Top 13 Venture Capital Firms Investing in AgTech Startups

For founders in agricultural technology (AgTech), understanding which investors are active in your space is a critical first step when preparing to raise capital. Connecting with a venture capital firm that truly gets your business model and market can significantly impact your growth.

To help you identify the right partners, our team has curated this guide to the top VC firms investing in AgTech. We cover a range of investors, from those focused on early-stage and seed funding to specialists in food tech and sustainability, to help you build a targeted list.

Actively raising? You can now access non-dilutive funding options like venture debt and credit lines through Rho Capital. Rho also provides access to business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay—built for startup teams moving fast.

Key Takeaways

• For an AgTech startup, securing venture funding means gaining the capital needed to scale production and research, plus access to your investors' valuable industry connections.

• Top venture firms active in agricultural technology include DCVC Bio, Yamaha Motor Ventures, Big Idea Ventures, and AgFunder, all notable backers of new companies in the sector.

• Once you've secured funding, Rho helps you manage your new capital with integrated business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

Which VC Firms in AgTech Are Right for Your Stage?

From your first seed round to a late-stage exit, connecting with the right investors is key.

To help you build your list, here’s a look at some of the most active VC firms in agricultural technology, broken down by investment stage.

Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms in AgTech

Pre-seed and seed funding are the earliest forms of institutional capital, typically used to validate your idea, build a minimum viable product, and make your first key hires. For founders in AgTech, some seed funding venture capital firms to consider are Big Idea Ventures, AgFunder, and Better Food Ventures.

Early Stage VC Firms in AgTech

Early-stage funding, which includes Series A and B rounds, helps you achieve product-market fit, scale your team, and expand your customer base. Among the early-stage VC firms active in this space are DCVC Bio and Yamaha Motor Ventures, both of which back companies with proven traction.

As you prepare for these rounds, Rho Capital can connect you with non-dilutive funding options like venture debt to extend your runway without giving up more equity.

Late Stage VC Firms in AgTech

Late-stage rounds provide significant capital for established companies to accelerate growth, enter new markets, or prepare for an acquisition or IPO. Notable late-stage VC firms with experience guiding companies toward major exits include Prelude Ventures and Cleveland Avenue.

It's also worth noting that many venture capital firms invest across multiple stages, from a company's first check to its final pre-IPO round. Once your funding is secured, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help you manage and deploy your new capital efficiently.

To help you find the right fit, we've compiled information on the top VC firms focusing on agricultural technology. You'll find key details on their investment stages, geographic focus, and what makes each firm a notable option for founders.

1. DCVC Bio

DCVC Bio is a venture capital firm that backs early-stage life science companies applying deep-tech solutions to major challenges. They focus on businesses where complex science is the core of the product and business model.

The firm invests across stages, from seed to late-stage, with a clear emphasis on AgTech, biotechnology, and life sciences. Their portfolio highlights companies with significant technical breakthroughs, such as BioPhero, which engineers synthetic insect pheromones and marked a notable exit after being acquired.

This firm is an excellent match for founders with a strong scientific background who are building companies on a foundation of proprietary technology. Once you secure funding, Rho’s integrated platform helps you manage your new capital with business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

• Investment stages: Seed to 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

• Number of investments: 59

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 solutions in robotics, food, and agricultural technology. They seek to partner with companies solving global challenges where Yamaha's expertise can provide strategic value.

Yamaha Motor Ventures invests from seed to late-stage rounds, with a clear focus on companies that can benefit from a corporate partnership. Their portfolio includes high-growth companies like Shippeo, a near-unicorn, and successful exits such as the acquired AgTech robotics firm Robotics Plus.

This firm is a strong potential partner for founders building hardware or deep-tech solutions in AgTech and automation. Once you secure capital, our integrated platform helps you manage it with business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

• 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 portfolio companies: Shippeo, PrecisionHawk, Robotics Plus, Soft Robotics

• Number of investments: 43

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 and scientists who are tackling significant global problems. They focus on providing early-stage capital and support to promising new companies in the food and agriculture space.

The firm has a clear concentration on alternative protein, food tech, and AgTech, investing in companies with strong scientific foundations. Their portfolio includes consumer brands like PlantBaby, which makes the dairy-free kids' drink "Kiki Milk," and deep-tech ventures like Future Biome.

This firm is a great match for founders with a background in science or engineering who are building companies in the alternative protein and food technology spaces. As you connect with firms like Big Idea Ventures, Rho Capital can help you explore non-dilutive funding options to complement your equity round.

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

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

• Geographical presence: New York, New York

• Founded: 2018

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

• Number of investments: 140

You can refer to their website here.

4. AgFunder

AgFunder is a venture capital firm dedicated to backing companies that are fundamentally changing the global food system. They operate as both a micro-VC and traditional venture capital firm, with a portfolio spanning AgTech, food and beverage, and FinTech.

