relevant investors.

How can I manage my funding after a successful raise?

Once funded, efficient capital management is key. Our platform offers integrated business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay to help you deploy your new capital with confidence. Get started with Rho.