Agri Explainers

2025 has already been a pivotal year for agritech investment in North America. While venture funding has faced headwinds—declining compared to the boom years—several deals stood out for their size, strategic importance, or sector focus. Below is a selection of some of the most significant ag-tech investments in 2025 so far, representing a variety of technology domains and stages.

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1. Farmers Business Network (FBN) — $50M Series Growth Round

In mid-2025, FBN announced a new $50 million funding round aimed at scaling its AI-powered input and grain analytics platform. The company said it will use funds to extend “Norm,” its AI model for crop and market decisions, and broaden its regenerative agriculture financing offerings. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

2. Monarch Tractor — Autonomous Dairy & Solar Asset Deployment

Monarch Tractor, which develops electric, autonomous tractors, secured new investment to support deployment of autonomous feed-pushing and robotic maintenance in dairy and solar farm settings. The deal tapped into precision agriculture and dual-use land opportunities. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

3. SpraySense / Kelly Hills — Strategic AgTech Collaboration

As part of the week of 18 August agtech funding news, Kelly Hills introduced its AI-based “SpraySense” system for fungicide application. The rollout came with backing from strategic partners in automation and venture capital. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

4. CropIn — Expansion Round in Precision & Digital Ag

CropIn, a data and analytics platform for farms, continued to raise capital in 2025 to expand its footprint in North American markets, building on previous rounds. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

5. Other Notable Rounds & Deals

• Investment into startups focused on **robotics and smart field equipment**: According to Reuters, precision agriculture registered $1.82B in deal value over the past year, with robotics showing strong growth. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• Although overall agrifoodtech funding is down, the need to “rethink” investment models has become a talking point among VCs in 2025. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

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Trends & Insights from 2025 Investments

• **Capital pullback:** AgFunder reports that agrifoodtech VC funding fell ~37% YoY in first half of 2025. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
• Deals concentrated in **precision farming, automation, and AI-driven input optimization** rather than speculative biotech.
• **Strategic/Corporate investment** is rising as established agribusinesses partner with startups to access innovation.
• Investors are demanding clearer ROI case studies and validating technology before scaling—less emphasis on hype.

Disclaimer:
This article is based on publicly reported funding deals, company press releases, and industry summaries. Figures and status may evolve, and this content is intended for informational purposes—not investment advice.