The agribusiness industry in the US plays a vital role in feeding the population and facilitating economic growth. It includes a variety of players such as farmers, food processors, distributors, and biotechnology firms, all working together to cultivate, process, and deliver agricultural products. With an increasing focus on sustainability, the sector is integrating technology to enhance efficiency and productivity. Innovations like precision agriculture and climate-resilient crops are becoming commonplace. The industry is expected to evolve with an emphasis on health-conscious and environmentally friendly solutions, responding to consumer demands and global challenges.

This article highlights 17 prominent agribusiness investors actively shaping the industry landscape in 2024. With a mix of corporate entities and venture capital firms headquartered in locations like California, Kentucky, and Missouri, these investors vary in size and focus. From major corporations like Cargill and ADM, with thousands of employees and extensive reach, to dynamic venture funds such as Plug and Play Tech Center, making numerous strategic investments, the list captures a significant breadth of engagement in agritech and food production.

Top 17 Agribusiness 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. The firm provides venture capital investment and resources to help startups grow and succeed in various sectors, including health and climate technology. Notably, Sosv has been active in the agribusiness sector, with investments in companies such as Earnest Agriculture, which raised $1.5 million in a Pre-Seed round in January 2024, and Nat4Bio, which secured $275,000 in a Pre-Seed round in February 2022, followed by another $250,000 in July 2022. Additionally, they invested in ClimateCrop, which raised funds in a Seed round in April 2024. These transactions highlight Sosv's engagement in agribusiness innovation, particularly in areas that intersect with climate and sustainability.

2. 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 actively involved in the agribusiness landscape, as evidenced by their participation in significant funding rounds for various agri-tech startups. For instance, they were part of the seed funding round for Eratani, an Indonesia-based agri-tech startup that raised $3.8 million to enhance farming management programs. Additionally, AgFunder participated in the Series A funding for FieldIn, an American-Israeli AgTech startup, which raised $12 million. Their commitment to publishing industry news and research also contributes to the knowledge base of the agri-food technology landscape, further emphasizing their relevance in the agribusiness sector.

3. 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 founded in 1956, based in Washington, D.C. It focuses on private sector development in emerging markets by providing investment, advisory, and asset management services to businesses and financial institutions. IFC operates in over 100 countries, addressing poverty and promoting sustainable development. Among its notable transactions in the agribusiness sector, IFC invested $11 million in Grainpulse, a Ugandan supply chain platform for farmers, to strengthen its operations and expand its reach from 36,000 to over 300,000 farmers. Additionally, IFC has engaged with Grupo Los Grobo, raising $100 million in a private equity round, and OLAM International, providing $176 million in post-IPO debt, showcasing its active role in financing agribusiness initiatives.

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 agribusiness context, the Government of Canada has been involved in several significant transactions, primarily through grants aimed at fostering innovation and sustainability in agriculture. Notable transactions include a grant of $859,833 to Agrilait, $2,500,000 to the Global Institute for Food Security, and $1,900,000 to Simpson Seeds. These investments reflect the government's commitment to enhancing food security and supporting agricultural research and development, thereby playing a crucial role in the agribusiness sector.

5. 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 such as climate and food. In 2024, IndieBio was notably active, with 76 investments, including significant funding for agribusiness-related companies. For instance, they invested $1.5 million in Earnest Agriculture in January 2024, which focuses on agricultural solutions. Additionally, they have supported ClimateCrop, a company that raised funds in both 2022 and 2024, indicating a commitment to advancing agricultural technologies. Their portfolio includes multiple pre-seed and seed rounds for companies like Nat4Bio, which also contribute to agricultural innovation.

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 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 significant investments in the agribusiness sector, including ThriveAgric, which raised $150,000 in a seed round in March 2019, and Boost Biomes, a U.S. agbiotech startup that received funding in a Series A round, which included Y Combinator as an investor. Other notable investments include Entocycle, which raised $3 million in a seed round in December 2018, and Verde, which secured $125,000 in a pre-seed round in August 2021. These transactions highlight Y Combinator's engagement in agritech and its commitment to fostering innovation in the agribusiness industry.

7. 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 2024, they have made 253 investments, showcasing their active role in the venture capital landscape. Notably, they have invested in agribusiness startups such as Mayani, a Philippine agri-fisheries startup that raised funds to transform the rural food value chain, and Agribody Technologies, Inc., which focuses on agricultural innovations. These transactions highlight Plug and Play's engagement in the agribusiness sector, alongside their broader technology investment strategy.

8. 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 Clean Crop Technologies, which raised $2.75 million in a Seed Round in June 2020 and later secured $6 million in Series A funding in December 2021. This company is focused on developing sustainable agricultural solutions, highlighting Innova Memphis's commitment to agribusiness. Other investments include Nexyst360 and Phinite, which, while not directly agribusiness-related, showcase their broader interest in innovative technologies that could intersect with agricultural applications.

9. 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 AgroSpheres, which raised $22 million in a Series B financing round aimed at accelerating product commercialization and expanding manufacturing capacity for their AgriCell platform technology. Additionally, they were involved in AgroSpheres' earlier funding rounds, including a $4 million Series A round for the development of a novel pesticide delivery system using nano-technology. Their focus on agribusiness solutions and their active investment in relevant companies underscore their commitment to enhancing productivity and sustainability in the agricultural sector.

