The berry farming industry in the US thrives with a range of companies dedicated to producing popular fruits such as blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries. These farms, many operating on a small to medium scale, focus on sustainable practices and innovative methods to enhance yields and quality. With a rise in consumer demand for healthy produce, the industry is exploring advanced technologies such as vertical farming and precision agriculture. As health-conscious trends continue to strengthen, berry production is expected to grow, fostering opportunities for both traditional farming and tech-driven agricultural startups. The sector shows promising growth potential driven by evolving consumer preferences.


The list of berry farming investors comprises a mix of venture capital firms and private equity players, primarily located in urban hubs like San Francisco and New York. Ranging from newly established firms, such as Deep Tech Fund in 2023, to veteran organizations like Cargill, founded in 1865, these investors vary in size from small teams to large corporate entities. The deal counts for 2024 highlight active participation, with investors making impactful contributions, such as Y Combinator's 802 investments. In total, these investors are shaping the funding landscape for berry farming in the US.


Top 18 Berry 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, Sosv has invested in Beeflow, a company that has developed pollination technologies aimed at improving crop yields and reducing bee mortality rates. This investment, along with others in the agricultural sector, highlights Sosv's commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity, which is essential for berry farming. In addition to Beeflow, Sosv has also participated in funding rounds for Nat4Bio, which may have applications in agricultural biotechnology, further demonstrating their engagement in sectors that can benefit berry farming.


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, 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 and promoting sustainable development. Among its notable transactions, IFC has invested in Westfalia Fruit, providing a £240 million funding round aimed at supporting international growth and meeting rising demand in the agriculture sector. Additionally, IFC's investment in Zalar Agri, a major agricultural company in Morocco, includes financing for expanding fruit tree operations, which aligns with berry farming interests. These transactions highlight IFC's active role in the agricultural sector, particularly in fruit production, making it a relevant investor in the berry farming context.


3. 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 is known for its commitment to helping innovative companies grow and succeed in the agri-food technology landscape. Notable transactions include their investment in Intelligent Growth Solutions, which focuses on vertical farming technologies that could be applicable to berry farming. They also led a seed funding round for Mayani, a startup aimed at transforming the agri-fisheries sector in the Philippines, showcasing their interest in innovative agricultural solutions. Through their GROW Impact Fund, AgFunder continues to support startups that may have relevance to various agricultural sectors, including berry farming.


4. 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 in sectors like climate and food. Notably, IndieBio has been involved in several transactions that are relevant to agriculture, such as their investments in Beeflow, a company that has developed pollination technologies aimed at improving crop yields and reducing bee mortality rates. Beeflow's Series A financing round, which IndieBio participated in, raised $8.3 million and highlights the firm's commitment to supporting innovative solutions in agriculture. Additionally, IndieBio has invested in Nat4Bio, which, while not directly related to berry farming, indicates their broader interest in agricultural biotechnology.


5. 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 alone, they have made 253 investments, showcasing their active role in the venture capital landscape. Notably, they have invested in Babylon Micro-Farms, which raised $2.3 million in a seed round, indicating their interest in agricultural technology. This aligns with the growing trend of integrating technology into farming practices, which is relevant to the berry farming industry. Additionally, their involvement in other agri-fisheries startups like Mayani further demonstrates their engagement in sectors that could relate to berry farming, making them a potential investor in this space.


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 specializes in providing funding and mentorship to early-stage technology companies, having successfully launched over 4,000 startups. 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, focusing on innovative farming solutions. Additionally, their investment in Click & Grow, a company that produces smart indoor gardens, highlights their interest in sustainable and efficient gardening practices. These transactions reflect Y Combinator's commitment to supporting ventures that could enhance agricultural productivity, including berry farming.


7. 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. In recent years, 500 Global has made several notable investments in the agricultural technology sector, including EZ Farming, a Nigerian startup that connects smallholder farmers to microlenders and produce buyers globally. This investment reflects their commitment to supporting innovative solutions in agriculture, which could extend to berry farming. Other investments include Hamama and Glife Technologies, which, while not directly related to berry farming, indicate a broader interest in agricultural innovation.


8. 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 significant transactions within the agribusiness sector, including multiple funding rounds for Soli Organic, a company that raised substantial amounts of capital (including $120 million in a venture round in 2021 and $55 million in a Series C round in 2020). Their ongoing support for Soli Organic, which is engaged in organic farming, highlights their commitment to the agricultural industry, making them a relevant player in the berry farming context.


9. 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. Their investment strategy integrates environmental, social, and governance factors, making them a forward-thinking player in the industry. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Costa Group in 2024, which is involved in the production of various fruits, and the creation of BLOOM FRESH International through the acquisition of International Fruit Genetics, a company focused on table grape and cherry genetics. These transactions highlight their active role in sectors that are closely related to berry farming, showcasing their commitment to sustainable agricultural practices.


