Hippo Harvest secures $21mn in Series B funding to expand its greenhouse technology

California-based controlled environment agriculture (CEA) startup Hippo Harvest has successfully secured $21mn in Series B funding. The round, led by Standard Investments, aims to further the development and expansion of the company’s groundbreaking greenhouse operations. Additional support came from Congruent Ventures, Amazon’s Climate Pledge Fund, Hawthorne Food Ventures, and Energy Impact Partners.

Established in 2019, Hippo Harvest makes automated, modular greenhouse systems, which are currently operated in Pescadero, California. These facilities offer a scalable solution that rivals traditional agricultural methods in both cost and efficiency, while also reducing environmental impact. The innovative use of a closed-loop, non-recirculating, direct-to-root fertilizer system, combined with machine learning and autonomous robotics, allows for precise micro-climate control. This results in a more resource-efficient production of fresh produce that competes with the cost of traditional, outdoor-grown agriculture.

The recent funding will enable the expansion of Hippo Harvest’s operations and the introduction of new leafy green products. “We’re excited by the opportunity to scale our production and reach more consumers with high-quality, sustainable produce,” said Hippo Harvest CEO Eitan Marder-Eppstein. “Our team’s work over the past twelve months demonstrates our ability to create modular, cost-effective growing systems that can be deployed across the country. We look forward to working with our investors to make it a reality.”

According to Hippo Harvest, its technology increases food safety and extends the shelf life of produce and also significantly reduces environmental impact. By utilizing purified water for irrigation, custom nutrient blends, and robotic harvesting, the company minimizes the risk of pathogen formation and reduces the need for chemical pesticides. Additionally, the company is committed to the use of 100% post-consumer recycled plastic for packaging and pesticide-free practices. You can try Hippo Harvest products at Gus’s Community Markets in San Francisco and online via Amazon Fresh.