The horticulture industry in the US involves the cultivation, management, and sale of plants, including food, flowers, and ornamental greenery. Firms engage in various activities such as nursery production, landscaping, and greenhouse operations. With a growing emphasis on sustainability and urban agriculture, companies are innovating to meet consumer demand for local and organic produce. Notable trends include the rise of vertical farming and smart gardening technologies, reflecting a shift towards efficiency and environmental responsibility. As increasing awareness of healthy eating burgeons, the horticulture sector is expected to grow and adapt to meet fresh consumer preferences.


This list includes a variety of investors, ranging from venture capital firms like IndieBio and AgFunder to established corporate entities such as John Deere and GrowGeneration. Predominantly located in California and New York, these investors vary in size, from small firms with fewer than 10 employees to large organizations with significant market influence. Founded between 1837 and 2024, their deal counts showcase a consistent interest in horticulture; for instance, SOSV engaged in 170 investments in 2024, reflecting the industry’s growth potential and the investors' commitment to funding innovative solutions.


Top 14 Horticulture 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 venture capital investment and resources to help startups grow and succeed. Notably, SOSV has been actively involved in the horticulture sector through its investments in Farmshelf, a company that raised significant funding across multiple rounds: $795,000 in February 2024, $2.3 million in January 2021, $5.125 million in February 2019, and $111,000 in September 2016. These transactions highlight SOSV's commitment to advancing horticulture technology and supporting sustainable farming solutions. Additionally, they have invested in NuLeaf Tech, further indicating their interest in agricultural technology.


2. 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 horticulture context, the Government of Canada has been involved in several significant transactions, including grants to Stevensville Garden Gallery and Agrilait, as well as funding for the Alderville First Nation Black Oak Savanna. Additionally, they have supported Algoma Orchards with over $57,726.25 to enhance their juice operations through innovative technology, demonstrating their role in fostering growth and sustainability in the horticulture industry.


3. 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 known for its active role in the agri-food technology landscape, publishing industry news and research to enhance the knowledge base of the sector. Notably, AgFunder has participated in several significant transactions relevant to horticulture, including a $4 million investment in Neatleaf, which focuses on AI-driven cultivation technology aimed at improving production for growers. They also invested in Intelligent Growth Solutions, which is developing vertical farming solutions, and participated in the funding of Propagate, a platform dedicated to agroforestry. These investments highlight AgFunder's commitment to supporting innovations that can positively impact horticulture practices.


4. 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 2020, they participated in a seed round for Babylon Micro-Farms, which raised $2.3 million to develop sustainable farming solutions. They also invested in Agribody Technologies, Inc., which raised $1.6 million in a seed round in 2017, focusing on agricultural biotechnology. More recently, they have been involved in pre-seed rounds for companies like groHERE and Novella, indicating their ongoing interest in supporting early-stage ventures in the horticulture and agriculture sectors. Their model emphasizes facilitating partnerships and providing resources to enhance business development, making them a significant player in the investment ecosystem.


5. 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, focused on private sector development in emerging markets. Based in Washington, D.C., IFC provides investment, advisory, and asset management services to businesses and financial institutions, facilitating access to capital and expertise to foster economic growth. IFC operates in over 100 countries, addressing poverty and promoting sustainable development. Notably, IFC has been involved in significant transactions within the horticulture context, such as leading a £240 million funding round for Westfalia Fruit, aimed at supporting international growth and meeting rising demand in the global agriculture sector. Additionally, IFC invested in Crystal Crop Protection, contributing to the expansion of an agro-chemical firm that plays a crucial role in agricultural productivity. These investments highlight IFC's commitment to enhancing the agricultural landscape, including horticulture, through sustainable practices and innovative solutions.


6. 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, based in San Francisco, California, specializing in biotechnology. They provide investment, mentorship, and networking opportunities to startups, particularly those innovating in sectors related to climate and food. Notably, IndieBio has invested in Chi Botanic, which raised $950,000 in a convertible note in March 2020 and $250,000 in a pre-seed round in November 2019. These transactions highlight their engagement with companies that have potential applications in horticulture, emphasizing their commitment to supporting innovative solutions in this field.


7. 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 across various sectors, including agribusiness, solar projects, and affordable housing. Advantage Capital focuses on supporting entrepreneurs and businesses in underserved communities, offering flexible capital solutions to help them grow and thrive. Notably, they have been actively involved in the horticulture sector through their investments in Soli Organic, a company that has raised significant funds in multiple rounds, including $120 million in a venture round in October 2021 and $55 million in a Series C round in December 2020. Their ongoing support for Soli Organic through various financing methods, including debt financing, highlights their commitment to the horticulture 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 prominent startup accelerator and venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2005. It 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. Over the years, Y Combinator has successfully launched more than 4,000 startups, establishing itself as a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Notably, Y Combinator has invested in several horticulture-related companies, including Click & Grow, which specializes in smart indoor gardens, and UrbanKisaan, which focuses on urban farming solutions. Additionally, they have supported Thrive Agritech and Farm Theory, both of which are involved in innovative agricultural practices. These investments highlight Y Combinator's engagement in the horticulture sector, showcasing their interest in promoting sustainable and technology-driven solutions in gardening and agriculture.


