2024 marks the big return of our AgriTech mapping — and we’re not holding back.
We care deeply about this sector because AgriTech is first and foremost a way to give farmers (France’s 4th most respected profession!)
more control over their economic well-being — through tracking tools, weather solutions, ERP software, robotics, and more. But it’s also at the crossroads of tomorrow’s biggest challenges: health, climate, resilience, biodiversity…
The reality? It’s stalling.
Over the past three years, we haven’t seen a surge in investment volume or any major breakthroughs in disruption.
In 2023, AgriTech attracted only €340M — that’s just 4.1% of total funding raised that year. Worse, it marks a 28% drop compared to 2022, which saw €473M in investments. France remains one of the most active markets in terms of capital raised in this sector, but that figure raises questions — especially given the urgent challenges in food production, nutrition, and agriculture’s environmental impact in a world headed toward 10 billion people.
So, why is AgriTech struggling to take off?
- It’s still difficult to reconcile improved productivity with a better environmental footprint.
- Tech innovation hasn’t yet had a major impact on farmers’ economic lives.
- Investors are wary of long sales cycles and limited market access — often monopolized by cooperatives and distributors, which leaves startups with little direct access to farmers.
- Many VCs remain unconvinced by the high acquisition costs and shaky unit economics across the agricultural value chain — with a few exceptions like Ynsect or Intact Regenerative.
“Right now, AgriTech simply isn’t generating enough value. Technology has so far had little effect on farmer income. But to have real impact, their revenues would need to increase by at least 20%. That said, we’re seeing a second generation of entrepreneurs who are already building on the past — learning from both the wins and the failures.”
So, if AgriTech sits at the heart of global challenges, but the funding isn’t flowing… maybe it’s time to rethink how we frame the sector.
Here’s a bold idea: let’s stop calling it AgriTech.
Let’s talk instead about HealthTech, ClimateTech, or Sustainability.
And the timing is right — because that’s exactly where the funding is.
Some might say this is just wordplay — but words matter. Take a look at our startup mapping. Out of the 203 startups we’ve listed (did we miss yours? [Write to us here]), how many wouldn’t also qualify as HealthTech or ClimateTech? Just a few.
Let’s be pragmatic. If we need to emphasize the benefits (health, environment, climate…) rather than the domain (soil, farmers…) to attract new investors, then let’s go all in.
Many AgriTech startups already identify as ClimateTech — especially those working on ecological transition, emissions reduction, or improving carbon storage in soil. But we need to go further. The impact of industrial agriculture and ultra-processed foods on public health is no longer a secret.
Health funds should be investing in AgriTech startups working on their key verticals: oncology, fertility, diabetes, asthma...
AgriTech founders — you’re addressing both producer and consumer health, directly or indirectly. Come talk to us!
