Dec 5, 2024

AI, robotics startup expands with $9M in funding

Four Growers, a Pittsburgh-based AI and robotics company, has raised $9 million in a Series A funding round led by Basset Capital. Other participants include Y Combinator, Ospraie Ag Science and returning investors. The funds will scale its GR-100 robot and support expansion in North America, Europe and Oceania.

The GR-100 robot automates tomato harvesting in commercial greenhouses, using a robotic arm and stereo cameras to identify and pick tomatoes efficiently. Four Growers CEO Brandon Contino said the technology aims to address production costs for indoor growers. “While we’ve started with greenhouse tomatoes, which account for 50% of all fresh tomatoes consumed in the U.S., our technology has now proven its potential in other crops like cucumbers,” Contino said.

Since its 2018 launch, the company’s robots have harvested millions of tomatoes. With total funding reaching $15 million, Four Growers plans to increase production and expand its applications to other crops and outdoor farms.

Basset Capital’s John Overbeck noted the technology’s potential impact. “Implementation of robotics and AI in agriculture will enhance operations and significantly increase productivity,” he said.

Four Growers is also hiring as it continues to refine its systems and expand globally.