Verdi, a Vancouver-based ag tech startup, secured a $4.7 million seed round to enhance its smart irrigation technology for crops like wine grapes, berries, nuts, and vegetables. The company develops devices compatible with existing irrigation systems, enabling remote water flow control and monitoring.
According to Verdi co-founder and CEO Arthur Chen, "We're adding a layer of intelligence to what is already there." Chen and CTO Roman Kozak, both from farming backgrounds, launched Verdi in 2021 during their time at the University of British Columbia. The startup has grown to 24 employees and raised over $6.6 million, with technology deployed across 5,000 acres in North America and projects beginning in Peru and Portugal.
Verdi's technology addresses water conservation and labor efficiency challenges. While farmers recognize the benefits of automation, cost and installation complexities often hinder adoption. Chen stated, "Our mission here is really to make modern automation tools successful for growers." The Verdi app allows farmers to manage valves and field issues, while AI software offers predictive tools for irrigation decisions, addressing climate change impacts and payroll management.
Last year, Verdi's solutions reportedly saved users approximately $1 million in labor costs and conserved over 100 million liters of water. Despite concerns about U.S. tariff policies, existing treaties have shielded Verdi from impacts.
Verdi's funding round diverges from broader ag tech trends, with PitchBook noting a 3.7% decline in sector funding for the year's first quarter. The Pacific Northwest hosts other irrigation tech firms like FarmHQ, alongside companies developing agricultural robots.
The seed round was led by SVG Ventures, with backing from NEC X, Ponderosa Ventures, and others.
Source: GeekWire