The fruit farming industry in the US plays a crucial role in the agricultural sector, supplying a wide variety of fresh produce to consumers. It includes large farms, cooperatives, and innovative agritech companies focusing on sustainable practices and improved yields. As health-conscious consumers seek fresh, organic, and locally sourced fruits, the industry is evolving with new technologies that enhance efficiency and reduce waste. Additionally, the demand for exotic fruits has spurred import activities, making this sector dynamic and significant for both local economies and international trade.


The list of top investors in the fruit farming sector reflects a mix of corporate, venture capital, and private equity firms predominantly from California, New York, and Washington, D.C. Established between 1995 and 2023, these investors demonstrate a varied size, with employee counts ranging from 1 to over 10,000. In 2024 alone, their commitment is visible through hundreds of transactions, with GrubMarket Inc. and IFC leading with significant investments supporting innovation, sustainability, and growth in fruit farming.


Top 15 Fruit Farming 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. Among its notable transactions, SOSV has invested in Beeflow, a company that raised $8.3 million in a Series A financing round to develop pollination technologies aimed at improving crop yields and reducing bee mortality rates. This investment aligns with agricultural advancements that can benefit fruit farming. Additionally, SOSV has supported EasyFresh Technologies, which also operates within the agricultural sector, indicating its interest in technologies that can enhance farming practices.


2. 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 challenges and promoting sustainable development. Notably, IFC has been involved in significant transactions within the fruit farming sector, such as leading a £240 million funding round for Westfalia Fruit to support its international growth and climate-smart practices. Additionally, IFC provided $24 million in quasi-equity financing to Zalar Agri in Morocco to expand its fruit tree operations and agricultural diversification. These transactions highlight IFC's active role in enhancing the fruit farming industry and supporting sustainable agricultural practices.


3. GrubMarket Inc.

  • Website: grubmarket.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2014
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 9
  • LinkedIn: grubmarket-inc-

GrubMarket Inc. is a corporate investor based in San Francisco, California, specializing in food technology and eCommerce solutions for the food supply chain. Founded in 2014, the company has grown to employ between 1001 and 5000 people and has made 9 investments in 2024 alone. GrubMarket focuses on providing farm-fresh food delivery services and AI-powered software solutions to improve efficiency in food distribution. Notably, GrubMarket has made several strategic acquisitions in the fresh produce sector, including:1. **Sierra Produce** - Acquired on June 23, 2021, this company is a major importer of South American fruits, enhancing GrubMarket's fruit sourcing capabilities.2. **SunFed** - Acquired on March 16, 2022, this tech-driven fresh produce company strengthens GrubMarket's operations in Arizona and Texas.3. **Terra Exports** - Acquired on January 19, 2022, this Las Vegas-based company specializes in global fresh produce distribution, further expanding GrubMarket's reach in the fruit market.4. **Global Produce** - Acquired on April 29, 2024, this acquisition enhances GrubMarket's presence in the South African market, contributing to its global food supply chain.5. **London Fruit** - Acquired on August 3, 2023, this company focuses on importing and distributing fresh produce, particularly tropical fruits from Latin America, which aligns with GrubMarket's goal of enhancing sourcing capabilities for high-demand fruit items.


4. 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 fruit farming, the Government of Canada has been involved in significant transactions such as providing over $5.4 million in funding through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership to support food processing businesses in Ontario, including a grant of up to $57,726.25 to Algoma Orchards for innovative equipment in their juice operations. Additionally, they have supported other agricultural initiatives, such as grants to Alberta Sugar Beet Growers and Patates Dolbec, indicating a broader commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability in Canada.


5. 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. They aim to help these startups innovate and grow, contributing to the advancement of the agri-food technology landscape. In 2022, AgFunder led a $1.7 million seed funding round for Mayani, a startup focused on transforming the Philippine rural food value chain, which could include fruit farming initiatives. Additionally, they have invested in companies like Tevel and LYRO Robotics, which are involved in agricultural technology that can enhance farming practices. Their diverse portfolio indicates a strong interest in improving agricultural efficiency, which is relevant to fruit farming.


6. 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 helps entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses. With over 4,000 startups launched, Y Combinator has established itself as a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Among its diverse portfolio, Y Combinator has made notable investments in the agricultural sector, including companies like Farm Theory, which raised $150,000 in a Pre-Seed round, and UrbanKisaan, which secured $1.4 million in a Seed round. Additionally, they participated in the Series A funding for Boost Biomes, a U.S. agbiotech startup focused on crop protection and nutrition. These transactions highlight Y Combinator's engagement in the fruit farming industry and its commitment to supporting innovative agricultural solutions.


7. 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, they have made 253 investments, showcasing their active role in the venture capital landscape. Notably, they have invested in startups like MAYANI, which aims to transform the Philippine rural food value chain, and groHERE, which is likely involved in agricultural technology. Their investment in Babaco Market, which focuses on expanding operations in the food sector, further highlights their engagement in areas related to fruit farming and agriculture.


