Elevarm, an Indonesian agritech company specializing in horticulture, has raised US$ 4.25 million (Rp70 billion) in pre-Series A funding. The financing round was led by Intudo, with participation from Insignia Ventures Partners and 500 Global. The newly secured funds will be allocated to expanding seed varieties, developing biotechnology-based agricultural inputs, and launching artificial intelligence (AI) tools aimed at improving farming efficiency and sustainability.
Expansion of Superior Seed Varieties
A key initiative under this funding round is the expansion of seed varieties to provide farmers with more options suited to their specific land conditions and market demands. By offering access to high-quality seedlings, Elevarm seeks to address a long-standing challenge for smallholder farmers—limited availability of superior seeds, which has hindered their ability to maximize yields and sustain profitable harvests.
The company produces these seedlings in advanced greenhouses, ensuring they are nurtured with precision and care. This results in stronger, healthier plants that yield higher and more consistent harvests.
Development of Bio-Based Agricultural Inputs
Elevarm’s in-house research and development unit, NextBio, is working on new bio-based agricultural inputs to enhance soil health and crop resilience. The focus is on environmentally friendly solutions such as biofertilizers and natural pest control products. These innovations are designed to promote biodiversity while reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, thereby improving long-term soil fertility.
The company’s efforts in sustainable farming practices have already contributed to a reduction of 706 tCO2e in greenhouse gas emissions while improving soil health.
AI-Powered Farming Tools for Enhanced Productivity
Elevarm is also introducing AI-driven digital tools that provide real-time insights for farmers and its field teams. These tools are designed to optimize farming practices by automating tasks, offering data-driven recommendations, and assisting in smarter decision-making. The technology supports the adoption of advanced cultivation techniques such as integrated pest management, efficient irrigation systems, and optimized planting strategies.
By equipping farmers with these AI-powered insights, Elevarm aims to improve productivity, reduce costs, and minimize environmental impact. The Elevarm app further enables on-ground teams to leverage data analytics, making precision farming techniques more accessible to smallholder farmers.
Supporting Thousands of Farmers Across Indonesia
Since its founding in 2022, Elevarm has supported over 15,000 farmers across West Java, Central Java, and Yogyakarta. The company has built strong collaborations with more than 30 partners, including Indonesia’s Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs, Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), IPB University, Padjadjaran University (UNPAD), Bank BJB, Amartha, Rabo Foundation, Reliance Finance, and various non-governmental organizations and research institutions.
Through its large-scale farming production standard operation procedures (SOPs), Elevarm provides structured guidance on cultivation, covering aspects such as land preparation, planting, crop maintenance, pest control, and harvesting.
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Investor Confidence and Industry Outlook
Patrick Yip, Founding Partner at Intudo, expressed confidence in Elevarm’s ability to contribute to the future of Indonesia’s horticulture sector. He emphasized that by continuing to invest in technology and sustainability, Elevarm can play a role in advancing a more resilient and productive agricultural industry.
Khailee Ng, Managing Partner at 500 Global, highlighted the increasing importance of innovation in agriculture amid global food security concerns. He noted that Elevarm’s integration of AI with traditional farming knowledge offers a scalable approach that can benefit nations worldwide.
Strengthening Indonesia’s Horticulture Industry
Elevarm’s commitment to improving access to high-quality farming essentials, advancing AI-powered agricultural solutions, and promoting sustainable practices aligns with its broader mission of strengthening Indonesia’s horticulture industry. With the new funding, the company is poised to expand its geographical reach and introduce more solutions tailored to the needs of smallholder farmers.
Co-Founder and CEO Bayu Syerli reiterated Elevarm’s dedication to supporting farmers through its technology-driven approach, emphasizing that the trust from investors will enable the company to continue delivering impactful solutions that enhance productivity and livelihoods.
