Marcus Richards
One of the most dynamic areas for start-up growth in the past couple of years has been the agriculture industry. It’s an area many wouldn’t have necessarily associated with tech business in the past, but these pioneering new companies are transforming the face of agriculture using innovation and technology. There are a number of standout businesses in the field and today, we’re turning our attention to those set up in America’s west coast state, California. Founded between 2020 and now, these are the companies set to reshape farming, food and more besides.
From vertical farming to lab-grown cocoa, from boosting farm profitability to providing plant-based beauty products, these innovative start-ups are a testament to the great potential within the agriculture industry. They showcase how the right combination of ideas, technology, and innovation can create sustainable and efficient solutions for the future of farming and food production. Let’s delve deeper into these exciting ventures and see exactly what they are bringing to the table.
No matter the product, from software platforms to organic produce, each of these start-ups exemplifies the potential of the agriculture industry. Whether they’re breathing new life into traditional farming techniques or carving out entirely new niches within the AgriTech field, these start-ups are at the forefront of a new wave of innovation in California. Here’s a look at some of the new kids on the agriculture block.
Unfold
Unfold is bringing a new perspective to the vertical farming industry by focusing on the quality, sensory experience and innovation of vegetable varieties. The company utilizes seed genetics and agronomic expertise to optimize productivity and enhance the flavor of produce. Unfold launched in 2020 in Sacramento, and you can keep tabs on their progress on their LinkedIn page.
California Cultured
This startup is revolutionizing the world of cocoa. California Cultured uses sustainable methods to grow lab-based cocoa that requires less sugar and is less bitter. The company, which is based in Davis, was founded in 2020. Read more about their innovative approach on their LinkedIn page.
FarmRaise
FarmRaise aims to support farmers and ranchers by providing a digital platform that offers funding and resources for farm improvements. Based in San Francisco and launched in 2020, FarmRaise helps boost both profitability and sustainability in the farming sector. Drop by their LinkedIn or Facebook page to know more.
Elevated Foods
Based in Costa Mesa, Elevated Foods revitalizes excellent brands and positions them for long-term success using organic farming techniques. They aim to create a sustainable future for food production. Learn more about their values and goals on their LinkedIn page.
MyFloraDNA
A host of genetic data at their fingertips allows MyFloraDNA to assist breeders in learning valuable information about their seeds. They utilize advancements in biotechnology, genomics, and knowledge engineering to revolutionize agriculture. Founded in 2020 in Woodland, the company can also be followed on LinkedIn and Facebook.
Agravitae
Agravitae is an agritech company that provides plant-based nutrients in graviola infused beauty products. Based in Tustin and launched in 2020, their offerings underline the intersection of health, wellness, and agriculture. Connect with them on their LinkedIn and Facebook page.
Supply Change Capital
Supply Change Capital is a venture capital firm investing in the intersection of food, culture, and technology. Founded by Noramay Cadena and Shayna Harris in 2020, this firm with a dual base in Chicago and Los Angeles, is pushing the boundaries in food domain with their innovative approach. Follow them on their LinkedIn page.
Hocomo Hemp
Hocomo Hemp is an all-in-one agricultural company which manages everything from genetics and seedlings to final production. With a fresh approach to cannabis farming, they aim to change perceptions of cannabis globally. Based in Santa Monica, you can find out more about their mission on their website.
Uniphage
Uniphage is a biotech firm that uses bacteriophages and artificial intelligence to tackle bacterial infections. Their first target disease is citrus greening, a costly problem for American agriculture. Based in San Francisco, check out their progress on their LinkedIn page.
Bay Area Ranchers Cooperative
Serving the agricultural and ranching communities, Bay Area Ranchers Co-Op aims to provide transparent, honest access to local processing. Co-founded by Adam Parks, Duskie Estes, Guido Frosini, and Kathy Webster, they offer the community the opportunity to have oversight of their products. Connect with them on Facebook.
GRAPE.ag
GRAPE.ag’s SaaS platform provides viticulturists the powerful tools to monitor the weather and health of their fields with IoT sensors. The company, based in Cupertino, enhances crop yield and health with every cycle using both physical and virtual sensors. Follow their futuristic agriculture methods on their LinkedIn page.
