Marcus Richards
With the global population projected to reach 10 billion by 2050, sustainable farming and food production are more vital than ever. AgTech startups are at the forefront of this revolution, employing cutting-edge technology to rejuvenate and modernize the agriculture industry. This article will profile ten stellar California-based AgTech startups, each launched in 2020 or later, that are making significant strides in transforming how we grow, produce, and distribute food.
These innovators are using technology to tackle some of the biggest problems facing the agriculture sector – from plant genetics to vertical farming, sustainable food processing, and supply chain management. California, having a rich history in agriculture and a thriving tech ecosystem, is the perfect location for these startups to harness the enormous potential that technology has for farming.
Founded amid the challenges of a global pandemic, these ten startups show resilience and innovation in their approaches to transforming different agricultural sub-sectors. Let’s get acquainted with them.
Unfold
Unfold, based in Sacramento, utilizes innovative vegetable varieties and leading seed genetics to enhance vertical farming’s productivity and consumer appeal. This AgTech startup’s focus includes elevating flavor and other consumer preferences. Connect with Unfold on LinkedIn and Twitter.
MyFloraDNA
MyFloraDNA operates a DNA plant lab in Woodland, providing genetic information to breeders about their seeds in real time. Using biotechnology, genomics, and knowledge engineering, this startup is bringing revolutionizing the agricultural sector. Find out more on their Facebook and LinkedIn pages.
Agravitae
Agravitae, founded by Kenneth Owen and located in Tustin, sells beauty products via their agritech platform. Offering plant-based nutrients in graviola infused products, Agravitae serves customers interested in plant-based skincare. Follow them on Facebook and LinkedIn.
Supply Change Capital
Supply Change Capital is an early-stage venture firm in Los Angeles with investments in food, culture, and technology. Founders Noramay Cadena and Shayna Harris combine their food and tech insights to redefine food domain investing. Learn more about them on their LinkedIn page.
Sea Warden
Sea Warden, based in San Pedro and founded by Zack Dinh, merges AgTech, aquaculture, artificial intelligence, and management consulting to offer sustainable solutions in the seafood industry. Find them on their Facebook and LinkedIn pages.
GRAPE.ag
GRAPE.ag is a SaaS platform based in Cupertino, enabling viticulturists to monitor their field’s weather and health with IoT sensors and algorithmic analyses. Founded by Kristi Bowers and Martin S. García Wilhelm, the startup focuses on advancing agriculture with technology. The company is on LinkedIn.
VeGrow
VeGrow, of San Mateo, offers an automated vertical farming system producing greener, fresher, and healthier produce.
Cypress AgriTech
Cypress AgriTech, founded by Riley Boylan in Bakersfield, is providing solutions in the AgTech industry. Follow them on their Facebook and LinkedIn pages.
Marine BioEnergy, Inc
Marine BioEnergy, based in La Canada Flintridge, develops a unique system for growing giant kelp in the open ocean, providing a potential biomass feedstock. Link to them on their LinkedIn page.
Bizbud
Bizbud, founded in Mill Valley, is a mobile app that substitutes field log notebooks for farms, cutting down on data entry time, and saving companies up to $50K/year in management payroll costs. Join their community on Facebook and LinkedIn.
Vendomarch
Vendomarch, launched in San Francisco by Prit Sharma, operates in farming software, offering AgTech solutions. Get updates on their Twitter page.
