Top 13 Venture Capital Firms Investing in AgTech Startups

For founders in agriculture technology, preparing to raise capital means more than just a solid pitch. It requires finding investors who genuinely understand the AgTech space and its unique challenges and opportunities.

To help you identify the right partners, our team has curated this overview of the top venture capital firms funding the next generation of AgTech companies. Use this guide to quickly get familiar with the key players before or during your fundraising process.

Just raised, or about to? Set up your financial stack with Rho in minutes. Our platform provides business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay—built for startup teams moving fast.

Which VC Firms in AgTech Are Right for Your Stage?

Whether you're raising your first round or preparing for an exit, knowing who to talk to is key. Here is 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 is the earliest capital you'll raise, typically used to refine your business idea, build a minimum viable product, and achieve initial market fit. For founders in food tech or sustainable industries, seed stage venture capital firms like AgFunder, Big Idea Ventures, and Better Food Ventures are excellent starting points.

Early Stage VC Firms in AgTech

Early-stage funding, which includes Series A and B rounds, is for startups with a validated product and initial revenue that need capital to scale their team and accelerate growth. Among the many early-stage VC firms, you might look into specialists like R7 Partners or firms with a strong AgTech focus like Cavallo Ventures and Finistere Ventures.

Late Stage VC Firms in AgTech

Late-stage venture capital is for mature companies looking to expand significantly, enter new markets, or prepare for a major event like an acquisition or an initial public offering (IPO). Some of the global venture capital firms active in this space include Prelude Ventures and Cleveland Avenue, both of which have backed companies through successful IPOs.

Keep in mind that many VC firms invest across all startup funding stages, offering support from a company's inception through to its exit.

Below, we provide a closer look at the top VC firms concentrating on agriculture technology. We've included details on their investment stages, geographic focus, and what distinguishes each firm to help you find the right partner.

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 complex computational and engineering approaches create a strong competitive advantage.

The firm's portfolio highlights its interest in tangible, science-driven products, from a mycelium-based leather alternative by MycoWorks to BioPhero's engineered insect pheromones. This shows a clear preference for companies with deep intellectual property and a clear path to commercialization.

This firm is a strong potential partner if you are a founder with a background in science or engineering. They are particularly well-suited for startups in AgTech and biotech that are built on a foundational scientific discovery or technological breakthrough.

• Investment stages: Seed to late-stage venture

• Industries of focus: AgTech, Biotechnology, Life Science

• Geographical presence: San Francisco, California

• Founded: 2018

• Notable investments: AbCellera, BioPhero, MycoWorks, Umoja Biopharma

• 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 developing new technologies in robotics, transportation, and AgTech. They support companies in sectors that align with Yamaha's long-term strategic interests.

The firm’s portfolio shows a strong interest in robotics and automation, with investments in companies like Soft Robotics and Veo Robotics. Their track record includes several successful acquisitions and companies approaching high valuations, like the logistics platform Shippeo, which points to a focus on building businesses with clear exit potential.

Yamaha Motor Ventures is an ideal partner for founders building hardware or robotics companies in the agriculture and industrial automation sectors. You'll find them especially valuable if your startup could benefit from Yamaha's deep manufacturing expertise and global reach.

• Investment stages: Seed to late-stage venture

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

• Geographical presence: Palo Alto, California

• Founded: 2015

• Notable investments: PrecisionHawk, Robotics Plus, Shippeo, Soft Robotics

• Portfolio size: 43 investments

You can refer to their website here.

3. Big Idea Ventures

Big Idea Ventures operates as both a venture capital firm and an accelerator, backing entrepreneurs who are addressing significant global challenges. The firm primarily invests in AgTech and food innovation, with a strong emphasis on alternative proteins and nutrition.

A key part of their model is combining capital with hands-on support through accelerator programs, which is a signal of their commitment to helping early-stage companies grow. Their portfolio includes companies like Evo Foods, which makes plant-based eggs, and Future Biome, a biotech venture reducing livestock methane emissions.

This firm is a great match if you are an early-stage founder in the food tech or sustainable agriculture space. You'll find their accelerator model particularly helpful if you're seeking structured support alongside your funding.

• Investment stages: Seed to early-stage venture

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

• Geographical presence: New York, New York

• Founded: 2018

• Notable investments: 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 companies aiming to improve the global food and agriculture system. Alongside their investment activities, they run a prominent industry news site, giving them a unique perspective on the market.

The firm's portfolio demonstrates a focus on businesses with clear commercial applications, including successful exits like the drone analytics company Sentera. Their dual role as investor and media outlet signals a preference for companies with strong narratives and market-defining potential.

AgFunder is a strong fit for early-stage founders in the food and agriculture sectors who are seeking a well-connected partner. You'll find their deep industry knowledge and media platform especially helpful for building visibility alongside your product.

