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Raw Ventures Deepens Investment in Fermata, Pioneering AI-Driven Innovation in Agriculture

General news
January 30, 2025

We are proud to announce that we have led Fermata’s recent $10 million round of funding. This is living proof of the ongoing momentum developed by the Israel-based venture, which aims to make agriculture healthier and more efficient.

Founded by Valeria Kogan — an acclaimed bioinformatics expert — Fermata’s cutting-edge technology enables farmers to detect diseases and pests early, leading to increased efficiency and reduced crop wastage. 

Raw Ventures has been a key partner in Fermata’s success, providing both strategic guidance and substantial funding to help the firm scale its operations and bring AI-powered solutions to farms worldwide.

Revolutionizing Agriculture with AI

Fermata’s mission is to leverage AI’s tremendous capabilities to address some of agriculture’s most pressing challenges. 

Dr. Kogan — who transitioned from bioinformatics to agriculture — found a calling after recognizing the tremendous potential for AI to transform crop health monitoring. Drawing on her expertise, Fermata developed a system that uses computer vision to continuously monitor crops in greenhouses. Powered by AI, Fermata analyzes images captured by off-the-shelf cameras, diagnosing pests and diseases early to help farmers take immediate, targeted action.

By providing real-time data, Fermata’s system helps reduce crop wastage by up to 30% and speeds up the identification of issues, all while minimizing pesticide use and protecting the environment.

AI and Computer Vision in Action

At the core of Fermata is its AI-driven computer vision platform, which is designed to be flexible and scalable. 

Unlike many solutions that require specific hardware, Fermata’s technology works with any camera, making it easy to deploy on existing farms without disrupting crop growth cycles. The platform provides continuous monitoring, allowing for early detection of diseases and pests. This capability is essential in preventing major crop losses, which can have significant economic and environmental repercussions.

Fermata’s ability to integrate with existing farm infrastructure has been a key factor in its rapid early adoption, since farmers can leverage the technology to monitor plant health with minimal disruption, ultimately improving the overall sustainability and productivity of their operations.

Market Expansion and Strategic Partnerships

Fermata’s technological innovation has led to solid growth. The company has formed key partnerships with major agricultural enterprises such as Bayer and Syngenta, which have helped expand its reach. 

Fermata has also recently expanded into North America, positioning itself to tap into one of the key epicentres of the $300 billion global agricultural market. With over 100 cameras deployed in greenhouses, Fermata is already making a significant impact, and its technology continues to gain traction as farmers look for solutions to combat pests and diseases more effectively.

As Fermata grows, its focus remains on driving efficiency, reducing waste, and helping farmers meet the demands of a rapidly changing global agricultural landscape. The company’s AI-powered solutions provide actionable insights that allow growers to quickly respond to crop health issues, ultimately leading to more sustainable and profitable operations.

Raw Ventures’ Strategic Investment in Fermata

Raw Ventures’ role as the lead investor in Fermata’s $10 million Series A funding round demonstrates the fund’s confidence in the company’s potential. The round will enable Fermata to scale its operations, expand into new crop sectors, and enhance its product offerings.

The funding will also bolster Fermata’s sales and marketing efforts, helping the company expand its footprint. With plans to reach profitability by 2026, Fermata is positioned for continued growth, and Raw Ventures remains a critical partner in supporting this journey.

“Raw Ventures is thrilled to deepen our investment in Fermata, a standout leader in AI-driven AgTech innovation. With the global AgTech market poised for significant growth, we are confident that Fermata’s cutting-edge solutions and robust leadership will drive impactful change, addressing the pressing challenges of food security and sustainability," said Victoria Palatnik, Managing Partner at Raw Ventures.

Future Growth and Expansion

Fermata’s success in the greenhouse space is just the beginning. The company is already planning to expand its portfolio of crops and strengthen its partnerships with agricultural leaders. With AI at its core, the company’s innovations will continue to drive efficiency and sustainability, ultimately benefiting farmers, consumers, and the environment alike.

For us at Raw Ventures, our continued investment in Fermata highlights the firm’s commitment to supporting sustainable innovation in the AgTech sector. Fermata is well-positioned to lead the charge in shaping the future of agriculture, and we are thrilled to be a part of this journey.

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