The irrigation equipment industry in the US focuses on technologies that manage water resources for crop production. Companies range from large manufacturers to startups, offering products like pumps, drip systems, and smart irrigation technologies. This proactive industry works continually to enhance efficiency and reduce water waste amid growing demands for sustainable farming practices. The focus on climate resilience and precision farming is changing the game, driving innovation and adoption of smarter systems. With advancements in automation and IoT, the industry is poised for exponential growth, making it essential for future agricultural success.


The investors featured here represent a mix of venture capital firms, corporate entities, and private equity investors concentrated along the West Coast and South. Ranging from small teams to large corporations, their founding years extend from 1908 to 2023, with notable activity in 2024's investment rounds. Despite varied sizes, all these investors demonstrate significant interest in agritech, particularly irrigation equipment, making strides to fund innovative solutions to meet increasing agricultural demands.


Top 17 Irrigation Equipment Investors in the US


1. 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 primarily in the technology sector. In recent years, they have been involved in several transactions that highlight their interest in agricultural technology and water management. For instance, they participated in a $2.3 million seed round for Babylon Micro-Farms, a company that develops solutions for sustainable farming, and they have also invested significantly in KETOS, which raised $10 million in a private equity round and focuses on water quality and management solutions. These investments demonstrate their commitment to supporting innovations that can enhance irrigation and water management practices.


2. 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, Y Combinator has backed companies like Valor Water Analytics, which raised $120,000 in a Seed Round in 2014, focusing on water analytics and management, and UrbanKisaan, which raised $1.4 million in a Seed Round in 2020, involved in urban agriculture solutions. Additionally, they invested in Four Growers, which raised $9 million in a Series A round in 2024, indicating a focus on innovative agricultural technologies. These transactions highlight Y Combinator's engagement in the irrigation and agricultural technology sectors, reinforcing its relevance as an investor in irrigation equipment.


3. 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. Advantage Capital aims to support entrepreneurs and businesses in underserved communities by offering flexible capital solutions to help them grow and thrive. Notably, they have been involved in several funding rounds for Hortau, a provider of precision irrigation management services for commercial agriculture. Their investments in Hortau include a $20 million equity funding round in 2019, a $7 million venture round in 2018, and additional funding in earlier years, highlighting their active role in the irrigation equipment sector.


4. Alamo Group Inc.

  • Website: alamo-group.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Seguin, Texas, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1969
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • LinkedIn: alamo-group

Alamo Group Inc. is a corporate investor based in Seguin, Texas, specializing in manufacturing industrial and vegetation management equipment. Founded in 1969, the company has a workforce of 1001-5000 employees and has been actively involved in various acquisitions to enhance its market presence. Notably, Alamo Group has made significant strides in the agricultural equipment sector, including the acquisition of Kellands Agricultural Ltd, which allows them to enter the agricultural self-propelled sprayer market. This move is particularly relevant to irrigation as sprayers are essential for effective water management in agriculture. Additionally, their acquisition of Santa Izabel Agro Industria Ltda. in Brazil further emphasizes their commitment to the agricultural market, which is crucial for irrigation practices. Other acquisitions, such as Bush Hog and Dutch Power Company, also reflect their strategy to diversify and strengthen their position in the agricultural equipment industry.


5. 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 provides a wide range of products and services aimed at enhancing operational efficiency for its clients. In recent years, DXP has made significant strides in the water and wastewater industry, acquiring companies such as Hartwell Environmental Corporation, which focuses on water management solutions, and Hennesy Mechanical Sales, a representative in the municipal water and wastewater treatment market. These acquisitions are part of DXP's strategy to bolster its DXP Water platform and enhance its aftermarket and service capabilities, demonstrating a clear commitment to the water sector, which is integral to irrigation equipment.


6. 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, that focuses on empowering early-stage startups primarily in the Biosciences, Technology, and AgTech sectors. The firm provides 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 been involved in several transactions relevant to the irrigation equipment context. For instance, they invested in Kilimo, a company that raised $165,000 in a seed round aimed at improving irrigation efficiency. Additionally, they participated in funding rounds for Rantizo, a company that has developed innovative aerial application technology for agriculture, raising over $6 million in a Series A round. This involvement in AgTech and irrigation-related startups highlights Innova Memphis's commitment to advancing agricultural technologies, making them a significant player in the irrigation equipment investment landscape.