The firm concentrates on early-stage companies, providing seed, convertible note, and early venture funding to help new ideas get off the ground. Their track record includes several high-profile exits, such as the plant-based chicken alternative SIMULATE and GreenLight Biosciences, an RNA-platform biotech that had a successful IPO.

AgFunder is an ideal partner for founders at the seed or early stages who are building companies with the potential to make a significant positive impact on our food supply. As you prepare your pitch for firms like AgFunder, Rho Capital can help you explore non-dilutive funding options to strengthen your financial position.

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

• 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

• Number of investments: 136

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 apply Generative AI to solve major challenges. They invest across a range of industries, including AgTech, FinTech, and EdTech.

The firm invests across the full company lifecycle, from seed to late-stage rounds, and has a notable track record in emerging markets. Their portfolio includes fintech unicorns like Akulaku and Moniepoint, highlighting their expertise in scaling companies in these regions.

Capria Ventures is an excellent match for founders building AI-powered businesses for the Global South. Once you secure funding, our integrated platform helps you manage your new capital with business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

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

• Industries of focus: AgTech, 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

• Number of investments: 67

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. They support businesses across the full lifecycle, from initial seed funding to later-stage growth rounds.

The firm has a clear focus on food innovation and consumer-facing brands, demonstrated by portfolio companies like Beyond Meat and the AI-driven food-tech company NotCo. Their investments show a commitment to tech-enabled solutions in the food and beverage industry.

This makes them an excellent partner for founders building companies in the food, beverage, and lifestyle sectors, particularly those leveraging technology. As you prepare for later-stage funding, Rho Capital can help you access non-dilutive options to complement your equity round.

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

• Industries of focus: AgTech, Food and Beverage, E-Commerce, AI, Robotics, Wellness

• Geographical presence: Chicago, Illinois

• Founded: 2015

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

• Number of investments: 136

You can refer to their website here.

7. R7 Partners

R7 Partners is a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage companies developing foundational technologies across several key industries.

The firm concentrates on early-stage ventures and has a track record of backing companies to significant exits, including the IPOs of Bloom Energy and AEye.

R7 Partners is a good fit for founders with deep technical expertise who are building companies in sectors like AgTech, robotics, and enterprise software. As you prepare your pitch for firms like R7, Rho Capital can help you explore non-dilutive funding options to strengthen your financial position.

• Investment stages: Early-stage venture

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

• Geographical presence: Chicago, Illinois

• Founded: 2014

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

• Number of investments: 30

You can refer to their website here.

8. Fledge

Fledge is a global network of business accelerators that supports mission-driven, for-profit companies. They operate as both an accelerator and a venture capital firm, focusing on businesses that create a positive social or environmental impact.

The firm's primary focus is on impact investing, with a portfolio spanning AgTech, CleanTech, and sustainability. They provide early-stage and seed funding to companies with a clear mission, such as Evrnu, a textile recycling company whose NuCycl fiber was named one of TIME’s Best Inventions.

This firm is an excellent match for founders building companies where social or environmental impact is central to the business model. Once you secure funding, our integrated platform helps you manage your new capital with business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

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

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

• Geographical presence: Seattle, Washington (with a global network)

• Founded: 2012

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

• Number of investments: 89

You can refer to their website here.

9. Finistere Ventures

Finistere Ventures is a venture capital firm that invests in companies within the agriculture and food technology sectors. They support businesses from their earliest stages through to later growth rounds.

The firm has a clear focus on AgTech and biotechnology, backing companies with strong scientific or technical foundations. Their portfolio includes innovators like Plenty, an indoor vertical farming company, and CropX, a precision-agriculture platform.

This firm is a good fit for founders building companies in AgTech or food tech, especially those with a focus on sustainability and deep science. As you prepare to connect with firms like Finistere, Rho Capital can help you explore non-dilutive funding options to complement your equity round.

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

• Industries of focus: Agriculture, AgTech, Biotechnology

• Geographical presence: San Diego, California

• Founded: 2005

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

• Number of investments: 66

You can refer to their website here.

10. Prelude Ventures

Prelude Ventures is a venture capital firm that invests in companies developing climate-focused technologies. They back startups across a broad set of industries, including AgTech, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing.

The firm supports companies from seed to late-stage rounds, with a portfolio that includes several high-profile unicorns and IPOs like the e-scooter operator Lime and the satellite-imaging firm Planet. This track record shows their ability to back businesses with the potential for massive scale and market impact.

Prelude Ventures is a strong fit for founders building technology-driven companies aimed at solving major climate challenges. Once you secure a significant round from a firm like Prelude, our integrated platform helps you manage that capital with business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

• Investment stages: Seed to late-stage venture

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

• Geographical presence: San Francisco, California

• Founded: 2013

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

• Number of investments: 150

You can refer to their website here.

