80 Acres Farms Secures $115M to Advance Vertical Farming with Plant Genetics

By Agroempresario.com

80 Acres Farms has secured an additional $115 million in funding, bringing its total investment to over $370 million. With this capital, the company aims to expand operations and revolutionize indoor agriculture through plant genetics, facilitated by its recent acquisition of Israeli biotech firm Plantae Biosciences.

Unlocking the Next Phase of Vertical Farming

"Now that we've perfected the ability to control a plant’s environment and create optimal conditions daily, we believe the next major breakthrough in vertical farming lies in plant genetics," said Jed Portman, senior manager of public affairs at 80 Acres Farms.

Historically, most crops have been bred for outdoor agriculture, prioritizing traits such as drought and pest resistance rather than flavor, texture, or nutritional content. Plantae Biosciences specializes in metabolomics and genome editing, allowing for accelerated breeding to develop crop varieties uniquely suited for controlled environments. The company has collaborated with the Weizmann Institute of Science since 2020 on plant breeding advancements.

Following the acquisition, Plantae will integrate into Infinite Acres, 80 Acres' technology subsidiary, and will now operate as Infinite Acres Israel. "Crops tailored for controlled environment agriculture can be a major unlock for the industry," said Tisha Livingston, CEO of Infinite Acres and cofounder of 80 Acres Farms. "With advanced plant breeding technology, we can optimize produce for superior flavor, texture, and nutrition beyond anything currently available."

Investor Confidence Amid Industry Challenges

Despite recent financial struggles within the vertical farming sector—such as Aerofarms' bankruptcy and valuation declines for competitors like Plenty—80 Acres Farms continues to thrive. The company’s latest funding round highlights investor confidence in its vision and execution.

“The ability to secure capital in today’s market speaks volumes about the necessity of controlled environment agriculture and our strategic direction,” said Mike Zelkind, CEO and cofounder of 80 Acres Farms.

With the new funding, 80 Acres plans to expand its retail presence, establish an ingredient supply channel, and complete the expansion of its Kentucky farm. The company is also set to announce additional farm locations in the near future.

Innovating with Advanced Technology

80 Acres' operations are powered by Infinite Acres, which has developed a sophisticated system incorporating cutting-edge lighting, airflow control, water management, and data analytics. Robotics and automation streamline essential farming tasks such as seeding, transplanting, and harvesting.

In 2024, Infinite Acres launched a research center in The Hague, Netherlands, in collaboration with Siemens, Signify, SICK, and TTA. "This dedicated R&D space allows us to experiment with new growing techniques and technologies, paving the way for more efficient and sustainable farming solutions," said Portman. "It’s an initiative that will benefit the entire industry."

Growing Demand for Fresh, Local Produce

As consumer demand for fresh, pesticide-free, and locally grown produce rises, 80 Acres Farms is positioned to lead the industry in sustainable food production. The funding round included participation from major investors such as General Atlantic, Siemens Financial Services, Barclays Climate Ventures, Virgo Investment Group, and Blue Earth Capital, alongside prominent Midwestern financial institutions.

With its commitment to technological innovation and sustainable food production, 80 Acres Farms continues to redefine the future of vertical farming.