Oishii Secures $150 Million Series C Funding to Advance Vertical Farming Techniques and Distribution

Oishii Elevates Indoor Farming with Series C Financing

Oishii, known for its groundbreaking indoor vertical strawberry farming, has recently announced the successful closing of $150 million in Series C financing. This significant funding round was primarily led by SPARX Asset Management Co., Ltd. and included participation from notable partners such as Nomura Real Estate Development Co., Ltd., MISUMI Group Inc., and Mizuho Bank Ltd. The investment underscores the growing confidence in Oishii’s innovative indoor farming model, particularly its Smart Farm™ technology which melds robotics and automation with traditional Japanese farming methods.

This latest influx of capital marks a pivotal moment for Oishii, propelling the company into an exciting new growth phase. Following years of dedication to refining its technology, Oishii is now poised to ramp up production, broaden its retail access, and expand its operations significantly across the U.S. and Japan. With an impressive ability to grow pesticide-free, Non-GMO strawberries year-round, harvested at peak ripeness, Oishii has carved a unique niche in the vertical farming sector.

While the vertical farming industry has seen some cooling trends, Oishii has managed to thrive through a focused scaling strategy. By emphasizing robotics and automation, enhancing consumer accessibility, and continually innovating its technology, Oishii stands out from its competitors. The company now has distribution networks in 18 U.S. states and has also launched its products in Toronto, marking its first step into the international market.

In line with its ambitious plans, Oishii is now working on enhancing its research and development capabilities in Japan with the establishment of an Open Innovation Center in Tokyo. This facility aims to foster further advancements in technology and sustainable farming practices.

Robotics is a central theme in Oishii's operational strategies. The company's acquisition of Tortuga AgTech in 2025 has enriched its technological proficiencies regarding harvesting and engineering processes. Additionally, a strategic partnership with MISUMI Group Inc. enhances its manufacturing and automation capacity across both the U.S. and Japan, creating a robust framework for future scaling.

Despite initially entering the market with an ultra-premium product like the Omakase Berry priced at nearly $50 per tray, Oishii has successfully diversified its product line to cater to a broader consumer base. The introduction of berries like the Koyo and Nikko, available at more accessible price points ranging from $4.99 to $15, indicates a strategic pivot towards accommodating everyday purchasing behaviors. Furthermore, the company has expanded its offerings to include Premium Preserves, thereby effectively reaching into the pantry staples category.

The innovative Nikko Berry, launched in 2025, exemplifies how Oishii utilizes consumer insights to drive product development. Its newly-designed stay-fresh top-seal packaging, focused on maximizing freshness and shelf life while significantly reducing plastic usage by 80% compared to traditional packaging, showcases Oishii's commitment to sustainability and innovation.

As Oishii approaches a new chapter in its growth narrative, company co-founder and CEO, Hiroki Koga, reflects on the challenges associated with cultivating strawberries indoors. He notes the necessity for precision in every farming stage, from pollination to harvesting, and emphasizes the importance of overcoming challenges that often arise. This Series C funding is viewed not merely as a financial milestone but as a strong validation of Oishii's mission to bring high-quality, responsibly grown produce to a larger audience.

The company intends to utilize the newly acquired funds to enhance production capacity, elevate the integration of robotics, expand operations, and cultivate new product formats under its Smart Farm model. Oishii has successfully raised a total of $370 million since its inception in 2016.

About Oishii

Oishii, which translates to “delicious” in Japanese, is redefining agriculture with its indoor vertical Smart Farm™. By harmonizing nature with advanced technology, Oishii aims to cultivate fresh produce all year round under ideal conditions. The company’s offerings, including the Omakase, Koyo, and Nikko berries, are grown in pesticide-free environments and are Non-GMO Project Verified. Oishii, founded in 2016, counts prominent investors like SPARX Asset Management, NTT, Yaskawa, McWin Capital Partners, and Resilience Reserve among its backers. Fast Company recognized Oishii as one of the