Weekly AgriFoodTech Roundup: Zepto and Hyphen secure investments, Proterra purchases AcreTrader, former eFishery CEO arrested
In August 2025, the agriculture, foodtech, and biotech sectors witnessed a flurry of activity, with significant investments, strategic partnerships, and innovative initiatives driving growth and development.
In a notable development, the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center awarded proof-of-concept funding of $50,000 grants to four internal scientific teams. The teams are working on breakthrough agricultural technologies targeting food security and environmental sustainability [1]. This early-stage research aims to secure intellectual property and boost commercial opportunities towards startup formation.
Farmers Business Network (FBN) secured $50 million in funding, led by investors including GV (Google Ventures) and Temasek. The funds will be used to develop new AI tools, expand private-label crop protection products, open the marketplace to third-party sellers, and extend offerings in livestock, seed, and Canadian operations [2].
Other notable funding initiatives were announced by Local Bounti, Cropin Technology, and MAVRK Capital. Mars partnered with Pairwise to launch a gene-editing collaboration aimed at improving cacao crop resilience. Rantizo rebranded to American Autonomy with a focus on aerial agriculture software, while Hort Americas rolled out a new organic nitrogen fertilizer [3].
Valley Irrigation launched a $100,000 grower-led grant program to fund innovations in precision irrigation technology. The initiative reflects industry support for grower-driven water management solutions [4].
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) announced its 2026 flagship competitive grants program, with funding available in priority areas such as plant and animal production, food safety, bioenergy, technology, rural economics, and more [5]. Deadlines for applications and letters of intent fall between October and November 2025, signalling substantial upcoming government-backed research investment.
Meanwhile, in the biotech sector, Seadling, a biotech company, launched a facility in Malaysia for functional seaweed ingredients, following a capital raise [our website]. Animal-free collagen maker Geltor received fresh funding to take its AI-led 'designer proteins' global, while Nourish Ingredients was cleared to sell animal-free meat fat in the US [Green Queen].
Colorcon Ventures invested in Phytolon to advance the future of natural colorants, and Equatic raised $11.6M in series A funding for its innovative CDR and green hydrogen technology [Carbon Herald]. In India, Zepto, an eGrocery service, secured Rs 400 Cr [$46 million] in its Series G round, taking its total capital over $2 billion [Entrackr].
The foodtech industry also saw developments, with Amazon expanding its same-day perishable food delivery to 1,000 cities and towns. Indian B2B commerce platform Fairdeal secured $3m in pre-series A funding, and BinSentry expanded globally with a $50 million raise for its AI-based feed logistics platform [our website]
However, not all news was positive. Vertical Future formally entered administration, and UK authorities arrested 280 people in a crackdown on illegal delivery riders [Vertical Farm Daily, Reuters].
In the realm of agriculture and foodtech, the future looks promising, with a focus on AI, gene editing, sustainable production, irrigation technology, and market expansion. These developments underscore the industry's commitment to addressing global challenges such as food security, environmental sustainability, and the need for innovative solutions.
References:
[1] Donald Danforth Plant Science Center. (2025). Press Release: Proof-of-Concept Funding Awards Announced. Retrieved from https://www.danforthcenter.org/news/proof-of-concept-funding-awards-announced
[2] Farmers Business Network. (2025). Press Release: FBN Secures $50 Million in Funding. Retrieved from https://www.farmersbusinessnetwork.com/news/fbn-secures-50-million-in-funding
[3] AgricultureFunder News. (2025). Major Funding Initiatives Announced in Agtech, Foodtech, and Biotech. Retrieved from https://www.agriculturefunder.com/news/major-funding-initiatives-announced-in-agtech-foodtech-and-biotech
[4] Valley Irrigation. (2025). Press Release: Valley Irrigation Announces Grower-Led Grant Program. Retrieved from https://www.valleyirrigation.com/news/valley-irrigation-announces-grower-led-grant-program
[5] U.S. Department of Agriculture. (2025). Press Release: AFRI 2026 Flagship Competitive Grants Program Announced. Retrieved from https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2025/08/18/afri-2026-flagship-competitive-grants-program-announced
The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center awarded proof-of-concept funding to four teams working on breakthrough agricultural technologies, while Farmers Business Network secured $50 million to develop new AI tools and expand its offerings. These endeavors showcase the significant role of technology in driving innovation and progress within the agriculture, foodtech, and biotech sectors.
