Hydroponics farming in the US is revolutionizing how we grow food. This soil-less cultivation method allows for year-round production, maximizing yield in urban spaces and reducing environmental impact. Companies in this sector range from vertical farms to tech-oriented agricultural startups, focusing on sustainability and consumption efficiency. With increasing interest driven by climate concerns and food security, the industry is drawing attention from entrepreneurs and major corporations alike. Innovations like automated systems and smart gardens are reshaping traditional agriculture, making hydroponics not just a trend but a crucial part of future food systems that feeds an ever-growing population.


The list of top investors in hydroponics farming showcases a mix of venture capital firms and corporate entities. These investors are primarily located in tech hubs like San Francisco and New York, with others in Washington D.C. and beyond. Ranging in size from small firms to large organizations, they were founded between 1956 and 2023 and engaged in numerous deals throughout 2024. Their focus on agritech and sustainability reflects a forward-thinking approach, addressing both investor interests and pressing agricultural challenges. These backing firms span multiple sectors, aiming to grow the hydropnic industry effectively from the ground up.


Top 16 Hydroponics 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, based in the United States, that specializes in funding and supporting deep tech startups through its development programs. With a focus on health and climate technology, Sosv operates globally, connecting innovative companies with investors. Notably, they have invested in Grobo, a company that provides hydroponic gardening solutions, through multiple funding rounds including seed and convertible notes from 2016 to 2019. Additionally, they invested in Re-Nuble, a company that promotes sustainable agriculture practices, which may align with hydroponics farming. These transactions highlight Sosv's engagement in the hydroponics sector, making them a relevant player in this field.


2. U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

  • Website: energy.gov
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1977
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 597
  • LinkedIn: u-s--department-of-energy

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is a public entity established in 1977, responsible for overseeing national energy policy, energy production, and nuclear power research. It serves various stakeholders, including government entities and the public, by providing guidance on energy efficiency, funding opportunities, and conducting research to address energy challenges. In recent years, the DOE has been involved in several grant transactions that support agricultural innovations. For instance, it provided a grant of $3,700,000 to American Ag Energy in October 2023, which may relate to energy-efficient agricultural practices. Additionally, BIOS received a $1,000,000 grant in September 2024, and Global Algae Innovations was awarded $3,600,000 in January 2023. These transactions suggest that the DOE is actively funding projects that could enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability, potentially including hydroponics farming.


3. 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 involved in various transactions, including notable investments in companies like ClimateCrop, which raised funds in seed rounds in 2022 and 2024. These investments suggest a focus on innovative agricultural solutions, potentially including hydroponics, as they aim to address climate and food challenges. Their portfolio reflects a commitment to advancing biotechnology in sectors that can impact food production and sustainability.


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, facilitating access to capital and expertise to promote economic growth. IFC operates in over 100 countries, addressing poverty challenges and promoting sustainable development. Notably, IFC has participated in significant transactions relevant to the agricultural sector, such as investing in Kaiima, an Israeli bio-agritech firm, which focuses on innovative agricultural solutions. Additionally, IFC's involvement in the funding of Westfalia Fruit, which aims to enhance global agriculture and implement climate-smart techniques, further underscores its commitment to advancing agricultural practices. These transactions highlight IFC's potential interest in supporting hydroponics farming initiatives as part of its broader agricultural investment strategy.


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. They specialize in foodtech and agtech investments, providing funding and consulting services to startups in the food and agriculture sectors. AgFunder has been actively involved in the hydroponics farming context, notably participating in funding rounds for Intelligent Growth Solutions (IGS), which focuses on vertical farming technologies. They led and participated in multiple funding rounds for IGS, including a Series A round in 2019 and a Series B round in 2021, demonstrating their commitment to advancing hydroponics and vertical farming solutions. Additionally, AgFunder participated in the Series A funding for Fyto, a company that is likely involved in innovative agricultural practices. Their involvement in these transactions highlights their role as a significant player in the hydroponics farming investment landscape.


6. 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 specialize in connecting startups with corporations to foster growth and innovation, offering various programs including accelerator initiatives and investment opportunities. In the hydroponics farming context, they have made notable investments such as in Babylon Micro-Farms, which raised $2.3 million in a seed round led by Plug and Play Ventures. Additionally, they have invested in other companies like Agribody Technologies, Inc., which raised $1.6 million, and have shown ongoing interest in the agricultural technology space through their support of startups like groHERE and Lupin Platform in their early funding stages. This demonstrates their commitment to enhancing business development in sectors that include hydroponics farming.


7. 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. Y Combinator has successfully launched over 4,000 startups, making it a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Among its notable investments in the hydroponics farming context are UrbanKisaan, which raised $1.4 million in a seed round in March 2020, and Click & Grow, which specializes in smart indoor gardens and received funding in both 2015 and 2018. Additionally, Y Combinator invested in Thrive Agritech and Beanstalk, both of which are involved in agricultural technology, further showcasing their commitment to supporting innovation in the hydroponics and agritech sectors.


8. 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 its notable transactions, the fund invested in Rise Gardens, which raised $2.6 million in a Seed Round in May 2020, focusing on hydroponic gardening solutions. Additionally, they participated in the Seed Round for Area 2 Farms in December 2023, which is also relevant to innovative agricultural practices. These investments highlight the fund's commitment to supporting advancements in hydroponics and agricultural technology.


