Infarm – Farming Inside the City

Founded in 2013, Infarm is a Berlin-based agri-tech startup that develops vertical farming solutions to grow fresh produce in urban spaces. By installing modular, climate-controlled farms in supermarkets, restaurants, and warehouses, Infarm delivers hyper-local vegetables, herbs, and greens while reducing transportation and environmental impact.

With growing awareness of food sustainability and supply chain challenges, Infarm provides a scalable solution for fresh, sustainable, and locally grown food in cities worldwide.

Founding Story

Infarm was founded by Osnat Michaeli, Erez Galonska, and Guy Galonska with a vision to reimagine how food is grown and distributed.

The team observed that most fresh produce traveled hundreds or thousands of miles before reaching urban consumers, contributing to carbon emissions and waste. Their goal was to bring farming directly into the city, reduce environmental impact, and provide fresher, more nutritious produce to consumers.

Funding and Growth Milestones

Infarm has attracted significant venture funding and expanded rapidly:

• 2016: Series A funding of €10 million to develop modular urban farms.
• 2019: Series B funding of $100 million, expanding installations across Europe and North America.
• 2021: Series C funding of $200 million, enabling global expansion into supermarkets and corporate cafeterias.
• 2023: Infarm operates over 3,000 farms in cities including Berlin, Paris, London, and New York, supplying fresh produce to thousands of customers daily.

Infarm has become a leading vertical farming startup in Europe, attracting attention for sustainability and innovation.

Business Model and Technology

Infarm combines hardware, software, and farming expertise to deliver fresh produce:

• Modular Vertical Farms: Stackable farming units with climate control, LED lighting, and hydroponic systems.
• IoT & AI Technology: Monitors plant growth, nutrient levels, and environmental conditions for optimal yield.
• Direct-to-Business Partnerships: Installs farms in supermarkets, restaurants, and warehouses for local supply.
• Subscription & Produce Sales: Revenue from farm installations, produce sales, and service contracts.
• Sustainability Focus: Reduces food miles, waste, and energy usage compared to conventional agriculture.

By integrating technology and agriculture, Infarm enables urban areas to grow food efficiently and sustainably.

Market Impact

Infarm is transforming urban food production and sustainability:

• Fresh & Local: Provides fresher produce with reduced transportation and storage.
• Sustainability: Cuts carbon emissions, water usage, and waste compared to traditional farming.
• Scalability: Modular approach allows rapid expansion in cities worldwide.
• Consumer Awareness: Educates the public about local farming and sustainable food sourcing.

Infarm demonstrates how tech-driven urban agriculture can solve environmental and logistical challenges while offering economic opportunities.

Challenges and Controversies

Infarm faces several challenges typical of agri-tech startups:

• High Initial Costs: Setting up vertical farms requires significant investment.
• Operational Complexity: Maintaining climate, nutrients, and plant health at scale is demanding.
• Market Adoption: Convincing businesses and consumers to pay a premium for hyper-local produce.

The company addresses these with efficient modular designs, AI-driven monitoring, and strategic partnerships with retail chains and restaurants.

Future Outlook

Infarm continues to expand and innovate in urban farming:

• Global Expansion: Targeting new cities in North America, Asia, and the Middle East.
• Advanced AI & Robotics: Improving automation for planting, harvesting, and monitoring.
• Product Diversification: Growing a wider variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
• Corporate & Retail Partnerships: Scaling operations through large supermarket chains and commercial clients.

For entrepreneurs, Infarm illustrates how combining technology with sustainability can create scalable solutions to global problems.

From a Berlin startup to a global urban farming leader, Infarm is redefining how cities grow and access fresh produce. By integrating vertical farming, AI, and IoT technology, Infarm reduces environmental impact, delivers fresher food, and promotes sustainable urban living. Its story highlights the power of innovation, sustainability, and urban-focused solutions in building a successful modern startup.