Francisco Jardim is managing partner, and Rebecca Aguiar is investment associate, at SP Ventures, an early-stage fund investing in tech powered solutions for agriculture and food across Latin America.
The views expressed in this article are the authors’ own and do not necessarily represent those of AgFunderNews.
Forget the hype—2025 is the year Latin American agtech comes into its own. This isn’t just another passing trend; it’s a seismic shift, and if you’re not paying attention, you risk leaving money, and impact, on the table.
So why are we so bullish? A perfect storm of factors:
Huge market: Latin America accounts for 16% of global food and agricultural exports. With a growing population, food production must increase by 80% by 2050. This must happen in an increasingly unpredictable climate, driving demand for agtech solutions.
Untapped potential: Vast degraded pastures are ripe for transformation into high-productivity regenerative agriculture.
The tech is maturing: Precision agriculture, biotech, connectivity, digital platforms, and now AI are revolutionizing farming—boosting yields, cutting waste, and mitigating risks.
Investors are taking notice: In 2024, three Brazilian agtech firms surpassed $100m in valuation—Genica (biotech), Agrolend (agrifintech), and Solinftec (AI – disclosure: AgFunderNews‘ parent company AgFunder is an investor in Solinftec). Each is a strong candidate for unicorn status or an IPO. In 2023, the largest agtech transaction in the world was the half-billion acquisition of Brazilian biologics startup Biotrop.
Nearshoring could be a game changer: Global supply chain shifts are driving foreign direct investment (FDI) to Latin America, further strengthening its competitive edge.
Latin America: The new agtech Mecca?
Brazil – a giant awakens? A global farming powerhouse and the largest agribusiness exporter, Brazil must balance growth with sustainability, as agriculture accounts for 69% of its greenhouse gas emissions. Its unique multi-harvest cycles bring challenges—pests, erosion, climate volatility—that only cutting-edge agtech can solve.
Mexico – the rising star? While Brazil dominates production, Mexico is becoming an agtech hub. Nearshoring is attracting foreign investment, and cities such as Guadalajara and Mexico City are fostering agtech innovation. Startups such as Verqor (agrifintech) and SaveFruit (food shelf-life extension) highlight Mexico’s dynamism.
Argentina – the comeback kid? Despite economic challenges, Argentina remains a key global agriculture player. Its entrepreneurial spirit, strong research ecosystem, and tech-driven farming innovations position it for resurgence. With MercadoLibre, Despegar [to be acquired by Prosus pending shareholder and regulatory approvals], and Globant as Latin America’s first unicorns, Argentina proves its innovation potential… despite lagging Brazil in FIFA World Cup titles.
Scarcity of capital creates quality opportunities
The current fundraising climate may seem tough, but scarcity breeds opportunity. With global venture capital tightening, deal terms are becoming more attractive. Investors now have the chance to engage deeply, conduct thorough due diligence, and build strong partnerships before committing capital. This shift fosters smarter, more strategic investments, supporting resilient companies built for the long haul.
Moreover, today’s startups prioritize capital efficiency, sustainability, and strategic growth over reckless spending. Founders now value patience, discipline, and sustainable scaling, positioning them for long-term success.
Reduced competition amplifies market leadership
As speculative capital retreats, well-funded agtech startups are gaining an “unfair” advantage. Securing capital in this environment allows them to scale strategically, achieve a better product-market fit, and dominate underserved segments without intense competition. Investors backing these companies today are betting on future market leaders.
Tech is taking off
For years, rural connectivity in Latin America limited agtech adoption. That’s rapidly changing with Starlink and other satellite internet solutions extending broadband to remote farms. With better connectivity, farmers now access advanced digital tools, AI-driven analytics, and automation solutions once out of reach.
AI is transforming agriculture—from self-driving tractors reducing labor costs to predictive analytics optimizing planting, irrigation, and harvesting. AI-powered solutions also enhance sustainability by monitoring soil health, identifying pests early, and improving resource efficiency, making farming more productive, personalized and environmentally friendly.
Climate change demands solutions
Agriculture both contributes to and suffers from climate change. Agtech is tackling both sides of the problem: helping farmers adapt with drought-resistant crops, precision irrigation, and soil health monitoring, while also reducing agriculture’s carbon footprint through regenerative farming practices and resource-efficient technologies.
Why 2025 is different
Everything is aligning to make Latin American agtech the investment opportunity of the decade. Companies that thrive in this environment will shape the future of sustainable agriculture. Funds with capital to deploy, strong sourcing networks, deep expertise, and value-add capabilities will generate outsized returns. The next generation of global agribusiness giants will be born in this Latin American vintage.
Further reading:
🎥Precision pollination specialist BeeHero enters Latam market, predicts revenues of $70m+ in 2024
BREAKING: xFarm bags $39m to increase regenerative farming practices across Europe, Asia and Latam
Brazilian startup Typcal seeks to put Latam on the mycoprotein map
🎥 Where is the smart money in agrifoodtech going? In conversation with Roberto Vitón at The Yield Lab Latam
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Author Francisco Jardim and Rebecca Aguiar