7. Northstar Capital

  • Website: northstarcapital.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1993
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: northstar-capital

Northstar Capital is a private equity investment management firm based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, founded in 1993. The firm specializes in junior capital investments and equity co-investments for lower middle market companies, providing tailored financing solutions to financial sponsors, business owners, and management teams across various industries, including healthcare and consumer goods. Since its inception, Northstar Capital has raised nearly $2 billion in capital. Notably, they have made investments in companies such as Columbus Hydraulics, where they invested $15 million in total, indicating a strong interest in hydraulic solutions that could be applicable to irrigation equipment. Additionally, their involvement with IronCraft, which raised funds in both debt and equity rounds, suggests a broader interest in companies that may serve the agricultural sector, including irrigation. These transactions highlight Northstar Capital's potential relevance to the irrigation equipment industry.


8. 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 that develop innovative solutions in sustainability, climate, and health. Notably, HAX has invested in companies like Tensorfield Agriculture, which raised funds in 2024 and 2025, indicating a focus on agricultural technologies that may include irrigation solutions. Their portfolio also includes Drip.ai and Forward Robotics, which, while not directly related to irrigation, reflect their commitment to innovative tech solutions that could intersect with agricultural practices.


9. Franklin Electric


Franklin Electric Co., Inc. is a corporate investor based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, specializing in water and energy management systems. Founded in 1958, the company has established itself as a key player in the manufacturing and distribution of pumps, motors, and controls for a variety of applications across residential, commercial, agricultural, and industrial sectors. Franklin Electric's global operations reflect a commitment to quality and innovation. Notably, the company has made several strategic acquisitions to bolster its position in the water systems market, including the acquisition of Industrias Rotor Pump SA, an Argentinian provider of water pumping equipment, which enhances their capabilities in agricultural irrigation. Additionally, their acquisition of Ýmpo Motor Pompa Sanayi, which specializes in groundwater pumping systems, further solidifies their relevance in the irrigation equipment sector. Other acquisitions, such as Pluga Pumps and Motors and Little Giant Pump Company, also contribute to their extensive portfolio in water transfer and pumping solutions, making them a significant player in the irrigation equipment industry.


10. John Deere

  • Website: deere.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Moline, Illinois, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1837
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: john-deere

Deere & Company, commonly known as John Deere, is a leading machinery manufacturer based in Moline, Illinois, specializing in agricultural, construction, and lawn care equipment. Founded in 1837, the company has a long history of innovation and service in the machinery sector. In recent years, John Deere has made strategic acquisitions to enhance its agricultural equipment offerings, particularly in the irrigation space. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Hagie Manufacturing Co. in 2016, which focuses on sprayers, and PLA, a manufacturer of sprayers and planters in Argentina, acquired in 2018. Additionally, the acquisition of Mazzotti, an Italian sprayer manufacturer, further solidifies John Deere's commitment to expanding its irrigation equipment portfolio. These acquisitions demonstrate John Deere's active role in the irrigation equipment industry, catering to the needs of farmers and agricultural firms.


11. MassVentures

  • Website: mass-ventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Waltham, Massachusetts, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1978
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 28
  • LinkedIn: massventures

MassVentures is a venture studio based in Waltham, Massachusetts, founded in 1978. It supports early-stage companies, particularly those focused on deep tech innovation, by providing a range of funding options, including venture capital and grants, as well as business guidance and accelerator programs. Among its notable transactions, MassVentures has invested in Harvest Automation, which raised multiple rounds of funding (Series A, B, and C) to develop its robotic systems for commercial nurseries and greenhouses. This involvement highlights MassVentures' interest in agricultural technology, particularly in automation that can enhance irrigation practices. Additionally, MassVentures has participated in grant funding for other startups, although these are less directly related to irrigation equipment.