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. Among their notable transactions, 500 Global has invested in agribusiness startups such as ThriveAgric, which raised $150,000 in a seed round in October 2018, and ProducePay, which secured $1,400,000 in a seed round in June 2015. Additionally, they have invested in Elevarm, which has raised significant amounts in multiple seed rounds from 2022 to 2025. These investments highlight 500 Global's engagement in the agribusiness sector, supporting innovative solutions that enhance agricultural practices and supply chains.

11. 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 while investing in innovative technology companies that enhance agricultural productivity. Notably, Fall Line Capital has been involved in several significant transactions in the agribusiness sector, including multiple funding rounds for Benson Hill, a company that develops sustainable food and ingredient options through its CropOS™ platform. Additionally, they are in the process of acquiring Greenlight Biosciences, a firm that focuses on sustainable agricultural solutions, further demonstrating their commitment to advancing the agribusiness industry. Their clientele includes farmers and AgTech firms seeking sustainable solutions and investment opportunities, highlighting their active role in the agribusiness ecosystem.

12. Ospraie Ag Science

• Website: ospraieagscience.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Rye, New York, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2018
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 4
• LinkedIn: ospraie-ag-science

Ospraie Ag Science LLC is a venture capital firm based in Rye, New York, founded in 2018. The firm is dedicated to providing agricultural solutions that focus on sustainable practices aimed at enhancing crop yield and profitability for farmers. Ospraie Ag Science invests in innovative agricultural ventures and offers products related to crop protection and health, with a mission to reduce environmental impact while improving food quality and efficiency. Notable transactions include leading a Series B funding round for Terramera, a Vancouver Agtech startup, which raised a total of $64.1 million CAD to scale its technology solutions. They also participated in a $30 million private placement for Marrone Bio Innovations, converting debt into equity, and invested in Plant Health Care through a post-IPO equity transaction. In 2024, they continued their active investment strategy by participating in a Series A funding round for 5Metis, further demonstrating their commitment to the agribusiness 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 high-growth startups that tackle critical global issues, particularly in agriculture, healthcare, and resource efficiency. iSelect Fund provides accredited investors with access to innovative solutions that enhance food and health outcomes. A significant portion of their investment activity has been directed towards Benson Hill, a company focused on food innovation through its CropOS™ platform, which utilizes nature’s genetic diversity to create healthier and more sustainable food options. iSelect Fund participated in several funding rounds for Benson Hill, including a Seed Round in 2014, Series B in 2017, and multiple Series C and D rounds from 2018 to 2020, collectively raising over $250 million. This track record highlights iSelect Fund's active role in the agribusiness sector and its commitment to advancing sustainable agricultural practices.

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 and 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. Cargill has been actively investing in the agribusiness sector, participating in significant funding rounds such as Innovafeed's $250 million Series D round, aimed at increasing production capacity for insect protein. They also invested in Bushel, a digital platform that connects farmers and agribusinesses, contributing to both a $26 million funding round and a $47 million Series B round. Additionally, Cargill has supported Calysta, a company focused on sustainable fish and livestock feed, in their $40 million Series D funding round. These transactions highlight Cargill's strategic focus on innovation and sustainability within the agribusiness industry.

15. 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 prominent 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 diverse range of ingredients and solutions to food and beverage manufacturers, animal feed producers, and pet food companies. The company is committed to sustainability and innovation in nutrition. Notable transactions include the acquisition of PT Trout Nutrition Indonesia, a leading premix manufacturer, aimed at strengthening its premix and feed additives business. Additionally, ADM's acquisition of the French animal nutrition firm Neovia for €1.5 billion underscores its focus on enhancing its animal nutrition business. ADM also participated in the Series G funding round for Farmers Business Network, which aims to accelerate growth in agribusiness technology and services, and in the Series D funding for Innovafeed, a company specializing in insect protein, further demonstrating its active role in agribusiness innovation.

16. Middleland Capital

• Website: middlelandcapital.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2011
• Headcount: 1-10
• LinkedIn: 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, focusing on catalyzing change in the food system by providing capital and strategic support to businesses that aim to improve sustainability and health in food production and distribution. Their portfolio includes leading companies in the sector, reflecting their commitment to driving positive impact. Notable transactions include a $25 million Series B investment in Benson Hill, which focuses on sustainable agriculture, and a $20 million Series B investment in AeroFarms, a leader in vertical farming technology. Additionally, Middleland Capital participated in funding rounds for ZeaKal, a biotech startup that aims to enhance crop production through innovative technology. These investments highlight Middleland Capital's active engagement in the agribusiness industry and their dedication to supporting advancements in food production and sustainability.

17. Paine Schwartz Partners

• Website: paineschwartz.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1997
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn: 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, integrating environmental, social, and governance factors into its investment strategies. Notable transactions include the acquisition of AgroFresh for $158 million in November 2022, which aims to improve the company's balance sheet and operational efficiency. In August 2023, Paine Schwartz partnered with AMFRESH Group and EQT Future to acquire International Fruit Genetics, creating BLOOM FRESH International, a global breeding entity focused on table grape and cherry genetics. Additionally, they acquired Costa Group in February 2024, further solidifying their presence in the agribusiness sector. These transactions highlight Paine Schwartz's commitment to investing in and enhancing the sustainability and efficiency of the agribusiness industry.

Agribusiness Insights: Key Investors in the US

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