Freight Farms, the Boston startup helping Google grow lettuce, just raised $7.3 million for its internet-connected farms.
The Series B round was led by Spark Capital, with participation from Launch Capital and Stage 1 Ventures, according to The Wall Street Journal. The round brought the startup’s total funding to $12 million.
Freight Farms is known for its repurposed shipping containers, which are outfitted with LED lights and vertical hydroponics to grow plants and vegetables. Referred to as “Leafy Green Machines,” the containers appeal to urban farmers who want to grow food from anywhere.
With an internet connection, users can stay connected with their growing operation from anywhere in the world.
The “Farmhand” app also allows farmers to monitor and control environmental factors like humidity, temperature and CO2 levels inside their 40-foot shipping containers from their phone.
LGMs can produce up to 1,000 heads of lettuce per week, and crops range from kale and butter lettuce, to arugula, Swiss chard and herbs like basil, oregano and mint.
Freight Farms told the WSJ that currently, more than 100 LGMs are used in 30 states and nine countries, with customers including Google, Sodexo and Compass Group.
Photos via social media
