September 20, 2020

photo credit: Iron Ox

By Lynda Kiernan, Global AgInvesting Media

Robotics and AI-driven farming startup Iron Ox announced it has closed on a $20 million Series B that was led by various family offices and Pathbreaker Ventures, which led Iron Ox’ Pre-Seed round four years ago.

The round, which brings total funding to-date to $45 million, was also joined by Crosslink Capital, Amplify Partners, ENIAC Ventures, R7 Partners, Tuesday Ventures, At One Ventures and Y Combinator.

Since 2015 Iron Ox has been developing hybrid robotic greenhouses. Employing AI-enabled, autonomous technology, the Iron Ox team launched the world’s first autonomous farm in October 2018 that leveraged advancements in plant science, machine learning, and robotics.

The company’s innovations, along with energy efficiency and flexible production at their core, lifted traditional farm automation and optimization to the next level.

“We have made it our mission to address food security by developing autonomous greenhouses that grow a variety of local and consistently delicious food for everyone,” said Brandon Alexander, co-founder and CEO, Iron Ox. 

Gilroy is Here

On the same day as announcing its Series B, Iron Ox also announced the opening of their farm in Gilroy, California, which is currently successfully operating and providing branded fresh produce throughout the state to select restaurants and retailers including Whole Foods and Bianchinis.

All tasks associated with production such as planting, shifting trays, monitoring crop development, and harvesting will be conducted by large robotic machines that are overseen by humans, and backed by a team of plant scientists, engineers, greenhouse operators, and noboticists that are all striving to answer the challenges of food security, labor shortages, supply chain issues, and access to healthy foods.

This site follows Iron Ox’ first farm launched in San Carlos, California, in 2018.

The company’s growth strategy, however, has its sights turned beyond California, with plans for a nationwide expansion with out-of-state facilities planned for 2021.

“Today, we’re thrilled to announce the successful operation of our Gilroy farm as well as our consumer brand, and our plans to complete additional sunlight-enabled, out-of-state facilities in 2021,” said Alexander.

“As our growing network expands, so too will our partnerships and distribution channels, which will enable us to delight even more customers.”

The farm’s hydroponic growing system centers around the sun instead of LED lights, with its human-led, robotics-first approach using 90 percent less water than traditional agricultural production, while producing 30 times the crops per acre. 

“Companies like Iron Ox show us what’s possible when a group of incredibly talented, cross-industry professionals are assembled to tackle a pressing global problem,” said Ryan Gembala, founder and managing partner, Pathbreaker Ventures.

“Robotics and artificial intelligence can provide solutions to lower the cost of fresh, local produce while increasing its quality, cleanliness and availability to more communities. We’re excited to be part of Iron Ox’s journey in the years to come.”

– Lynda Kiernan is editor with GAI Media, and is managing editor and daily contributor for Global AgInvesting’s AgInvesting Weekly News and  Agtech Intel News, and HighQuest Group’s Oilseed & Grain News. She is also a contributor to the GAI Gazette. She can be reached at lkiernan@globalaginvesting.com.