# UrbanFarmers

Startup profile on Capital Atlas: https://capitalatlas.ai/startups/urbanfarmers

- Industry: Agribusiness
- Headquarters: Zurich, Switzerland
- Website: www.urbanfarmers.com
- Total disclosed funding: $2.2M
- Latest round: Series A (Apr 2, 2015)
- Investors on record: 2

## About

UrbanFarmers is a sustainable agriculture company focused on innovative aquaponic systems that produce fresh basil. Their practices aim to revolutionize urban farming while promoting eco-friendly solutions for consumers.UrbanFarmers, founded in 2011 in Zurich, Switzerland, operates a rooftop farm that integrates aquaculture and hydroponics to cultivate fresh basil. The company has undergone no significant pivots since its inception. Its latest funding round, the Series A in April 2015, raised CHF 2.1 million from investors including Eckenstein-Geigy-Stiftung and Walden Woods Holdings. UrbanFarmers has completed 2 investment deals to date.UrbanFarmers specializes in sustainable agriculture, primarily offering fresh basil cultivated using innovative aquaponic methods. Their core product is basil, which is grown on the rooftop of the REWE GREEN FARMING supermarket in Wiesbaden-Erbenheim, Germany. This unique vertical farming approach integrates fish farming with herb cultivation, where nutrient-rich water from the aquaculture serves as a natural fertilizer for the plants, significantly reducing water and fertilizer usage by up to 90%. The company also emphasizes eco-friendly packaging solutions, having replaced traditional plastic sleeves with recyclable paper bags that can transform into plant pots, further enhancing sustainability. Their target market includes health-conscious consumers and environmentally aware customers in urban areas, with products primarily distributed within Germany and potentially expanding into neighboring European markets.UrbanFarmers generates revenue through direct sales of their fresh basil and potentially through partnerships with retailers like REWE. The sales structure focuses on B2C transactions, where consumers purchase basil directly from the supermarket. Given the innovation in their product presentation, customers appreciate the added value of sustainable practices and recyclable packaging. The company’s flagship product, the basil grown in their rooftop farm, is marketed for its freshness and minimal environmental impact, catering to a growing demand for local and sustainable food sources. The pricing strategy is aligned with the premium nature of their product offerings, reflecting the quality and sustainability of their farming methods, though specific pricing details have not been disclosed.UrbanFarmers plans to utilize the CHF 2.1 million raised in their Series A financing in April 2015 to further develop their aquaponic systems and expand their product lines. The company is looking to introduce new herbs and vegetables into their portfolio, aiming for product launches by the end of 2023. Additionally, UrbanFarmers is targeting expansion into neighboring European markets by 2024, particularly focusing on cities that show a demand for sustainable produce.

## Funding rounds

- Series A, Apr 2, 2015, $2.2M — Walden Woods Holdings, Eckenstein-Geigy-Stiftung

## Investors

- Walden Woods Holdings (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/walden-woods-holdings) — Series A
- Eckenstein-Geigy-Stiftung — Series A