#Canada #Vancouver #Automation #Irrigation #Verdi

Verdi Secures $6.5 Million to Transform Farm Automation

In a significant leap towards modernizing agricultural infrastructure, Verdi, a pioneering company in irrigation automation, has successfully raised $6.5 million CAD (equivalent to $4.7 million USD) in its latest funding round. This achievement brings its total funding to $9.5 million. The oversubscribed round was spearheaded by SVG Ventures, with contributions from a consortium of influential investors, including NEC X, Ponderosa Ventures, and several others across the agrifood sector.

Headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, Verdi's mission is to make advanced irrigation automation accessible to farmers worldwide. Traditionally, automation in farming has faced hurdles due to high costs and complicated infrastructure requirements. However, Verdi has introduced groundbreaking solutions that retrofit existing irrigation systems, making it easier for farms to embrace technology without undergoing drastic overhauls. This innovative approach allowed Verdi to help its clients save over $1 million in labor costs in 2024 while conserving more than 100 million liters of water.

Arthur Chen, the CEO and Co-founder of Verdi, emphasized that their target is to eliminate barriers that deter farmers from adopting automation. “Our mission is to overcome the traditional adoption barriers that have prevented farmers from scaling irrigation automation, and in turn allow them to increase farm efficiency and resilience,” Chen stated. The financial backing from this funding round will enable Verdi to rapidly expand its operations and continue developing impactful solutions on farms.

The company's technology equips farms with smart devices capable of transforming existing irrigation infrastructure into intelligent systems. This innovative retrofit solution not only reduces automation costs but also enhances productivity. Farms leveraging Verdi’s technology report staggering benefits, such as up to 90% labor savings and 70% water savings, alongside 20% improvements in yields. These results demonstrate the immense potential for increased efficiency in the agricultural sector, which faces constant challenges relating to labor shortages and resource wastage.

Verdi’s growth trajectory over the past year has been impressive, doubling its workforce to 24 dedicated experts who specialize in agronomy, hardware, and AI-driven software solutions. As part of its growth strategy, Verdi aims to deepen its relationships with major agribusinesses, increasing its reach and influence in the space while positioning itself as a leader in climate-resilient agricultural practices.

John Hartnett, CEO of SVG Ventures, expressed optimism about Verdi’s potential: “We invested in Verdi because they're solving one of agriculture's biggest challenges – climate resilience – through a solution that is not only innovative but also practical and scalable.” This partnership underscores the importance of integrating advanced technology with traditional farming methods to ensure sustainable practices.

The funds from this latest investment round will allow Verdi to further its expansion into new markets, develop its AI-powered platform, and bolster its partnerships with key players in the agribusiness sector. Verdi is not only focused on automating irrigation but is also committed to building a more resilient food system globally, aligning its efforts with sustainability goals that are crucial in today's changing climate.

About Verdi: Verdi is at the forefront of making modern agricultural automation tools accessible to farmers around the globe. With its patented devices, the company focuses on automating regular farming operations such as irrigation and system maintenance. This initiative aims to reduce labor demands, minimize input costs, and maximize crop yields, gaining trust from some of the world's largest food producers.

About SVG Ventures Pioneer Fund: The Pioneer Fund is dedicated to supporting transformative agrifood startups that are developing sustainable technologies. SVG Ventures | THRIVE serves as a global platform for agrifood innovation, connecting over 8,000 startups across 100 countries to resources needed to drive change in food and agriculture industries.

In conclusion, Verdi's recent funding success stands as a testament to the growing need for accessible, innovative agricultural technology that responds to the pressing challenges faced by farmers today. As the industry moves forward, companies like Verdi are leading the charge toward a more efficient and sustainable future.