The seed production industry in the US plays a vital role in agriculture by developing and providing the essential seeds needed for crops. Companies in this sector include seed producers, biotechnology firms, and agritech startups, focusing on innovative breeding and sustainable practices. The industry is increasingly relying on advancements in genomic technology and data analysis to enhance crop resilience and nutritional quality. With the growing demand for sustainable food sources, the industry is shifting toward more environmentally friendly practices and genetically improved seeds. This evolution showcases a commitment to meeting future food security challenges and supporting global agriculture needs.


The investment landscape in seed production features a mix of venture capital firms and corporate investors, primarily headquartered in innovation hubs like California and New York. In 2024, these investors made significant contributions, with varying deal counts ranging from as low as 2 to as high as 802. The firms, established between 1818 and 2023, range from small, agile teams to large organizations with thousands of employees. Their combined efforts reflect a strong push toward funding advancements in agtech and food production, fostering growth and innovation in this essential sector.


Top 13 Seed Production Investors in the US


1. Sosv

  • Website: sosv.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1995
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 170
  • LinkedIn: sosv

SOSV is a venture capital firm founded in 1995, specializing in funding and supporting deep tech startups through its development programs. With a global reach, SOSV connects innovative companies with investors, providing not only venture capital investment but also essential resources to help startups grow and succeed. In 2024, SOSV has made notable investments in the seed production context, including a $1.5 million pre-seed investment in Earnest Agriculture, which focuses on agricultural technology. They also participated in the Series A round for California Organic Fertilizers, a company dedicated to sustainable agricultural practices. Furthermore, SOSV invested in PhytoGenesis during its seed round in September 2024, highlighting their ongoing commitment to the agricultural sector. These transactions demonstrate SOSV's active role in supporting seed production and related industries.


2. IndieBio

  • Website: indiebio.co
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 76
  • LinkedIn: indiebio

IndieBio is a venture capital firm founded in 2015, located in San Francisco, California. It specializes in biotechnology and supports startups by providing investment, mentorship, and networking opportunities. IndieBio has been particularly active in the seed production context, as evidenced by their investments in companies like ClimateCrop, which raised funds in both 2022 and 2024, and PhytoGenesis, which secured funding in a seed round in 2024. These transactions highlight IndieBio's commitment to advancing innovative solutions in agriculture and food production, making them a significant player in the seed production industry.


3. Government of Canada

  • Website: canada.ca
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Canada, Kentucky, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 137
  • LinkedIn: government-of-canada

The Government of Canada is a public entity that provides a wide range of services and information to Canadian citizens and residents, addressing various needs including employment, immigration, health care, and taxation. Founded in 1999, it operates through multiple departments and agencies to ensure access to essential services and support for individuals and businesses across the country. In the context of seed production, the Government of Canada has made significant investments, including a grant of $602,500 to SeedMaster Manufacturing in March 2023, and a $1,900,000 grant to Simpson Seeds in November 2024. Additionally, it has supported Lucent BioSciences with over $3.6 million for the development of innovative seed treatment technology, highlighting its role in fostering advancements in the seed production industry.


4. IFC - International Finance Corporation

  • Website: ifc.org
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1956
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 107
  • LinkedIn: ifclinkedin

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is a not-for-profit organization established in 1956, dedicated to fostering private sector development in emerging markets. Based in Washington, D.C., IFC provides investment, advisory, and asset management services to businesses and financial institutions, helping them access capital and expertise to promote economic growth. IFC operates in over 100 countries, addressing poverty challenges and promoting sustainable development. Notably, IFC has invested in companies relevant to the agricultural sector, such as Crystal Crop Protection, where it invested Rs 300 crore to support the company's expansion and growth plans in agro-chemicals. Additionally, IFC participated in a $65 million investment in Kaiima, an Israeli bio-agritech firm, which focuses on innovative agricultural solutions. These transactions highlight IFC's engagement in sectors that are integral to seed production and agricultural development.


5. Plug and Play Tech Center


Plug and Play Tech Center is an innovation hub and venture capital firm based in Sunnyvale, California, founded in 2006. They connect startups with corporations to foster growth and innovation, offering various programs including accelerator initiatives and investment opportunities. In 2024 alone, they made 253 investments, showcasing their active role in the venture capital landscape. Notably, they have invested in seed rounds for companies like Agribody Technologies, Inc., which raised $1.6 million in December 2017, and ABAzyne Biosciences, which secured funding in April 2024. These transactions highlight their engagement in the seed production context, particularly in biotechnology, which is closely related to agricultural advancements.


6. AgFunder

  • Website: agfunder.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2013
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 20
  • LinkedIn: agfunder

AgFunder is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2013. The firm specializes in foodtech and agtech investments, providing funding and consulting services to startups in the food and agriculture sectors. AgFunder is actively involved in the agri-food technology landscape, contributing to industry knowledge through research and news publications. Notably, AgFunder has participated in several relevant transactions, including a $2 million seed investment in Resurrect Bio, which focuses on enhancing plant immunity through innovative breeding techniques. They also participated in the funding rounds for OlsAro, a Swedish agtech startup, indicating their commitment to supporting companies that are advancing agricultural technologies. These investments highlight AgFunder's active role in the seed production industry and its dedication to fostering innovation in agriculture.


