The potato farming industry in the US is a vital sector that produces millions of tons of potatoes annually, used for fresh consumption, processing, and export. Companies range from small farms to large agribusinesses, each contributing to various output segments such as frozen fries, chips, and dehydrated potatoes. With increasing consumer demand for local and sustainable produce, the industry is embracing technology and innovative farming practices to improve yield and quality. This shift includes precision agriculture and organic farming techniques. Furthermore, with potatoes being a staple food, the industry is positioning itself for growth as health-conscious eating trends rise.


The list includes a mix of 16 investors, ranging from established corporations like Cargill to venture capital firms like Y Combinator, headquartered mostly in major cities such as San Francisco and New York. With sizes from modest teams to large entities, these investors were active in 2024, participating in varying deals that emphasize both agritech and sustainable practices within the agricultural sector. The investors show an interest in the evolving landscape of potato farming, which underscores the synergy between innovative finance and agriculture's steady growth. Founded between 1813 and 2016, these investors bring decades of expertise to the table.


Top 16 Potato Farming Investors in the US


1. 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. It specializes in foodtech and agtech investments, providing funding and consulting services to startups in the food and agriculture sectors. AgFunder aims to help these startups innovate and grow, contributing to the advancement of the agri-food technology landscape. Notable transactions include their participation in funding rounds for companies like Mayani, which focuses on transforming the Philippine rural food value chain, and OlsAro, a Swedish agtech startup. While these companies do not directly relate to potato farming, AgFunder's investment strategy encompasses a wide range of agricultural technologies that could potentially benefit potato 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., the IFC provides investment, advisory, and asset management services to businesses and financial institutions, helping them access capital and expertise to foster economic growth. The IFC operates in over 100 countries, addressing poverty challenges and promoting sustainable development. Notably, the IFC has been involved in several transactions relevant to the agricultural sector, such as a £240 million funding round for Westfalia Fruit, aimed at supporting international growth and sustainable practices in agriculture. Additionally, their investment in Grainpulse, a Ugandan supply chain platform, highlights their commitment to strengthening farmer supply chains, which is crucial for enhancing agricultural productivity, including in potato farming. These transactions demonstrate the IFC's active role in promoting agricultural development, making it a relevant investor in the context of potato farming.


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 specializes in providing 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 diverse portfolio, Y Combinator has made notable investments in the agricultural sector, including Farm Theory, which raised $150,000 in a Pre-Seed round in March 2020, and UrbanKisaan, which secured $1.4 million in a Seed round on the same day. These investments reflect Y Combinator's interest in innovative agricultural solutions, which could extend to potato farming and related technologies. Additionally, their recent investment in Four Growers, which raised $9 million in a Series A round in November 2024, further emphasizes their commitment to supporting agricultural innovation.


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. 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 agriculture, the Government of Canada has been involved in several transactions that support the potato farming industry. Notably, it provided a grant of $4,500,000 to Patates Dolbec in June 2018, which is a significant investment in a potato farming operation. Additionally, in November 2024, the government granted $1,900,000 to Simpson Seeds, further indicating its support for agricultural initiatives related to potatoes. These transactions highlight the government's role in promoting and sustaining the potato farming sector in Canada.


5. 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 involved in several significant transactions, including a $75 million Series D investment in Sound Agriculture, which focuses on enhancing agricultural productivity. Additionally, they have invested in Beta Hatch, an insect farming startup, through multiple funding rounds totaling over $30 million. While these investments are not directly in potato farming, they reflect Cavallo's commitment to advancing agricultural technologies that could benefit various sectors, including potato farming.


6. Ospraie Ag Science


Ospraie Ag Science LLC is an agricultural solutions provider based in Rye, New York, founded in 2018. The firm focuses on sustainable practices to enhance crop yield and profitability for farmers. They invest in innovative agricultural ventures and offer crop protection and health products aimed at reducing environmental impact while improving food quality and efficiency. Notable transactions include investments in CubicFarm Systems, which specializes in indoor agriculture, and Intelligent Growth Solutions, which is developing large-scale farming solutions. Their investment in Freight Farms, which empowers food production through container farms, also reflects their commitment to innovative agricultural practices that could benefit various farming sectors, including potatoes.