10. 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 substantial amounts in Series B, C, and D funding rounds, indicating a strong interest in agricultural innovation. Their involvement in these transactions highlights their commitment to enhancing productivity and sustainability in agriculture, which could include advancements relevant to berry farming.


11. 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 diverse range of products and services, including animal nutrition, food ingredients, and risk management. They are committed to enhancing food security and sustainability through innovative practices. Recently, Cargill has been involved in significant transactions such as providing up to $145 million in financing to Local Bounti, a company focused on sustainable agriculture, which may include berry farming practices. Their previous investments in Local Bounti also include substantial debt financing, indicating a strong commitment to supporting agricultural innovation. Additionally, Cargill's participation in funding rounds for companies like Calysta, which focuses on sustainable feed solutions, showcases their broader interest in sustainable agricultural practices that could intersect with berry farming.


12. 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, New York, founded in 2021. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage companies within the food, agriculture, and ocean sectors, providing both 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. Notable transactions include their participation in funding rounds for Ascribe Bioscience, which focuses on environmentally-friendly biopesticides, and Muddy Machines, an AgTech company developing technology for crop harvesting. These investments highlight their commitment to advancing agricultural practices, which could extend to berry farming as they continue to explore opportunities in the 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

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 farming solutions, and Rise Gardens in May 2020, which raised $2.6 million to promote sustainable home gardening. These investments reflect the fund's interest in agricultural technology and sustainable food production, relevant to the berry farming industry.


14. Ospraie Ag Science


Ospraie Ag Science LLC is a venture capital firm based in Rye, New York, founded in 2018. The firm specializes in agricultural solutions that prioritize sustainable practices to enhance crop yield and profitability for farmers. Ospraie Ag Science invests in innovative agricultural ventures and offers crop protection and health products aimed at reducing environmental impact while improving food quality and efficiency. Notable transactions include leading a $8.3 million Series A financing round for Beeflow, a company focused on pollination technologies that can improve crop yields, which is particularly relevant for berry farming. Additionally, they have invested in Freight Farms, a company that empowers individuals to grow food in container farms, showcasing their commitment to innovative agricultural practices that could also benefit berry farmers. Their investment in CubicFarm Systems further emphasizes their focus on enhancing agricultural productivity through technology.


15. 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 focused on sustainability and health in food production and distribution. Their portfolio includes notable investments such as AeroFarms, which raised $20 million in a Series B round, and Soli Organic, which raised $120 million in a venture round in 2021, as well as an earlier investment of $8 million in the same company in 2015. Additionally, they participated in a $12 million investment in a certified organic herbs producer, indicating their interest in organic and sustainable agricultural practices. These transactions reflect their commitment to driving positive impact in the food sector, which can extend to berry farming through innovative agricultural technologies and practices.


16. 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 been involved in significant transactions such as the funding rounds for Benson Hill, a company that develops sustainable food and ingredient options, which could have implications for berry farming. They also acquired Greenlight Biosciences, a company that focuses on sustainable agricultural solutions, further demonstrating their commitment to enhancing agricultural practices. These activities position Fall Line Capital as a relevant player in the agricultural investment landscape, including berry farming.


17. 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. With a focus on innovative solutions that improve food and health outcomes, iSelect Fund provides accredited investors access to high-growth startup investments. Notably, iSelect Fund has been involved in multiple funding rounds for Benson Hill, a company that develops sustainable food and ingredient options through its CropOS™ platform. Benson Hill's focus on utilizing nature's genetic diversity aligns with the goals of improving agricultural practices, which could encompass berry farming. The firm operates through a network of industry experts and emphasizes a transparent investment process, making it a strategic player in the agricultural investment landscape.


18. Continental Grain Company


Continental Grain Company is a global investor and operator in the food and agribusiness sectors, founded in 1813 and based in New York, New York. 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 Company has invested in Agroberries, a venture that raised funds in January 2022, indicating their engagement in the berry farming sector. This investment reflects their strategy of supporting companies that contribute to the food supply chain, including those involved in berry production.



Berry 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
AgFunderSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)11-50201320
IndieBioSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)1-10201576
Plug and Play Tech CenterSunnyvale, California, United States (USA)501-10002006253
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
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
Cavallo VenturesSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)1-1020165
CargillWayzata, Minnesota, United States (USA)10001+18657
Ponderosa VenturesNew York, New York, United States (USA)1-10202117
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)51-2002023258
Ospraie Ag ScienceRye, New York, United States (USA)11-5020184
Middleland CapitalWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)1-1020110
Fall Line CapitalSan Mateo, California, United States (USA)11-5020115
iSelect FundSt. Louis, Missouri, United States (USA)11-5020133
Continental Grain CompanyNew York, New York, United States (USA)51-20018133


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