The irrigation technology industry in the US focuses on improving water efficiency for agriculture through innovative products and systems. Companies range from startups creating sensor technology to established firms offering large-scale irrigation solutions. As climate change intensifies, demand for smarter systems has surged. Trends indicating increased automation, data analysis, and sustainability drive innovation. The industry aims to reduce water waste and enhance crop yield while addressing agricultural challenges. Moving forward, collaboration between tech developers and producers promises more streamlined and effective irrigation practices, essential for a future where every drop of water counts.

The list of top investors comprises mainly venture capital firms with varied headquarters, primarily in California, emphasizing technological innovation. These investors are predominantly small to medium-sized, ranging from 1-1,000 employees, and established between 1995 and 2023. Their deal counts in 2024 highlight an impressive focus on agriculture technology, with firms like AgFunder and Innova Memphis driving significant advancements in irrigation. The robust presence of major funding activities underscores the growing potential of this vital sector.

Top 14 Irrigation Technology 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 in sectors like health and climate technology. Notably, SOSV has invested in Drip.ai, which focuses on data-driven irrigation solutions, and NuLeaf Tech, which may also have applications in sustainable agriculture and irrigation practices. These transactions highlight SOSV's engagement with technologies that could significantly impact irrigation efficiency and sustainability.

2. Plug and Play Tech Center

• Website: plugandplaytechcenter.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Sunnyvale, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2006
• Headcount: 501-1000
• Number of deals in 2024: 253
• LinkedIn: 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 innovative farming solutions, highlighting their engagement in the agricultural technology space. Additionally, they have been involved in several other transactions, such as KETOS, which focuses on water quality monitoring, further emphasizing their interest in technology that can impact irrigation and water management. With a total of 253 investments in 2024, Plug and Play continues to be an active player in the technology sector, including areas relevant to irrigation technology.

3. 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. Among its notable investments, Y Combinator has backed companies in the irrigation technology space, such as Valor Water Analytics, which raised $120,000 in a Seed Round in 2014, focusing on water analytics and management. Additionally, they invested $1.4 million in UrbanKisaan in 2020, a company that promotes urban farming and sustainable agricultural practices. These transactions highlight Y Combinator's engagement with innovations that can improve irrigation and water efficiency, making them a relevant investor in the irrigation technology sector.

4. 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, contributing to industry knowledge through research and news publications. Notable transactions include investments in Verdant Robotics, which raised $46.5 million in Series A funding, and Aigen, which secured $7 million in a Seed Round. These investments reflect AgFunder's commitment to supporting innovative technologies that can enhance agricultural practices, including potential advancements in irrigation technology.

5. Hax

• Website: hax.co
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2012
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 55
• LinkedIn: hax

Hax is a venture capital firm and startup incubator based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2012. They specialize in supporting hard tech startups by providing funding, engineering support, and access to manufacturing resources. Hax aims to accelerate the growth of early-stage companies through a collaborative environment and extensive networks. Notably, Hax has invested in Drip.ai, which focuses on innovative solutions for water management, and Tensorfield Agriculture, a company that has raised multiple rounds of funding, indicating a commitment to agricultural technology. These investments reflect Hax's dedication to sustainability and climate solutions, making them a relevant player in the irrigation technology sector.

6. 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 (an Alumni Ventures Fund) is a venture capital firm based in Manchester, New Hampshire, founded in 2023. It provides accredited investors and institutions with access to professionally-managed, diversified venture portfolios, leveraging a network of over 10,000 investors to connect them with high-quality investment opportunities in the startup ecosystem. The fund has been actively involved in the agricultural technology space, with significant investments in companies like Arable, which focuses on field intelligence for agriculture, and FarmWise, which develops AI-powered farm equipment. These investments aim to enhance climate resilience and automate farming processes, directly impacting irrigation technology and practices.

7. 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 specializes in empowering early-stage startups within the Biosciences, Technology, and AgTech sectors by providing seed capital and hands-on mentorship. They aim to bridge the funding gap in the venture capital landscape. Among their notable transactions, Innova Memphis invested in Kilimo, which raised $165,000 in a seed round in 2017, focusing on irrigation optimization. They also participated in funding rounds for Global Neighbor, which is involved in agricultural technology, and Rantizo, a company that enhances agricultural operations through innovative solutions. Their investments reflect a commitment to supporting advancements in irrigation technology and agricultural practices.

8. Echo River Capital

• Website: echorivercap.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2022
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 5
• LinkedIn: echo-river-cap

Echo River Capital is a San Francisco-based venture capital firm founded in 2022, specializing in early-stage water technology companies. The firm focuses on impact investing to address global water challenges by providing capital and strategic support to startups that aim to improve water management and sustainability. Notably, Echo River Capital participated in the Seed Financing round for Irrigreen, a company known for its innovative robotic irrigation systems, which raised $15 million in March 2023. They also invested in SWAN Systems, which raised $3 million in July 2023, and Uravu Labs, which focuses on renewable water solutions and raised $2.3 million in March 2023 and $2 million in August 2022. These transactions highlight Echo River Capital's commitment to advancing irrigation technology and sustainable water practices.