7. 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 based in Wayzata, Minnesota, founded in 1865. With over 10,000 employees, Cargill provides a diverse range of products and services, including animal nutrition, food ingredients, and risk management. They serve various customers, including farmers and food manufacturers, with a focus on enhancing food security and sustainability through innovative practices. In recent transactions, Cargill has been involved in financing rounds for companies like Local Bounti, which secured significant funding to enhance food production capabilities. Additionally, Cargill Protein participated in Aleph Farms' funding rounds, indicating their interest in innovative food production technologies. While these transactions do not directly pertain to potato farming, Cargill's overarching mission and their role in the agricultural sector position them as a potential investor in potato farming initiatives.


8. Continental Grain Company


Continental Grain Company, founded in 1813 and based in New York, New York, is a global investor and operator in the food and agribusiness sectors. The company focuses on building businesses that enhance the food supply chain, providing animal feed and poultry products, and investing in food-related enterprises. Their customers include businesses in food production and processing, who rely on them for high-quality ingredients and sustainable practices. Notably, Continental Grain has made strategic investments in companies like Lamb Weston Holdings Inc, where they increased their stake significantly, indicating a strong interest in the potato sector through frozen potato products. Additionally, their involvement in Agroberries and Pivot Bio showcases their broader commitment to agribusiness, although these transactions are less directly related to potato farming. Overall, Continental Grain's diverse investments and focus on food supply chain enhancement position them as a relevant investor in the potato farming industry.


9. Fall Line Capital

  • Website: fall-line-capital.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Mateo, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: fall-line-capital

Fall Line Capital is an investment management company founded in 2011, based in San Mateo, California. The firm specializes in farmland and agricultural technology, focusing on acquiring and managing farmland across the United States. They invest in innovative technology companies that enhance agricultural productivity, catering to farmers and AgTech firms seeking sustainable solutions. Notably, Fall Line Capital has participated in significant funding rounds for companies like Benson Hill, which is known for its food innovation engine, CropOS™, aimed at developing healthier and more sustainable food options. They also invested in Sound Agriculture, which focuses on improving agricultural practices through innovative solutions. These transactions highlight Fall Line Capital's commitment to advancing agricultural technologies that can positively impact various farming sectors, including potato farming.


10. 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, aiming to improve sustainability and operational efficiency for their clients. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Costa Group in 2024, which operates in the fresh produce sector, and the acquisition of Suba Seeds, which may have relevance to seed production in agriculture. Their investment in Advanced Agrilytics also highlights their commitment to agribusiness innovation. While they do not have direct investments in potato farming, their overall focus on the food and agribusiness sectors positions them as a potential investor in related agricultural areas.


11. 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 early-stage investments within the food, agriculture, and ocean sectors. With a focus on sustainability, they provide funding and strategic insights to help companies innovate and tackle critical challenges in these industries. In 2024, they have already made 17 investments, indicating an active engagement in the market. Notable transactions include their participation in the seed funding rounds for Muddy Machines, an AgTech company that develops robotics for crop harvesting, which could be relevant for potato farming. They also participated in the funding for CarbonFarm Technology, which focuses on sustainable farming practices, although specifically for rice. Their diverse investment portfolio suggests a broad interest in agricultural innovations that could extend to potato farming.


12. Finistere Ventures

  • Website: finistere.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Palo Alto, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: finistereventures

Finistere Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Palo Alto, California, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in agricultural technology, investing in innovative agritech startups that aim to enhance sustainability and efficiency in farming practices. Their portfolio includes companies like ZeaKal, which focuses on plant science and has demonstrated significant increases in crop yield and oil content, suggesting a commitment to improving agricultural outputs. Additionally, their investment in TeleSense, which aims to strengthen global sales channels and enhance data science in agriculture, further illustrates their dedication to advancing agricultural technologies. Although their transactions do not explicitly mention potato farming, their overarching focus on agritech positions them as a relevant player in the agricultural sector.


