4 Growers, a pioneering agtech robotics company, has raised $9 million in a Series A funding round led by Basset Capital, with participation from Ospraie Ag Science, Y Combinator, and other key investors. This funding will propel the production of its flagship GR-100 robotic harvester and expand the corporate’s global reach across Europe, North America, and Oceania. The announcement signals a serious leap within the $40 billion indoor farming market, addressing labor shortages, rising costs, and food waste with groundbreaking technology.
Transforming Greenhouse Agriculture with the GR-100
At the center of 4 Growers’ innovation is the GR-100, an autonomous tomato-harvesting robot that’s setting latest benchmarks in efficiency and precision for greenhouse farming. The GR-100 boasts:
- 5x faster picking speeds than competitors, harvesting as much as 43 kilograms per hour of cherry and grape tomatoes.
- 98% ripeness detection accuracy, powered by eight stereo cameras and advanced AI.
- 34x faster pathfinding than standard motion planning algorithms, ensuring optimal harvesting paths.
The GR-100 adapts seamlessly to most greenhouse environments, requiring little to no facility modifications, and integrates robust plant analytics for comprehensive yield insights. With features like 24/7 operation, distant monitoring dashboards, and an automated packing cart able to handling as much as 246 kilograms in a single session, the GR-100 is redefining what’s possible in greenhouse crop management.
Tackling Global Challenges in Agriculture
For a long time, crops like wheat and soy have benefited from automation, driving down costs and boosting production. Nonetheless, fruit and veggies, which demand precise handling and expert labor, have lagged behind. This disparity has led to harvesting costs being as much as 15x higher for fruit and veggies. Compounding the difficulty, labor shortages often leave crops unharvested, exacerbating food waste.
” said Brandon Contino, CEO of 4 Growers. “
Proven Impact and Growing Market Potential
4 Growers’ technology is already making an impact, with tens of millions of tomatoes harvested and sold through grocery stores worldwide. Partnering with agricultural leaders like Syngenta Vegetable Seeds, the corporate has demonstrated the scalability and reliability of its AI-powered solutions across customer farms in North America and Europe.
The indoor farming market, valued at $40.51 billion in 2023, is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 11.3% through 2033, based on a study by Fact.MR. This rapid growth underscores the increasing demand for revolutionary farming solutions amidst labor shortages and operational challenges.
A Visionary Team Backed by Industry Leaders
Founded in Pittsburgh, 4 Growers emerged from Y Combinator in 2018 with a vision to revolutionize farming through robotics. Since its inception, the corporate has secured over $15 million in total funding and eight-figure contracts, due to strategic backing from investors resembling Higher Food Ventures, Taver Capital, Xplorer Capital, and Pete Wurman, co-founder of Kiva Systems.
“ said John Overbeck of Basset Capital.
Looking Ahead: Scaling Innovation for Global Impact
With this latest funding, 4 Growers goals to:
- Speed up production of the GR-100.
- Expand its research and development efforts.
- Deploy its technology across more regions, specializing in Europe, North America, and Oceania.
Beyond tomatoes, the corporate plans to adapt its technology to other greenhouse crops like cucumbers and peppers, with ambitions to handle field-grown crops in the long run. By combining robotics, AI, and advanced analytics, 4 Growers is positioning itself as a frontrunner in sustainable, efficient farming solutions.
A Way forward for Inexpensive, Sustainable Food
4 Growers’ mission to offer healthy, inexpensive, and locally sourced produce through robotics is reshaping agriculture. By reducing production costs and food waste, the corporate is paving the way in which for a future where nutritious and sustainable food is accessible to everyone.