12. AGCO Corporation

  • Website: agcocorp.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Duluth, Georgia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1990
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: agco-corporation

AGCO Corporation, founded in 1990 and based in Duluth, Georgia, is a leading agricultural machinery manufacturer that designs, produces, and sells a wide range of equipment, including tractors, combine harvesters, and smart farming technologies. The company serves farmers and agricultural businesses, providing solutions that enhance productivity and sustainability in farming operations. Notably, AGCO has made significant acquisitions such as Precision Planting, which focuses on precision agriculture technologies that can improve irrigation efficiency. They also acquired Cimbria, a company specializing in seed and grain processing, which can indirectly relate to irrigation through improved crop management. Furthermore, AGCO's participation in funding rounds for companies like Greeneye Technology highlights their commitment to advancing agricultural technologies, including those that may enhance irrigation practices. Overall, AGCO's diverse portfolio and strategic acquisitions position them as a relevant investor in the irrigation equipment sector.


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

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. Notably, the fund has participated in significant transactions within the agricultural technology sector, including investments in Arable, a leader in field intelligence for agriculture, which raised $40 million in Series C financing to enhance climate resilience in agriculture. Additionally, they invested in FarmWise, an agricultural automation startup that raised $45 million in Series B funding for its AI-powered farm equipment, including weeding robots. These investments highlight the fund's commitment to advancing technologies that can improve agricultural practices, including irrigation efficiency.


14. 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, helping them access capital and expertise to foster economic growth. IFC operates in over 100 countries, addressing challenges of poverty and promoting sustainable development. Notably, IFC has made significant investments in the agricultural sector, including a Rs 300 crore investment in Crystal Crop Protection for its expansion plans, which may indirectly support irrigation practices. Additionally, IFC led a $30 million Series B funding round for SeeTree, an AgTech company that utilizes AI to enhance agricultural productivity, potentially impacting irrigation efficiency. Their investment in WaterSec, which raised $100,000 in a seed round, further emphasizes their commitment to water-related solutions, making them a relevant player in the irrigation equipment context.


15. 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 is dedicated to impact investing, aiming to tackle global water challenges by providing capital and strategic support to innovative startups in the water sector. Notably, Echo River Capital participated in the Seed Financing round for Irrigreen, a company known for its robotic irrigation systems, which raised $15 million in March 2023. They also invested in AgMonitor and Kairospace Technologies, both of which are involved in water management solutions. Their investment strategy focuses on companies that enhance water sustainability, making them a key player in the irrigation equipment landscape.


16. 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 weeding solutions that can be integral to irrigation practices. They also invested in Verdant Robotics, which is involved in agricultural automation, further emphasizing their commitment to enhancing productivity in farming. Their portfolio includes Guardian Agriculture and Agtonomy, both of which are working on innovative solutions that could impact irrigation and agricultural efficiency. Overall, Cavallo Ventures is dedicated to supporting advancements in agriculture, making them a relevant player in the irrigation equipment industry.


17. 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. With a focus on innovative startups, 500 Global has made significant investments across various sectors. Notably, they participated in the funding of Valor Water Analytics, a company that provides a water loss and efficiency analytics platform, which is crucial for improving irrigation practices. Additionally, they have invested in other companies like Earthgen Technology and eFishery, which may also have applications in the agricultural and irrigation sectors. Their diverse portfolio and interest in water-related technologies suggest a potential alignment with the irrigation equipment industry.



Irrigation Equipment Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Plug and Play Tech CenterSunnyvale, California, United States (USA)501-10002006253
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
Advantage CapitalNew Orleans, Louisiana, United States (USA)51-20019925
Alamo Group Inc.Seguin, Texas, United States (USA)1001-500019690
DXP Enterprises, Inc.Houston, Texas, United States (USA)1001-500019086
Innova MemphisMemphis, Tennessee, United States (USA)1-1020073
Northstar CapitalMinneapolis, Minnesota, United States (USA)11-5019931
HaxSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)11-50201255
Franklin ElectricFort Wayne, Indiana, United States (USA)5001-1000019580
John DeereMoline, Illinois, United States (USA)10001+18375
MassVenturesWaltham, Massachusetts, United States (USA)1-10197828
AGCO CorporationDuluth, Georgia, United States (USA)10001+19900
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)51-2002023258
IFC - International Finance CorporationWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)1001-50001956107
Echo River CapitalSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)1-1020225
Cavallo VenturesSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)1-1020165
500 GlobalSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)201-500201098


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