13. iSelect Fund

  • Website: iselectfund.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: St. Louis, Missouri, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2013
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: iselect-fund

iSelect Fund is a venture capital firm based in St. Louis, Missouri, founded in 2013. The firm specializes in investing in companies that address critical global issues in agriculture, healthcare, and resource efficiency. iSelect Fund provides accredited investors with access to high-growth startup investments, focusing on innovative solutions that improve food and health outcomes. Notably, iSelect Fund has been involved in multiple funding rounds for Benson Hill, a company that utilizes nature’s genetic diversity to develop healthier and more sustainable food options. Their investments in Benson Hill include a Seed Round in 2014, Series B in 2017, and multiple Series C and D rounds from 2018 to 2020, totaling over $200 million. This involvement highlights their commitment to advancing agricultural innovation, which is relevant to the potato farming industry.


14. Middleland Capital


Middleland Capital is a venture capital firm based in Washington, D.C., founded in 2011. The firm specializes in investments in innovative foodtech and agtech companies, aiming to catalyze change in the food system by providing capital and strategic support to businesses that enhance sustainability and health in food production and distribution. Their portfolio includes notable companies such as Soli Organic, which raised significant funding rounds, and Benson Hill, which focuses on agricultural technology. Middleland Capital led a $7.3 million investment in Benson Hill's Series A round, which is aimed at advancing agricultural platforms and supporting field trials, indicating their commitment to fostering innovation in the agricultural sector. This focus on agtech positions them as a potential investor in the potato farming industry, as advancements in agricultural technology can directly impact potato production and sustainability.


15. Bunge

  • Website: bunge.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Chesterfield, Missouri, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1818
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: bunge

Bunge Global SA is an agribusiness company founded in 1818, headquartered in Chesterfield, Missouri, USA. With over 10,000 employees, Bunge specializes in food processing, grain trading, and fertilizer production, connecting farmers to consumers and providing essential food, feed, and fuel products. Their recent transactions include significant investments in agricultural startups and companies, such as Covercress, which focuses on sustainable agriculture, and SEEDCORP|HO, where Bunge acquired a stake to enhance agricultural solutions in Brazil. These activities demonstrate Bunge's commitment to advancing agricultural practices, which could encompass potato farming as part of their broader agricultural investment strategy.


16. 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. In recent years, Advantage Capital has been involved in significant transactions within the agribusiness sector, notably with Soli Organic, which raised substantial funds through various rounds of financing, including a $120 million venture round in October 2021 and a $55 million Series C in December 2020. These transactions highlight their active role in supporting agricultural ventures, which aligns with the interests of potato farming investors.



Potato Farming Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
AgFunderSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)11-50201320
IFC - International Finance CorporationWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)1001-50001956107
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
Government of CanadaCanada, Kentucky, United States (USA)10001+1999137
Cavallo VenturesSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)1-1020165
Ospraie Ag ScienceRye, New York, United States (USA)11-5020184
CargillWayzata, Minnesota, United States (USA)10001+18657
Continental Grain CompanyNew York, New York, United States (USA)51-20018133
Fall Line CapitalSan Mateo, California, United States (USA)11-5020115
Paine Schwartz PartnersNew York, New York, United States (USA)51-20019972
Ponderosa VenturesNew York, New York, United States (USA)1-10202117
Finistere VenturesPalo Alto, California, United States (USA)1-1020052
iSelect FundSt. Louis, Missouri, United States (USA)11-5020133
Middleland CapitalWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)1-1020110
BungeChesterfield, Missouri, United States (USA)10001+18183
Advantage CapitalNew Orleans, Louisiana, United States (USA)51-20019925


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