8. 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. IndieBio has been active in the agricultural space, notably through their investments in Beeflow, a company that develops pollination technologies aimed at improving crop yields and reducing bee mortality rates. This investment highlights IndieBio's commitment to supporting advancements that can directly benefit fruit farming and agriculture. In 2021, they participated in a Series A funding round for Beeflow, which underscores their focus on innovative solutions that enhance agricultural productivity. Additionally, their earlier investments in Nat4Bio, while not directly related to fruit farming, reflect their broader interest in biotechnology applications that could intersect with agricultural practices.


9. 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. Among their notable transactions, 500 Global has invested in EZ Farming, a Nigerian agric-tech startup that connects smallholder farmers to microlenders and produce buyers globally, highlighting their commitment to agricultural innovation. Additionally, they have invested in ProducePay, which raised $1,400,000 in a seed round, further emphasizing their engagement in the agricultural sector. Other investments include Glife Technologies and Hamama, which, while not exclusively focused on fruit farming, contribute to the broader agricultural technology landscape.


10. 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 is dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs and businesses in underserved communities by offering flexible capital solutions to help them grow and thrive. Notably, they have been involved in multiple funding rounds for Soli Organic, a company focused on organic produce, raising significant amounts such as $120 million in a venture round in 2021 and $55 million in a Series C round in 2020. Their ongoing support for Soli Organic through various financing methods, including debt financing, highlights their commitment to the agribusiness sector, making them a relevant player in the fruit farming industry.


11. Paine Schwartz Partners


Paine Schwartz Partners is a private equity firm based in New York, specializing in sustainable food chain investing since its founding in 1997. The firm focuses on enhancing value in the food and agribusiness sectors through strategic investments and operational expertise. They integrate environmental, social, and governance factors into their investment strategies, catering primarily to businesses aiming to improve sustainability and operational efficiency. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Costa Group, a significant player in the fruit and vegetable sector, and the formation of BLOOM FRESH International through the acquisition of International Fruit Genetics (IFG), which emphasizes their commitment to advancing fruit genetics, particularly in table grapes and cherries. Additionally, their acquisition of AgroFresh, which specializes in post-harvest solutions for fruits, further underscores their involvement in the fruit farming industry.


12. 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) is a leading food processing and commodities trading corporation based in Chicago, Illinois, founded in 1902. 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. Notably, ADM has made strategic acquisitions to enhance its position in the fruit sector, including the acquisition of Florida Chemical Company for approximately $175 million, which bolstered its capabilities in citrus flavors and high-value flavor ingredients. Additionally, ADM acquired the German citrus ingredient supplier Erich Ziegler, further solidifying its presence in the citrus ingredients market. These transactions reflect ADM's commitment to sustainability and innovation in nutrition, particularly in the fruit farming 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

Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund) is a venture capital firm based in Manchester, New Hampshire, founded in 2023. The firm 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. Among their notable transactions, they invested in Area 2 Farms in December 2023, which focuses on innovative agricultural practices. They also participated in Rise Gardens, which raised $2.6 million in May 2020, a company that promotes home gardening and sustainable food production. Additionally, their investment in GrubMarket, which raised $25 million in April 2019, highlights their interest in food distribution and technology, further emphasizing their relevance in the agricultural and food sectors.


14. 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 several transactions that are relevant to the agricultural sector, including Bountiful, which raised $1.4 million in a seed round to enhance agricultural productivity, and FieldIn, which raised $12 million in a Series A round aimed at improving farming efficiency. These investments reflect Cavallo's commitment to supporting advancements in agriculture, including fruit farming, by backing companies that seek to enhance productivity and sustainability in the sector.


15. Ponderosa Ventures

  • Website: ponderosavc.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2021
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 17
  • LinkedIn: ponderosa-ventures

Ponderosa Ventures is a venture capital firm based in New York, founded in 2021, that specializes in investing in early-stage companies within the food, agriculture, and ocean sectors. They aim to provide funding and strategic insights to help these companies innovate and tackle critical sustainability challenges. In 2024, Ponderosa Ventures has already made 17 investments, demonstrating their active engagement in the market. Notably, they participated in the seed round for Savefruit, a company focused on fruit preservation, and were involved in funding for Muddy Machines, which develops AgTech solutions that can enhance crop harvesting capabilities. Their investment strategy is designed to be efficient, allowing entrepreneurs to concentrate on building their businesses while addressing sustainability in agriculture.



Fruit Farming Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
SosvUnited States (USA)51-2001995170
IFC - International Finance CorporationWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)1001-50001956107
GrubMarket Inc.San Francisco, California, United States (USA)1001-500020149
Government of CanadaCanada, Kentucky, United States (USA)10001+1999137
AgFunderSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)11-50201320
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
Plug and Play Tech CenterSunnyvale, California, United States (USA)501-10002006253
IndieBioSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)1-10201576
500 GlobalSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)201-500201098
Advantage CapitalNew Orleans, Louisiana, United States (USA)51-20019925
Paine Schwartz PartnersNew York, New York, United States (USA)51-20019972
AdmChicago, Illinois, United States (USA)10001+19022
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)51-2002023258
Cavallo VenturesSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)1-1020165
Ponderosa VenturesNew York, New York, United States (USA)1-10202117


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