9. GrowGeneration Corp


GrowGeneration Corp is a corporate investor based in Greenwood, Colorado, specializing in hydroponics and gardening supplies. Founded in 2014, the company has rapidly expanded its operations, currently operating over 65 locations across the United States. GrowGeneration serves a diverse clientele, including home growers, hobbyists, and commercial cultivators, by providing a wide range of products such as grow lights, hydroponics systems, and nutrients. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Grand Rapids Hydroponics, which added approximately $8 million in revenue, and the purchase of Mendocino Greenhouse and Garden Supply, expected to generate over $8 million in annual sales. These strategic acquisitions reflect GrowGeneration's commitment to enhancing its market presence and supporting the horticulture industry.


10. Ospraie Ag Science


Ospraie Ag Science LLC, founded in 2018 and based in Rye, New York, is a venture capital firm dedicated to agricultural solutions that prioritize sustainability and innovation. The firm invests in ventures that aim to enhance crop yield and profitability while reducing environmental impact. Notable transactions include a significant investment in Freight Farms, which raised $17.5 million in Series B3 funding to support its mission of enabling food growth anywhere through container farms. Additionally, Ospraie invested in CubicFarm Systems, contributing C$5 million to their indoor agricultural systems. Their involvement in Four Growers, with multiple funding rounds, further emphasizes their commitment to advancing horticultural technologies. Through these investments, Ospraie Ag Science is positioned as a key player in the horticulture sector, focusing on innovative solutions that align with sustainable agricultural practices.


11. John Deere

  • Website: deere.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Moline, Illinois, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1837
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: john-deere

Deere & Company, commonly known as John Deere, is a leading machinery manufacturer based in Moline, Illinois, specializing in agricultural, construction, and lawn care equipment. Founded in 1837, the company has a long history of providing a wide range of products, including tractors, mowers, and heavy machinery, catering to farmers, construction firms, and landscapers. In recent years, John Deere has made strategic acquisitions to strengthen its position in the horticulture sector. Notably, the acquisition of Green Resource in 2015 allowed John Deere Landscapes to enhance its market presence in landscape maintenance products in the Carolinas. Furthermore, their investment in InnerPlant, which raised significant funding in both Series A and Series B rounds, highlights their interest in innovative agricultural technologies that can benefit horticulture. These transactions reflect John Deere's commitment to supporting and advancing the horticulture industry through both direct investments and acquisitions.


12. Innova Memphis

  • Website: innovamemphis.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Memphis, Tennessee, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2007
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: innova-memphis

Innova Memphis is a venture capital firm founded in 2007, based in Memphis, Tennessee. The firm focuses on empowering early-stage startups primarily in the Biosciences, Technology, and AgTech sectors. They provide seed capital and hands-on mentorship to help these startups grow and create jobs, addressing the funding gap in the venture capital industry. Notably, Innova Memphis has been involved in several transactions relevant to the horticulture context, including investments in ReEnvision Ag, which focuses on agricultural innovation, and Global Neighbor, which is engaged in sustainable agricultural practices. Additionally, they have supported EarthSense, a company that utilizes technology for agricultural monitoring, further emphasizing their commitment to advancing the AgTech sector.


13. 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 participated in significant funding rounds for companies like FarmWise, which raised $45 million in Series B funding for its AI-powered farm equipment aimed at improving agricultural efficiency. Additionally, they invested in Koidra, an Agtech startup that secured $4.5 million in seed funding, further demonstrating their commitment to advancing agricultural technologies. Their portfolio also includes Sound Agriculture, which has raised substantial amounts in multiple funding rounds, focusing on solutions that enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability.


14. 500 Global

  • Website: 500.co
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 98
  • LinkedIn: 500-startups

500 Global is a venture capital firm and startup accelerator based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies, providing funding, mentorship, and resources to help founders scale their businesses. In recent years, 500 Global has made notable investments in the horticulture sector, including PlantShop.me, which raised $150,000 in a seed round in May 2018, focusing on online plant sales. Additionally, they invested in Cultivaet, which raised an undisclosed amount in a pre-seed round in November 2024, indicating a commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the horticulture space. Furthermore, their involvement with Elevarm, which has raised significant funds in multiple seed rounds, showcases their active engagement in nurturing startups that may intersect with horticultural technology and practices.



Horticulture Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
SosvUnited States (USA)51-2001995170
Government of CanadaCanada, Kentucky, United States (USA)10001+1999137
AgFunderSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)11-50201320
Plug and Play Tech CenterSunnyvale, California, United States (USA)501-10002006253
IFC - International Finance CorporationWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)1001-50001956107
IndieBioSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)1-10201576
Advantage CapitalNew Orleans, Louisiana, United States (USA)51-20019925
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
GrowGeneration CorpGreenwood, Colorado, United States (USA)201-50020140
Ospraie Ag ScienceRye, New York, United States (USA)11-5020184
John DeereMoline, Illinois, United States (USA)10001+18375
Innova MemphisMemphis, Tennessee, United States (USA)1-1020073
Cavallo VenturesSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)1-1020165
500 GlobalSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)201-500201098


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