NEW TECH FOODS

Norwegian agtech company Saga Robotics has secured $11.2 million in equity funding to expand the commercial rollout of its autonomous agricultural platform, Thorvald, in the UK and US.

Thorvald is currently used by 13 major strawberry growers in the UK, covering around 20% of the national market, with a goal to surpass 30% in 2026. The company also recorded its first commercial revenue from its yield prediction data tool this year.

The funding round – completed in two tranches – included both new and existing investors. Luxembourg-based VC firm Praesidium Agri-FoodTech joined as a new backer, while returning investors included Aker, Nysnø Climate Investments, Blystad, Hatteland, Melesio, Sanden and MP Pensjon.

The first tranche, worth $7.8 million, closed on 23 June 2025 and was oversubscribed, primarily involving existing investors. The second, valued at $3.4 million, closed on 8 July and targeted new investors and strategic partners.

As part of the raise, Saga Robotics appointed new board members, including Dorn Wenninger as chair, alongside Atle Eide (Maringto) and Laila Danielsen (Elliptic Labs). Yvonne Silden Langlo (Nysnø) joined as a director and Praesidium’s Alice Laurora as an observer.

In the US, the platform operates across more than 1,300 acres of vineyards and is part of California’s CORE incentive programme, which provides grants for robotic solutions. Saga plans to triple its US footprint by 2026.

Alice Laurora, vice president at Praesidium Agri-FoodTech, said: “The Thorvald robot has moved from a prototype to a fully commercially deployed autonomous solution, already servicing thousands of acres in 2025. We’re investing in Saga Robotics because they have the right team, the right tech, proven technology and a clear path to scale in high-value, underserved agricultural sectors.”

Dorn Wenninger commented: “Our solid commercial performance was an important enabler for us to close this funding round in what is a relatively demanding capital market. The continued backing of existing shareholders who know the company well, along with the addition of new investors such as Praesidium Agri-FoodTech is testament to the solid foundations of our core business and our pipeline of growth.”

“We’ve proven Thorvald works, now we’re scaling it,” said founder Pål Johan From, who recently relocated to California to lead US operations. “This raise gives us the runway to accelerate adoption, improve efficiency in agriculture and reduce chemical use across two of the world’s most chemically dependent specialty crop markets.”

Top image: © Saga Robotics