11. Sente Ventures

Sente Ventures is an international investment and innovation platform that backs early-stage startups. They operate as both a venture capital firm and an accelerator, providing capital and support to new companies across several key industries.

The firm invests in sectors including AgTech, food, and logistics, with a portfolio that highlights companies with tangible technology. Their investments include the unicorn battery-tech company Our Next Energy and warehouse automation software Hopstack, showing a focus on deep tech and supply chain innovation.

Sente is a good match for founders building technology for industries like agriculture, food, and logistics, especially those seeking an international platform. As you connect with firms like Sente, Rho Capital can help you explore non-dilutive funding options to complement your equity round.

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

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

• Geographical presence: Chicago, Illinois

• Founded: 2008

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

• Number of investments: 36

You can refer to their website here.

12. Cavallo Ventures

Cavallo Ventures is a venture capital firm that invests in companies developing new technologies for feed, pet nutrition, aquafeed, and ingredients. They back businesses creating novel solutions within the agricultural and food supply chains.

The firm shows a clear preference for companies built on deep science, with a portfolio that includes innovators in biopesticides, biomaterials, and cultivated meat. Their investments, such as the biopesticide developer Vestaron and the cultivated-meat startup Vow Foods, highlight a focus on tangible, science-driven products.

This firm is a strong potential partner for founders with a scientific background who are building companies in biotechnology, sustainable ingredients, and advanced agricultural inputs. As you prepare to connect with firms like Cavallo Ventures, Rho Capital can help you explore non-dilutive funding options to complement your equity round.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage venture

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

• Geographical presence: San Francisco, California

• Founded: 2016

• Notable portfolio companies: Vestaron, Checkerspot, Sound Agriculture, Vow Foods

• Number of investments: 53

You can refer to their website here.

13. Better Food Ventures

Better Food Ventures is a venture capital firm that backs technology companies aiming to create a positive impact in the food and agriculture sectors. They focus on innovators whose solutions can improve the food system from production to retail.

The firm concentrates on seed and early-stage companies, with a portfolio that shows a clear path to successful exits, including the acquisitions of LumiGrow and Nima Sensor. Their investments often combine technology like AI and cloud computing with practical applications, such as their backing of Afresh Technologies.

This firm is a great match for founders building technology-driven solutions for the food and agriculture industries. As you prepare your pitch for firms like Better Food Ventures, Rho Capital can help you explore non-dilutive funding options to strengthen your financial position.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage venture

• Industries of focus: AgTech, Food and Beverage, Cloud Computing, 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

The venture capital support for companies in agricultural technology is both deep and varied. Our list shows a balanced mix of investors, from firms that focus on seed and early-stage rounds to those that can write checks through a company's entire lifecycle. This means that whether you're just starting out or preparing to scale, there are potential partners available.

While many investors are based in major US tech hubs like California and Chicago, several have a global reach, offering opportunities for companies targeting international markets. The variety of investor types—from traditional VCs to corporate partners and accelerators—also gives you different kinds of strategic support to consider.

As you refine your fundraising strategy, remember that equity isn't the only option. Rho Capital can connect you with non-dilutive financing to complement an equity round. After your fundraise, our integrated platform provides the banking, cards, and spend management tools needed to deploy your new capital effectively.

Raise Confidently with Rho

Building a focused list of relevant investors is a critical step, especially when your time and energy are limited during a fundraise. We hope this guide helps you identify the right partners for your company's stage and goals.

If you’re seeking funding, Rho Capital connects you to non-dilutive funding options like venture debt and credit lines through a fast, guided process. This allows you to access working capital that can strengthen your financial position before you pitch.

Once your capital is secured, our integrated tools—business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help you manage and deploy funds efficiently. We provide the financial foundation your startup needs to scale effectively.

FAQs about Venture Capital Firms Focused on AgTech

Which venture capital firms in India invest in AgTech?

India has a growing AgTech ecosystem with dedicated investors. Firms like Omnivore and Ankur Capital are prominent, focusing on startups that are improving agricultural efficiency and sustainability for both local and global markets.

Are there many AgTech VC firms in Europe?

Yes, Europe has a strong network of AgTech investors. Firms like Astanor Ventures and Anterra Capital focus on food and agriculture innovation, providing capital and strategic support to companies across the continent.

What do early-stage AgTech VCs want to see?

Early-stage investors look for a strong team, a product with initial traction, and a clear market understanding. Rho Capital can help you access working capital to strengthen your position before you pitch investors.

Which VCs focus on climate and sustainability in agriculture?

Many firms, including Prelude Ventures and Fledge, specialize in climate tech. They back companies with solutions for carbon reduction and resource efficiency, seeking both financial returns and positive environmental impact.

How can Rho help my AgTech startup with fundraising?

Through Rho, you can access non-dilutive funding options like venture debt to strengthen your financial position before an equity round. Once funded, our platform helps you manage capital with integrated banking, cards, and automated bill pay.