Is ag robotics becoming more investable? Physical AI deep dive, David Protein bar maker raises $250m, MOA Foodtech raises fresh funds

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This week, Elaine caught up with David Protein founder Peter Rahal after his $250m Series B and took a deep dive into ag robotics at Reservoir Farms to learn how startups are starting to build more flexible 'bots, more quickly.

Elsewhere, Jenn quizzed PepsiCo on how to support the next generation of farmers.

Plus:

David Protein: Medici Brands nets $250m Series B on $2.25bn valuation
Physical AI: Is ag robotics becoming more investable?
Laser weeding: Carbon Robotics’ path to an IPO
AI-powered autonomy: Bonsai Robotics goes from 2D pics to 3D worlds
Chemical-free ag: TRIC Robotics scales UV-C tech to 1,500 acres
Data vs insight: ‘A million numbers in a spreadsheet is not a product,’ says Orchard Robotics

And finally… "There are a lot of players that produce over 100,000t/year of byproducts and they're looking for new solutions," says biomass fermentation expert MOA Foodtech, which has just netted new funds to help turn these side streams into high value food ingredients.

Have a great weekend! Louisa, Jenn, and Elaine

‘One of the fastest-growing CPG brands in America…’ David Protein owner hits $2.25bn valuation on $250m Series B

Peter Rahal is moving into new territory with the launch of HallPass, pitched as the “Coke Zero of candy," and chips brand Rowdy. Elaine Watson

🎥 ‘The whole system is now more investable’: Reservoir makes the case for ag robotics

Advances in AI, perception and edge computing, plus more off-the-shelf tech, are helping startups build more flexible ag robots faster, says Reservoir founder Danny Bernstein. Elaine Watson

🎥 From 2D images to 3D worlds: Bonsai bets on AI-powered farm robotics

Bonsai Robotics has a vision-based autonomy stack that can turn 2D camera images into a scaled 3D understanding of the farm environment. Elaine Watson

🎥 Carbon Robotics: $100m+ revenue, new machine and a path to IPO

We caught up with Carbon Robotics founder Paul Mikesell to discuss the economics of laser weeding and the firm's path toward an IPO. Elaine Watson

🎥 TRIC Robotics scales to 1,500 strawberry acres with 15-robot fleet

TRIC Robotics deploys a fleet of autonomous robots that apply UV-C light to tackle mites, mildew, and mold, coupled with bug vacuums. Elaine Watson

🎥 Orchard Robotics CEO: Growers ‘shouldn’t have to be data analysts’

“In the first year, if a grower sees full value from labor and input savings, they can see anywhere from three to 10x ROI," says CEO Charlie Wu. Elaine Watson

MOA Foodtech nets $3.8m to scale AI-powered biomass fermentation platform

MOA Foodtech grows non-GMO yeast strains that convert a wide variety of food and ag side streams into high-value ingredients. Elaine Watson

With young farmers struggling, PepsiCo explores ways to keep agriculture ‘a viable and attractive livelihood’

With a deficit of younger farmers around the world, a local-meets-global approach is critical for closing the generation gap. Jennifer Marston

AgriFood Signals: Remembering Wendell Berry, Farmland LP’s new fund, Dairy Queen robots

Plus: California creates non UPF food seal. Jennifer Marston