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

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

• Geographical presence: San Francisco, California

• Founded: 2013

• Notable investments: 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, backing companies that use applied Generative AI. They invest across a range of sectors, including AgTech, FinTech, and EdTech.

The firm's commitment to emerging markets is clear from its portfolio, which includes fintech unicorns like Akulaku in Indonesia and Moniepoint in Nigeria. This signals a focus on businesses that can achieve significant scale by addressing foundational economic needs in their regions.

Capria Ventures is a good match for founders building AI-driven companies in emerging markets. You'll find them to be a strong partner if your business targets large, underserved populations in the Global South.

• Investment stages: Seed to late-stage venture

• Industries of focus: AgTech, AI, EdTech, FinTech, Impact Investing, SaaS

• Geographical presence: Seattle, Washington (with a focus on the Global South)

• Founded: 2012

• Notable investments: 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 across the full company lifecycle, from seed funding to late-stage growth. They focus on brands and new technologies primarily in the food, beverage, and lifestyle sectors.

The firm's portfolio reveals a strong conviction in the future of food, backing category-defining companies like Beyond Meat and the AI-powered food-tech company NotCo. This focus on tech-enabled food innovation, combined with investments in robotics and AI, shows a clear strategy of supporting businesses that are reshaping their industries.

This firm is an excellent choice for founders building technology-forward companies in the food and agriculture space. You'll be a good fit if you are developing a novel food product or a technology that can transform the food supply chain.

• Investment stages: Seed to late-stage venture and private equity

• Industries of focus: Food and Beverage, AgTech, AI, Robotics, Supply Chain Management

• Geographical presence: Chicago, Illinois

• Founded: 2015

• Notable investments: Beyond Meat, NotCo, Bear Robotics, Soul Machines

• 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 support businesses across several sectors, including AgTech, robotics, and transportation.

The firm’s portfolio shows a focus on deep-tech companies with clear paths to major exits, such as the IPO for Bloom Energy and the acquisition of Oculii. This track record of successful M&A and public offerings suggests a sharp focus on commercial viability.

R7 Partners is a strong potential investor for founders with deep technical expertise building businesses in complex fields. You are likely a good fit if your company is centered on a core technological advance and is structured for a significant exit.

• Investment stages: Early-stage venture

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

• Geographical presence: Chicago, Illinois

• Founded: 2014

• Notable investments: Bloom Energy, AEye, Oculii, Xwing, Bedrock

• Portfolio size: 30 investments

You can refer to their website here.

8. Fledge

Fledge is a global network of business accelerators that supports for-profit companies with a clear social or environmental mission. They function as both an accelerator and a venture capital firm, providing capital alongside structured guidance to help founders grow.

The firm’s portfolio shows a strong commitment to impact-focused businesses, from textile recycler Evrnu, whose work was recognized by TIME, to Burn Manufacturing, which makes high-efficiency cookstoves. This focus on tangible, mission-driven products demonstrates their dedication to companies creating measurable positive change.

Fledge is an excellent choice for early-stage founders whose businesses are built around a core social or environmental purpose. You'll find their accelerator model especially valuable if you are seeking hands-on mentorship to scale your impact-oriented company.

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

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

• Geographical presence: Seattle, Washington

• Founded: 2012

• Notable investments: 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 in companies across the agriculture and food sectors. They back businesses from their earliest stages through to later growth rounds, providing support throughout the company lifecycle.

The firm's portfolio highlights a focus on companies with strong commercial traction, such as indoor farming company Plenty and its partnerships with Walmart. They also support businesses with deep scientific foundations, like crop-biotechnology company ZeaKal.

Finistere Ventures is a good partner for founders in AgTech and food tech who have a clear go-to-market strategy. You'll be a good fit if your company is built on a scientific breakthrough or has a model that can attract major commercial partners.

• Investment stages: Seed to late-stage venture

• Industries of focus: AgTech, Agriculture, Biotechnology

• Geographical presence: San Diego, California

• Founded: 2005

• Notable investments: 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 clear and direct mission: investing in climate technology. They support companies from their earliest seed stages through to later growth rounds, backing founders who are building solutions to address climate change.

The firm’s portfolio shows a history of backing companies to major outcomes, including IPOs for businesses like satellite-imaging firm Planet and crop-improvement company Benson Hill. This track record of successful exits signals a focus on businesses with strong commercial potential and the ability to scale into market leaders.

Prelude Ventures is a strong partner for founders building technology-driven companies with a direct and measurable impact on climate change. You'll be a good fit if your business operates in sectors like advanced energy, sustainable agriculture, or carbon capture and has the potential for large-scale market adoption.

• Investment stages: Seed to late-stage venture

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

• Geographical presence: San Francisco, California

• Founded: 2013

• Notable investments: Lime, Planet, GreenLight Biosciences, Benson Hill, Fervo Energy

• Portfolio size: 150 investments

You can refer to their website here.

