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80 Acres Farms, founded in 2015, has previously ranked as Greater cincinnati’s second-best-funded startup, with more than $285 million in capital raised, including a $160 million Series B funding round. The company recently announced a important $115 million raise and the acquisition of Plantae Biosciences.
80 Acres Farms operates indoor farms using controlled habitat agriculture (CEA) technology. Their innovative modularized, standardized, and industrialized technology encompasses software, hardware, and world-class genetics, allowing the company to grow up to 300 times as much food per square foot compared to conventional farming methods.
The company’s farms are powered by Infinite Acres, which has developed a system that combines advanced lighting technology, proprietary airflow controls, water controls, and data analytics. This system also utilizes robotics and automation for tasks like seeding, transplanting, and harvesting.
In 2024, Infinite Acres opened a research center in The hague, netherlands, in collaboration with tech partners Siemens, Signify, SICK, and TTA.This dedicated R&D space allows the company to trial new growing techniques and technologies, paving the way for more efficient and lasting farming.
Portman, a representative of 80 Acres Farms, highlighted the increasing demand for fresh, local, and pesticide-free produce as a positive trend. the company is also focused on developing an ingredients channel,completing a farm expansion in Kentucky,and plans to announce future farm locations soon.
The raise and its extensions saw participation from new and existing investors, including General atlantic, Siemens Financial Services, The Western and Southern Life Insurance Company, Barclays Climate Ventures, Virgo Investment Group, Blue Earth Capital, and other leading Midwestern financial institutions.
Revolutionizing Agriculture: 80 Acres Farms Secures $115 Million to Transform Food Production
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in a groundbreaking move, 80 Acres Farms has seized the opportunity to revolutionize food production with a $115 million funding infusion. This latest raise follows a trajectory of unprecedented growth for the Cincinnati-based startup, which specializes in controlled habitat agriculture (CEA) technology to enhance food outputs and sustainability.
Pioneering Indoor Farming through CEA Technology
Editor: Firstly, could you walk us through the technological innovation at the core of 80 Acres Farms?
Portman: Absolutely. Our approach relies heavily on Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) technology. This technology encompasses our Infinite Acres system, designed to provide precise control over environmental factors. Our modular, standardized, and industrialized technology integrates advanced lighting, water management, airflow controls, and cutting-edge data analytics to optimize crop growth. This allows us to achieve up to 300 times more food production per square foot compared to conventional farming.
Enduring and Efficient Agriculture with Infinite Acres
Editor: How does the Infinite Acres system contribute to the sustainability and efficiency of farming processes?
Portman: The Infinite Acres system is fundamentally about creating a more resilient and adaptable farming environment. By utilizing advanced lighting technology and robotics,we minimize the need for pesticides and reduce water consumption considerably. The system’s automation capabilities manage the entire farming process, from seeding to harvesting, ensuringThat consistency and quality in every harvest. Furthermore, our recent expansion into the Netherlands with a dedicated research center is another step towards refining these processes even further.
Growing Demand for Local and Pesticide-Free Produce
Editor: With increasing consumer demand for fresh, local, and pesticide-free produce, how do you see 80 Acres Farms fitting into this trend?
Portman: The demand for fresher, healthier, and more local produce is a positive trend we’re excited to meet. Our indoor farms address this by providing year-round, locally grown produce with exceptional freshness and quality. Our controlled environment eliminates the need for chemical pesticides, making our produce a healthier choice for consumers.
Strategic Expansion and Future Outlook
Editor: How do the recent funding and partnerships help in your strategic expansion plans?
Portman: The recent $115 million raise, which included support from investors such as General Atlantic and Siemens Financial Services, provides us the financial backing to expand our operations meaningfully. This includes completing a farm expansion in Kentucky and announcing new farm locations in the near future. The funds will also aid us in developing new channels,such as ingredients for the food industry,as we diversify our offerings and enhance our reach.
Editor: Any final thoughts on the future trajectory of 80 Acres Farms?
Portman: We’re incredibly excited about the future. Our mission is to make local, fresh, and pesticide-free produce a mainstream option for consumers globally. With the support of our investors and the continuous innovation in our technology, we are well-positioned to achieve that goal.
80 Acres Farms is not only transforming how food is grown but also contributing to a more sustainable and resilient food system. Through technological innovation and strategic expansion, the company is poised to meet the growing demand for fresh and sustainable produce, making a significant impact on the agricultural landscape.
