Emerging Tech Research: Agtech

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VCs keep agtech growing bigger and better

COVID-19 highlighted the challenges of feeding the world in a crisis while minimizing the environmental impact of agriculture. Venture funding for agtech startups hit a quarterly record of $3.2 billion in Q3 2021—boosting annual deal values to $7.8 billion YTD, which already eclipses 2020’s total by more than 20%.

Our latest installment of Emerging Tech Research digs into major trends that shaped this space globally in Q3, including increased concern for food security amid supply chain disruptions, data-enabled crop productivity gains, and environmentally friendly agricultural techniques.

Key takeaways

• More VC-backed companies are sprouting up to offer ag biologicals, environmentally friendly alternatives to synthetic fertilizers.
   
• Emerging techniques are providing more complete measurements of soil health. Agronomists can glean insights from in-field sensors and hyperspectral imaging using drones, planes, or satellites.
   
• Carbon farming, or capturing atmospheric carbon in soil and crop roots, can help combat climate change while encouraging sustainable farming practices.