7. Big Idea Ventures

  • Website: bigideaventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2018
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 10
  • LinkedIn: bigideaventures

Big Idea Ventures is a venture capital fund and startup accelerator based in New York, founded in 2018. The firm specializes in food innovation, focusing on alternative proteins and sustainable food solutions. They provide funding and mentorship to startups in the food technology sector, helping them scale their operations through accelerator programs. Notable transactions include a $200,000 investment in Patch Organics during their Seed Round in 2019, and multiple pre-seed investments in The Leaf Protein Company, which is working on plant protein production. Their commitment to supporting startups in the seed production context, particularly in alternative proteins, highlights their relevance in this industry.


8. Y Combinator

  • Website: ycombinator.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 802
  • LinkedIn: y-combinator

Y Combinator is a leading startup accelerator and venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2005. The firm provides funding and mentorship to early-stage technology companies through a structured program that includes resources like the Startup School and co-founder matching services. Y Combinator has successfully launched over 4,000 startups, making it a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Among their notable transactions, Y Combinator has invested in seed rounds for companies such as Rev Genomics, which raised $120,000 in 2017, and UrbanKisaan, which secured $1.4 million in 2020. Additionally, they participated in the seed round for Boost Biomes, a U.S. agbiotech startup focused on crop protection and nutrition, which raised $150,000 in 2019. These investments highlight Y Combinator's engagement in the seed production industry, particularly in innovative agricultural technologies.


9. Advantage Capital


Advantage Capital is a venture capital firm based in New Orleans, Louisiana, founded in 1992. The firm specializes in providing equity and debt financing to small businesses, with a particular focus on agribusiness, solar projects, and affordable housing. Advantage Capital aims to support entrepreneurs and businesses in underserved communities by offering flexible capital solutions to help them grow and thrive. Notably, they have been involved in several transactions relevant to the agribusiness sector, including debt financing for Delta Peanut, which is directly tied to seed production. Additionally, they have provided financing to Odom Industries and J & J Bagging, further showcasing their engagement in the agricultural supply chain. Their diverse investment portfolio reflects a commitment to fostering growth in various sectors, including those related to seed production.


10. Adm

  • Website: adm.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1902
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: adm

The Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (ADM), founded in 1902 and based in Chicago, Illinois, is a leading food processing and commodities trading corporation. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, ADM specializes in human, pet, and animal nutrition, providing a wide range of ingredients and solutions to food and beverage manufacturers, animal feed producers, and pet food companies. The company emphasizes sustainability and innovation in nutrition. Notably, ADM has participated in significant transactions that align with agricultural advancements, such as their investment in Farmers Business Network, which focuses on enhancing agricultural technology and data science. Additionally, their involvement in Innovafeed, a company specializing in insect protein production, highlights their commitment to sustainable food sources, which is relevant to seed production. These strategic investments reflect ADM's broader interest in the agricultural sector, making them a relevant player in the seed production industry.


11. Cargill

  • Website: cargill.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Wayzata, Minnesota, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1865
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: cargill

Cargill, Incorporated is a global food production and agricultural solutions company founded in 1865 and headquartered in Wayzata, Minnesota. With over 10,000 employees, Cargill operates across various sectors, including animal nutrition, food ingredients, and risk management, serving farmers and food manufacturers. The company is dedicated to enhancing food security and sustainability through innovative practices. Notably, Cargill has participated in several significant transactions relevant to the agricultural sector. For example, they were involved in a $250 million Series D funding round for Innovafeed, a company focused on insect protein, which is an innovative approach to sustainable food production. Additionally, Cargill provided substantial financing to Local Bounti, a company that emphasizes innovative agricultural practices, indicating their commitment to supporting advancements in the agricultural field. These investments reflect Cargill's strategic interest in enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability, which are closely linked to seed production.


12. Cavallo Ventures

  • Website: cavallovc.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: cavallo-ventures

Cavallo Ventures is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2016. The firm specializes in enabling innovative technology across agriculture, animal health, and nutrition sectors. They provide investment and strategic support to startups and companies, helping them to develop and launch new products and services. Notably, Cavallo Ventures has been actively involved in significant funding rounds for companies such as Sound Agriculture, which raised substantial amounts in Series B, C, and D rounds, focusing on enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability. In 2024, they also participated in a Series B funding round for AgroSpheres, further emphasizing their commitment to advancing agricultural technologies. Their portfolio reflects a strong alignment with the needs of businesses in agriculture, making them a key player in the seed production context.


13. Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)

  • Website: av.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2023
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 258
  • LinkedIn: deep-tech-fund-av-focused-fund

The Deep Tech Fund, part of Alumni Ventures, is a venture capital firm based in Manchester, New Hampshire, founded in 2023. It provides accredited investors and institutions access to professionally-managed, diversified venture portfolios, leveraging a network of over 10,000 investors. The fund has been active in various sectors, including agriculture, where it has participated in significant transactions such as the seed funding rounds for Nitricity, which raised $800,000, and Rise Gardens, which secured $2.6 million. These investments highlight the fund's engagement in the seed production industry, alongside its broader investment strategy in high-potential startups.



Seed Production Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
SosvUnited States (USA)51-2001995170
IndieBioSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)1-10201576
Government of CanadaCanada, Kentucky, United States (USA)10001+1999137
IFC - International Finance CorporationWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)1001-50001956107
Plug and Play Tech CenterSunnyvale, California, United States (USA)501-10002006253
AgFunderSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)11-50201320
Big Idea VenturesNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-50201810
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
Advantage CapitalNew Orleans, Louisiana, United States (USA)51-20019925
AdmChicago, Illinois, United States (USA)10001+19022
CargillWayzata, Minnesota, United States (USA)10001+18657
Cavallo VenturesSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)1-1020165
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)51-2002023258


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