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Improve yield, efficiency and profitability with Agtech
Agtech, agritech, agricultural technology – the use of technology in agriculture, horticulture, and aquaculture goes by several names. But the underlying goal is always the same: improving yield, efficiency, and profitability, and overcoming ecological and ethical challenges. We'll start with this topic at minute 2:50.
The market for this in Germany is large. According to the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture, the country's agriculture generated a value added of 21 billion euros in 2019. Agtech is a strong growth market: Statista states that Agtech reached a market value of $2.5 billion in Europe alone last year. It is expected to more than double to nearly $6 billion by 2025.
Farm and forest in view
Munich startups like Agrando are part of this market with their solutions. The start-up has developed a trading platform that allows farmers to request products such as seeds, fertilizers, or feed from retailers, compare offers, and document orders centrally. The best offer can then be commissioned via the platform with a single click. Agrando also promises benefits for retailers and manufacturers. You can learn how the startup works and who is behind it from minute 3:50.
Forestry also belongs to the Agtech sector, and the startup FoldAI (from minute 6:35) has developed an IoT solution for the forestry administration. Using sensors attached directly to trees, the startup measures key parameters such as air and light quality, CO2 levels, humidity, and local biodiversity. This allows the system to not only detect forest threats but also predict their emergence and development. The solution can also be used in cities to support traffic planning.
Agtech in animal husbandry
In animal breeding, startups are solving specific problems such as chick shredding. Male chicks from breeds bred for egg-laying are killed after hatching—either shredded or gassed—because they are unsuitable for fattening. The Munich-based startup Orbem uses magnetic resonance imaging to prevent this. Starting at minute 9:00, you'll learn how the startup is doing this and which institutions are supporting it.
Another aspect of animal husbandry, namely feed production, Farminsect revolutionize (from minute 13:00). The startup has developed an automated machine system that allows farmers to breed their own feed insects. The system utilizes crop residues or leftovers from food production. This allows farmers to produce their own protein feed instead of having to rely on imported soy or fishmeal.
Solutions for the end consumer
The last two examples we cover in the podcast show that Agtech solutions don’t necessarily have to follow B2B models. Nearbybees (from minute 17:05), for example, brings local beekeepers and consumers together with its online platform. There, consumers can search for local honey from registered beekeepers and have it delivered to their home by mail. The platform aims not only to help beekeepers – who usually practice beekeeping as a hobby – market their products, but also to contribute to combating the decline of bee populations.
Agrilution In turn, it targets end customers exclusively and offers them the "Plantcube," a fully automated refrigerator-sized greenhouse. Users can use it to grow vegetables, lettuce, and herbs from seed mats at home. Starting at minute 22:00, we trace the startup's development until it was acquired by Miele at the end of 2019 following its insolvency.
Happybrush and the investor Haniel
The second part of the podcast (from minute 28:55) is about beautiful teeth and money. The Munich startup Happybrush has raised €4 million in its current Series A financing round. The money comes from BayBG and various business angels from previous financing rounds, including Tier Mobility co-founder Julian Blessin, Dennis Schmoltzi of Emma Matratzen, and Carlo Kölzer, a member of the Deutsche Börse Executive Board. The VC firm Haniel, which we'll introduce to you in more detail, is also an investor.