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. They aim to support entrepreneurs and businesses in underserved communities by offering flexible capital solutions to help them grow and thrive. Notably, Advantage Capital has been actively involved in the hydroponics farming sector through their investments in Soli Organic, a leader in the hydroponics industry. They have participated in several funding rounds for Soli Organic, including a $120 million venture round in October 2021, a $55 million Series C round in December 2020, and multiple debt financing rounds in previous years. This involvement highlights their commitment to supporting innovative agricultural practices, particularly in the hydroponics space.


10. 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. Notably, 500 Global has invested in hydroponics-related startups such as Hamama, which raised over $3 million in seed funding in 2021 and has previously secured funding in 2018. Additionally, they have invested in Elevarm, which focuses on innovative agricultural solutions, raising significant amounts in multiple seed rounds from 2022 to 2025. These transactions highlight 500 Global's active role in supporting the hydroponics farming sector and its commitment to fostering innovation in agriculture.


11. 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 Sound Agriculture, which raised a total of $75 million in Series D funding in December 2022, and has been involved in earlier rounds as well. Additionally, they participated in the seed funding for Guardian Agriculture, which focuses on innovative agricultural solutions. These transactions highlight Cavallo Ventures' commitment to advancing agricultural technologies, including those that could be applicable to hydroponics farming.


12. Collaborative Fund

  • Website: collabfund.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 29
  • LinkedIn: collaborative-fund

Collaborative Fund is a venture capital firm based in New York, founded in 2010. The firm focuses on backing innovative companies across various sectors, including renewable energy, consumer goods, and health technology. They provide financial support and strategic guidance to entrepreneurs and startups aiming to create positive societal and environmental impacts. Notably, Collaborative Fund has invested in Square Roots, an urban farming incubator that raised $5.4 million in seed funding, with $2 million coming from Collaborative Fund. Additionally, they participated in funding rounds for Hippo Harvest, a controlled environment agriculture startup, which raised significant capital in both Series A and Series B rounds. These transactions highlight Collaborative Fund's commitment to supporting advancements in sustainable agriculture, including hydroponics.


13. Breakthrough Energy


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. In 2024, they participated in 38 investments, including notable transactions in the agritech sector. One significant investment was in Rize, a pioneering agritech platform that raised $14 million in Series A funding. This investment aims to enhance Rize's technology stack and support the improvement of over 7,000 hectares of rice farming across Southeast Asia. This involvement in agritech highlights Breakthrough Energy's commitment to sustainable agricultural practices, which is closely related to hydroponics farming.


14. 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, headquartered in Wayzata, Minnesota. With over 10,000 employees, Cargill provides a wide range of products and services, including animal nutrition, food ingredients, and risk management. They serve various customers, including farmers and food manufacturers, by enhancing food security and sustainability through innovative practices and solutions. Notably, Cargill has been involved in significant transactions within the hydroponics farming context, such as providing up to $145 million in financing to Local Bounti, a company specializing in hydroponic farming. This investment, along with their participation in other agricultural innovations, underscores Cargill's commitment to advancing sustainable farming practices.


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, they have already made 17 investments, showcasing their active role in the venture capital landscape. Notably, they participated in the Seed funding round for Ascribe Bioscience, a startup focused on environmentally-friendly biopesticides, which is relevant to sustainable agricultural practices, including hydroponics. Their investment strategy is designed to be efficient, allowing entrepreneurs to concentrate on business development while addressing pressing agricultural issues.


16. 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 invested in companies like ReEnvision Ag, which raised funds in a pre-seed round, indicating a focus on innovative agricultural solutions. They also invested in Kilimo, which raised $165,000 in a seed round, focusing on water management for agriculture, a critical aspect of hydroponics. Additionally, their involvement with EarthSense, which has received multiple rounds of funding, suggests a commitment to advancing agricultural technology, further solidifying their relevance in the hydroponics farming context.



Hydroponics Farming Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
SosvUnited States (USA)51-2001995170
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)10001+1977597
IndieBioSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)1-10201576
IFC - International Finance CorporationWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)1001-50001956107
AgFunderSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)11-50201320
Plug and Play Tech CenterSunnyvale, California, United States (USA)501-10002006253
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)51-2002023258
Advantage CapitalNew Orleans, Louisiana, United States (USA)51-20019925
500 GlobalSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)201-500201098
Cavallo VenturesSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)1-1020165
Collaborative FundNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-50201029
Breakthrough EnergyKirkland, Washington, United States (USA)51-200201538
CargillWayzata, Minnesota, United States (USA)10001+18657
Ponderosa VenturesNew York, New York, United States (USA)1-10202117
Innova MemphisMemphis, Tennessee, United States (USA)1-1020073


Want to find more investors focusing on the hydroponics farming industry?

If you want to find more investors that are active in the hydroponics farmingindustry, you can do that with Inven. We built this list and analysis throughInven's Investor Search, and there are a lot more private equity, venturecapital, and corporate investors like these globally.

With Inven, you'll also get to know:

  • Deal History: Number of deals and their sizes.
  • Portfolio: Companies they've invested in.
  • Contact data: Key dealmakers, including their emails and phonenumbers.
  • ...and much more!