The Top Investors Scaling Climate Solutions in Food and Agriculture

Climate change, population growth, and resource constraints are reshaping the future of food. To keep pace with rising global demand while reducing environmental impact, the food and agriculture sector is turning to Climate Tech innovation. From precision agriculture and alternative proteins to food waste valorization, targeted capital is driving the sector’s transformation toward a more efficient, resilient, and sustainable food system.

 

With more than 10,000 active companies in the food and agriculture sector securing over 17,000 deals, investment trends reveal shifting funding priorities and key players shaping the industry. This article highlights the most active VC firms, corporate venture capital investors, government agencies, and banks leading the charge in financing innovation in food and agriculture.

 

Five Most Active VC Investors 

 

These prominent venture capital firms are actively investing in innovative food and agriculture businesses.

 

• Big Idea Ventures: A U.S.-based venture capital fund focused on investing in and accelerating top performers in the novel food space. The firm has completed nearly 150 deals, with a focus on Accelerators/Incubators and investments spanning from seed to late-stage companies.
• SOSV: A global venture capital firm specializing in Agtech, alternative proteins, and food supply chain solutions. SOSV has made over 100 investments, primarily in seed-stage companies, followed by Accelerators/Incubators and late-stage companies.
• S2G Ventures: A multi-stage investment firm focused on food, agriculture, and other Climate Tech verticals. S2G has closed more than 100 deals across companies at early to late stages, supporting ventures from seed through growth stages.
• AgFunder: A California-based VC firm supporting technologies that transform the food and agriculture system. With 70 closed deals, the firm is one of the most active investors in the industry, primarily targeting Seed and Series A funding rounds.
• Unovis Asset Management: A global investment firm focused on building a sustainable food system by backing disruptive startups and companies specializing in alternative protein innovations. The firm has invested in nearly 60 deals, ranging from Pre-Seed to Series B stages across global markets.

 

Five Most Active CVC Investors

 

These corporate venture capital firms are actively investing in the future of farming and agriculture, supporting companies across various stages of growth.

 

• Continental Grain Company (Conti): A global investor in the food and agribusiness sector, Conti invests across grain processing, storage, transport, and fresh produce categories. They have invested in 23 deals spanning early to late-stage companies and post-IPO funding.
• Cargill: A US-based family-owned company offering food, ingredients, agricultural solutions, and industrial products, Cargill is committed to sustainability. The company has closed 18 deals, investing across early to late-stage companies and debt financing.
• Bunge Global SA: A global agribusiness and food company operating along the entire farm-to-consumer food chain. Bunge has completed 16 deals ranging from early to late-stage companies.
• Tyson Foods: A global leader in food production, Tyson Foods focuses on protein while promoting sustainability, animal welfare, and community support. They have invested in 16 deals across early to late-stage companies.
• The Yield Lab Asia Pacific: An impact investor focused on climate-smart food and AgTech innovations, The Yield Lab aims to stimulate, invest in, and scale sustainable AgTech solutions having completed 12 deals, primarily in early-stage companies and Accelerators/Incubators.

 

5 Most Active Government Agencies

 

These government agencies are committed to foster innovation and technology advancements for the sustainable transition of food and agriculture.

 

• UK Research and Innovation: A government agency investing in research and innovation projects to advance agri-food technologies for societal benefit. UKRI has funded 384 deals in food and agriculture, primarily through grants.
• European Commission: Operating as an early-stage venture capital fund, the European Commission promotes sustainable and high-quality agri-food products. They have completed 253 deals, primarily through grants, with additional investments in Accelerators/Incubators and early-stage VC.
• National Science Foundation: This U.S.-based government agency invests in innovative technologies to tackle food and nutrition insecurity. NSF has funded 172 deals in the food and agriculture sector via grants.
• U.S. Department of Agriculture: A federal department focused on enhancing the resiliency of the food and agricultural supply chain. The USDA has closed 139 deals, mostly through grants, with a small number in debt financing.
• U.S. Small Business Administration: Focused on transformative agricultural solutions, the SBA has completed 118 deals, largely through debt financing, with a small number of grants.

 

Five Most Active Banks

 

These banks are actively financing innovation and driving the sustainable transformation of global food and agriculture systems.

 

• Intesa Sanpaolo: An Italian commercial bank investing in applied research projects and high-potential startups across various industries, including sustainable agriculture. They have closed five deals through debt financing and Accelerators/Incubators.
• DBS Bank: A Singapore-based multinational banking and financial services firm focused on building a resilient and sustainable food supply chain. DBS has closed five deals via grants and debt financing.
• The Scottish National Investment Bank: This bank provides capital for sustainable agriculture and food through equity and debt options. They have recently closed four deals, investing across early- to late-stage companies with instruments such as convertible notes, equities, and grants.
• Pacific Western Bank: A California-based commercial bank that has closed four deals aimed at developing sustainable and resilient agri-food systems through debt financing and convertible notes.

 

Investment in Climate Tech Is Reshaping Global Food and Agriculture

 

The food and agriculture sector is at a pivotal moment, requiring continued investment to drive innovation to achieve long-term sustainability. Tracking these investment trends is essential for identifying high-growth opportunities. Investors who recognize the sector’s potential will play a crucial role in scaling Climate Tech solutions that enhance food security, reduce emissions, and optimize resource use.

 

With real-time market intelligence and funding data, leading investors and businesses can navigate emerging opportunities in food and agriculture innovation.

 

Want to stay ahead of investment trends in this sector? Request a demo with us today to explore high-impact investment opportunities in Climate Tech for food and agriculture.