Yabeo Impact is the impact fund of early-stage investor Yabeo, also based in Munich. Sony Innovation Fund and Investbridge are also participating in the investment, both joining Agrando as new investors. Existing investors such as technology VC June Fund and London-based family office JLR Star are also reinvesting. The financing round is considered the largest Series A round in agricultural trading in Europe to date. Agrando plans to use the fresh capital to invest in its internationalization and scaling, as well as research and development.
Agrando is an independent platform that connects all players in the agricultural trade, both regionally and nationally. For example, agricultural businesses can purchase inputs such as seeds and pesticides tailored to their region. For retailers and manufacturers of inputs, the platform serves as an additional sales channel or even a gateway into online trading. Agrando claims to offer what it calls the largest online catalog for agricultural inputs in German-speaking countries. Furthermore, the startup supports farmers, agricultural retailers, and manufacturers in their day-to-day operations with data-driven analyses and industry-specific, personalized consulting.
CEO and founder of Agrando, Jonathan Bernwieser, says:
“For a sustainable value chain, we need a strong agriculture in Europe.”
As the son of a farmer and a business information technology specialist, he understands both the agricultural needs and the opportunities offered by process optimization. He explains:
“Only if farms have access to the market information relevant to them at all times can they make good business decisions and position their farms for the future despite increasing complexity.”
“Agrando has exactly the right solutions for the future of agriculture”
Saskia Becker, Chairman of Yabeo Impact, explains:
"We want to actively shape the transformation of agriculture, and Agrando has exactly the right solutions for the future of agriculture. The company plans to digitize European agricultural trade and, in particular, make small-scale farms more efficient. In addition to the content component, we were impressed by the traction already achieved and the passion with which Jonathan Bernwieser and his team are building and leading the company."
Agrando has been growing dynamically for years: According to information of the startup Around 1,000 new farmers join every month. The total number is already over 20,000. The Agrando team has also tripled in size since its founding in 2017. The expansion to Austria was completed in 2020, and the market launch in France took place in 2021.
Gene Tsuchikawa, Chief Investment Manager Sony Innovation Fund, is convinced of the startup:
"At Sony Innovation Fund, we believe in the benefits of digitizing agriculture. Agrando enables farmers to analyze and understand what they need to make the best decisions. Connecting them to trusted suppliers creates a network that enables participants to adapt more quickly to the changing environment."
