Klim, a German-based startup focusing on insetting solutions for regenerative agriculture, has closed a $22 Million Series A funding round, spearheaded by BNP Paribas, Europe’s largest bank. This funding also saw participation from major investors, including Earthshot Ventures, Rabobank, Agfunder, Norinchukin Bank, Achmea Innovation Fund, Ananda Impact Ventures, and Elevator Ventures, the venture capital arm of Raiffeisenbank International. This round marks the largest Series A funding in 2024 for an Agtech startup based in Germany, positioning Klim at the forefront of agricultural transformation across Europe.
Founded in 2020, Klim aims to accelerate the transition of the food and agricultural industry towards regenerative agricultural practices. Along with negative impacts on soil health, ecosystems, and food security, modern agriculture contributes approximately 20% of annual greenhouse gas emissions. Klim’s solutions focus on reversing these impacts by enabling food companies to decarbonize and transform their agricultural supply chains.
Klim’s digital platform streamlines the way farmers plan, execute, and finance their shift to regenerative methods. This technology-driven support empowers farmers to enhance soil health, increase resilience, improve biodiversity, capture carbon, and reduce overall emissions. By addressing critical obstacles such as limited agronomist support and restricted access to transition capital, Klim makes the transition to regenerative agriculture more accessible and scalable.
Expanding Global Reach: Building a Network of Partners, Farmers, and Enhanced Platform Solutions
Today, over 3,500 farmers utilize Klim’s platform, covering over 700,000 hectares of land, which accounts for around 5% of Germany’s agricultural area. Klim’s model has also attracted prominent industry players like Nestlé, Kaufland, and Aryzta. By partnering with these global companies, Klim aids in securing resilient supply chains, mitigating Scope 3 emissions, and ensuring higher food quality. This collaboration highlights Klim’s capacity to scale regenerative practices and integrate sustainable change across the food industry.
Klim's CEO Robert Gerlach, commented, “Our food system is undergoing a significant shift, with regenerative agriculture at its core. Food companies must drive this transformation, but they cannot achieve it without the involvement of farmers. At Klim, we’ve built a strategic, scalable approach to enable the regenerative transformation of the sector.”
This latest investment will allow Klim to expand internationally, refine its platform, and introduce a financial services component. These efforts aim to further accelerate regenerative agriculture by ensuring farmers have the financial support they need for effective transitions. Strategic collaborations with global banks, including BNP Paribas, will enhance Klim’s financial offerings, providing clients with resources to facilitate the widespread adoption of sustainable practices.
Maha Keramane, Head of BNP Paribas’ Positive Impact Business Accelerator, emphasized Klim’s alignment with BNP Paribas’ sustainability goals: “Supporting companies that are driving the transition to a sustainable economy is central to our mission. Klim’s platform and approach to scaling regenerative agriculture align with our commitment to financing solutions that mitigate climate change and improve livelihoods.”
Elevator Ventures, known for its investments in Agtech and Fintech, also recognized Klim’s potential to drive meaningful change. Maximilian Schausberger, Managing Director at Elevator Ventures, noted, “Klim is addressing a critical challenge—how to sustainably feed a growing population while restoring ecosystems. Their digital platform, combined with financial services, uniquely positions them to scale and impact agriculture.”
Similarly, the Achmea Innovation Fund and Rabobank’s investment branch expressed optimism about Klim’s role in fostering systemic change. Henrieke Hoftijzer of Achmea Innovation Fund stated, “We aim to accelerate the transition to regenerative agriculture, creating resilient systems that benefit farmers, the environment, and society.” Martijn Scholtes of Rabo Investments added, “To drive systemic change, the entire food and agricultural ecosystem must be involved, and Klim’s approach aligns with Rabobank’s goals of supporting sustainable practices.”
With its strengthened financial backing, Klim is poised to drive regenerative agriculture on a global scale. As it expands its reach and offerings, Klim’s commitment to supporting farmers, advancing industry partnerships, and fostering sustainable food supply chains will be essential for creating resilient ecosystems and securing the future of global food production. This funding marks a pivotal milestone in Klim’s journey, establishing it as a key player in transforming agriculture for environmental and social benefit.
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