Agrifood venture funding crashed 65% from 2022 highs while corporate giants invest barely 2% of revenue in R—a fraction of tech companies' 14% allocation. Emerging fund managers now dominate new launches as incumbents retreat, yet private equity remains steady, positioning strategic investors to capitalize on inevitable consolidation. Labor shortages are forcing farmers toward automation despite capital constraints, creating acquisition opportunities as promising startups face distressed sales.
Agrifood venture funding crashed 65% from 2022 highs while corporate giants invest barely 2% of revenue in R—a fraction of tech companies' 14% allocation. Emerging fund managers now dominate new launches as incumbents retreat, yet private equity remains steady, positioning strategic investors to capitalize on inevitable consolidation. Labor shortages are forcing farmers toward automation despite capital constraints, creating acquisition opportunities as promising startups face distressed sales.