The hydroponic hops market is gaining momentum, driven by the growing demand for craft beer and the innovative efforts of new players like Spain’s Ekonoke. Our latest briefing paper delves into the dynamics and economics of this market, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges faced by hydroponic hops growers. Hops Market Overview The global hops market, valued at approximately USD …

In many ways, 2023 was an “annus horribilis” for CEA funding.  As interest rates rose and venture capitalists retreated from the market, multiple vertical farms and greenhouse firms closed up shop.   Reasons for Decline There are plentiful theories as to this decline.  Some argue that vertical farms will never be economically viable.  This argument misses the basic truth that some …

Indoor agriculture equipment costs can be a major obstacle for aspiring and established growers alike. However, pre-owned indoor agriculture equipment is now available through Contain’s Equipped platform, offering a cost-effective and sustainable alternative. In this briefing paper, we explore the benefits and considerations of buying and selling pre-owned equipment in the indoor agriculture industry and a rundown of the market …

Indoor agriculture mushrooms, specifically exotic mushrooms are growing in popularity and quickly becoming an ideal crop due to their high yield, fast growth, and nutritional value. The increasing demand for mushrooms in the food industry and unique ways they can be utilized in other industries makes them a profitable crop for indoor farmers. Growing mushrooms in a controlled environment enables …

In 2022, indoor ag funding brought to the forefront some difficult hurdles of the industry while also shining a light on opportunities and areas for growth and expansion within the indoor ag industry. Despite a rough funding environment across the board, the indoor ag industry still raised over $1bn in 2022. Venture capital (VC) investment continued to weaken from the …

Indoor ag – growing crops in warehouses, container farms and greenhouses – has become an attractive private investment sector over recent years. In the past two years alone, private investors have invested more than $2.5bn in the sector. High profile investors in the space include Amazon, Bain Capital Ventures, Cargill and Walmart. But what about indoor ag in the stock …

Environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues have become a focus for investment, consumer and tech firms alike.  They already inform the allocation of capital and we expect this trend to accelerate. In this briefing paper, we outline ESG in indoor agriculture and examine its shortcomings. Indoor farming allows anyone to become a farmer, even if they don’t have access to …

2021 indoor ag funding had a banner year with private fundraising tripling, M&A accelerating and even moves into public listings, albeit with mixed results. The path from here is less certain as investors balance their desire to see results from earlier investments with their need to allocate record amounts of capital. Private Market Funding Private funding flowed plentifully to indoor …