11. Sente Ventures

Sente Ventures is an international investment platform that supports early-stage startups through a combination of venture capital, corporate partnerships, and accelerator programs. They provide both funding and structured guidance to help new companies grow.

The firm’s portfolio shows a focus on companies with tangible technology, particularly in mobility and logistics. Investments in battery-tech unicorn Our Next Energy and warehouse automation platform Hopstack point to a strategy of backing businesses with strong commercial applications.

Sente is a good fit for early-stage founders building technology companies in sectors like AgTech, food, and logistics. You'll find them to be a strong partner if your business is built on a core technological innovation with a clear path to market.

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

• Industries of focus: AgTech, Food and Beverage, IoT, Logistics, Retail

• Geographical presence: Chicago, Illinois

• Founded: 2008

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

• Portfolio size: 36 investments

You can refer to their website here.

12. Cavallo Ventures

As a corporate venture capital firm, Cavallo Ventures invests in companies developing new technologies for feed, pet nutrition, and ingredients. They back businesses creating innovative solutions across the food and agriculture supply chain.

The firm’s portfolio shows a clear focus on companies with deep scientific foundations, including biopesticide maker Vestaron and biomaterials company Checkerspot. Their investments often have strong commercial traction, signaling a preference for businesses with a clear path to market adoption.

Cavallo Ventures is a strong potential partner for founders with a background in biotechnology or material science who are building tangible products. You'll be a good fit if your company is developing novel ingredients or sustainable inputs for the agriculture and food industries.

• Investment stages: Seed to early-stage venture

• Industries of focus: AgTech, Animal Nutrition, Biotechnology, Ingredients

• Geographical presence: San Francisco, California

• Founded: 2016

• Notable investments: Vestaron, Checkerspot, Sound Agriculture, Debut Biotechnology, Vow Foods

• 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 making a positive impact on the food and agriculture industries. They focus on innovators whose solutions can be applied now.

The firm’s portfolio is notable for its number of successful exits, including the smart lighting maker LumiGrow and the AI platform Gastrograph. This history suggests a focus on building businesses with clear commercial paths that lead to acquisition.

This firm is a strong choice for founders building technology-driven solutions in food and AgTech. You'll be a good fit if your business has a well-defined product and a strategy geared toward an eventual sale.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage venture

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

• Geographical presence: Menlo Park, California

• Founded: 2013

• Notable investments: Afresh Technologies, Love With Food, Nima Sensor, LumiGrow

• Portfolio size: 20 investments

You can refer to their website here.

What This Tells Us About The VC Scene for AgTech Companies

This list of firms shows a healthy funding environment for companies in AgTech. You'll find strong support at the early stages, with many firms specializing in seed and Series A rounds. This indicates a high appetite for new ideas and technologies in the sector.

Geographically, the investors are concentrated in major US technology centers, particularly in California. While some firms have a global focus, your fundraising efforts will likely be centered on these hubs. The variety of investors—from corporate VCs to accelerators—also means you have multiple types of strategic partnerships to consider.

Raise Confidently with Rho

A focused list of relevant investors is critical when your time and energy are limited during a fundraise. Use this guide to connect with the right partners for your AgTech company.

When you've successfully raised capital, the next step is putting it to work efficiently. Rho can help you set up your financial stack in minutes.

Our platform provides the tools you need to manage your new funding with control. We offer business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay, all in one place.

FAQs about Venture Capital Firms Focused on AgTech

What do early-stage AgTech VC firms look for?

Early-stage firms want to see a clear problem you're solving in the food or agriculture system. They look for a strong founding team, a working product or prototype, and initial signs of customer interest or market validation.

Are there many AgTech venture capital firms in India?

Yes, India has a growing number of AgTech venture capital firms. Investors there are focused on solutions for smallholder farmers, supply chain efficiency, and climate resilience, reflecting the country's unique agricultural needs and opportunities.

Which VC firms in the UK focus on sustainable agriculture?

Several UK-based VCs focus on sustainability. Look for firms with a cleantech or impact investing portfolio. They often back companies in areas like carbon reduction, alternative proteins, and resource efficiency within the food supply chain.

How is corporate venture capital different in AgTech?

Corporate VCs often provide strategic value beyond capital. They can offer deep industry expertise, established distribution channels, and potential partnership opportunities that align with their parent company's business goals, which can be especially valuable for AgTech startups.

What is the best way to find pre-seed venture capital firms?

For pre-seed funding, focus on networking within the AgTech community and attending industry events. Many early investors rely on referrals, so building connections with other founders, accelerators, and angel investors is an effective starting point.

How can I manage my new funding effectively?

Once you've secured capital, use a financial platform built for startups. Our tools at Rho help you manage banking, corporate cards, and payments in one place, giving you clear control over your company's finances.