9. Dcvc

• Website: dcvc.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Palo Alto, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2011
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 28
• LinkedIn: data-collective

DCVC is a venture capital firm based in Palo Alto, California, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in deep tech and life sciences, investing in innovative startups that tackle significant global challenges, particularly in climate and healthcare. DCVC has a strong track record of supporting companies that are transforming agricultural practices, which is closely tied to irrigation technology. Notable transactions include their investments in Blue River Technology, which raised $17 million in Series B funding to enhance agricultural methods through robotics, and Verdant Robotics, which raised $46.5 million in Series A funding to improve farming efficiency. Additionally, their investment in AgZen, which raised $10 million in Series A funding, indicates a commitment to advancing agricultural technologies that can impact irrigation practices. Overall, DCVC leverages long-term relationships with founders and extensive experience in technology and investment to support groundbreaking solutions in the agricultural sector.

10. 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 based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2015. It specializes in biotechnology and supports startups by providing investment, mentorship, and networking opportunities. IndieBio has been actively involved in various transactions, including notable investments in companies like ClimateCrop, which has raised multiple rounds of funding (Seed Round in 2021, 2022, and 2024) and focuses on agricultural innovations. This aligns with their mission to advance innovative solutions in sectors related to climate and food, making them a potential player in the irrigation technology space, even if not exclusively focused on it.

11. 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, facilitating access to capital and expertise to promote economic growth. IFC operates in over 100 countries, addressing poverty challenges and promoting sustainable development. Among its notable transactions, IFC led a $30 million Series B funding round for SeeTree, an AI-powered AgTech company focused on enhancing agricultural practices, which includes irrigation technology. Additionally, IFC invested in WaterSec, a company that raised funds for water management solutions, and eFishery, which raised $15 million in Series B funding, indicating a broader interest in sustainable water and agricultural technologies. Their investment in Aqualyng, which raised $31.4 million, also reflects their commitment to innovative solutions in water management, further solidifying their role as a relevant player in the irrigation technology sector.

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 participated in significant funding rounds for companies like FarmWise, which focuses on AI-powered farm equipment, including solutions that can enhance irrigation practices. They also invested in Verdant Robotics, which is involved in agricultural automation, potentially impacting irrigation efficiency. Their portfolio includes Guardian Agriculture and Agtonomy, both of which are working on advanced agricultural technologies that could intersect with irrigation solutions. Overall, Cavallo Ventures is positioned to support advancements in irrigation technology through their investments in agricultural innovation.

13. Breakthrough Energy

• Website: breakthroughenergy.org
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Kirkland, Washington, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2015
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 38
• LinkedIn: breakthrough-energy-ventures

Breakthrough Energy is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2015, based in Kirkland, Washington, dedicated to accelerating the transition to a net-zero economy. They support innovative technologies and advocate for policies that promote clean energy solutions. Their clientele includes businesses and organizations in the clean energy sector seeking funding, research support, and policy advocacy to address climate change. In 2024, they participated in a Series A funding round for Rize, an agritech platform that raised $14 million to enhance its technology stack and improve over 7,000 hectares of rice farming across Southeast Asia. This investment aligns with their mission to support sustainable practices, indicating their potential relevance in the irrigation technology sector. Additionally, they have been involved in other significant funding rounds, showcasing their active role in supporting innovative solutions across various sectors.

14. DXP Enterprises, Inc.

• Website: dxpe.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Houston, Texas, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1908
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 6
• LinkedIn: dxp-enterprises-inc-

DXP Enterprises, Inc. is a corporate investor based in Houston, Texas, specializing in industrial distribution across various sectors, including manufacturing, oil and gas, and renewable energy. Founded in 1908, DXP has positioned itself as a key player in providing products and services that enhance operational efficiency. In recent years, DXP has made significant strides in the water and wastewater industry, acquiring several companies that bolster its capabilities in this sector. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Hartwell Environmental Corporation, a manufacturer’s representative focused on water and wastewater, and Hennesy Mechanical Sales, which operates in the municipal water and wastewater treatment market. These acquisitions reflect DXP's commitment to expanding its DXP Water platform and enhancing its service offerings in water management, making it a relevant player in the irrigation technology landscape.

Irrigation Technology Insights: Key Investors in the US

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
Sosv	United States (USA)	51-200	1995	170
Plug and Play Tech Center	Sunnyvale, California, United States (USA)	501-1000	2006	253
Y Combinator	San Francisco, California, United States (USA)	51-200	2005	802
AgFunder	San Francisco, California, United States (USA)	11-50	2013	20
Hax	San Francisco, California, United States (USA)	11-50	2012	55
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)	Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)	51-200	2023	258
Innova Memphis	Memphis, Tennessee, United States (USA)	1-10	2007	3
Echo River Capital	San Francisco, California, United States (USA)	1-10	2022	5
Dcvc	Palo Alto, California, United States (USA)	11-50	2011	28
IndieBio	San Francisco, California, United States (USA)	1-10	2015	76
IFC - International Finance Corporation	Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)	1001-5000	1956	107
Cavallo Ventures	San Francisco, California, United States (USA)	1-10	2016	5
Breakthrough Energy	Kirkland, Washington, United States (USA)	51-200	2015	38
DXP Enterprises, Inc.	Houston, Texas, United States (USA)	1001-5000	1908	6

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