Nitricity, a California based climate technology company focused on electrifying nitrogen fertilizer production, has raised US$ 50 million in a Series B funding round to accelerate its global expansion and scale up production of its liquid organic nitrogen fertilizer. The announcement comes days ahead of the groundbreaking ceremony for its first commercial scale organic fertilizer facility in Delhi, California.
A New Approach to Fertilizer Production
Conventional fertilizers produced through the Haber-Bosch process account for about 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. While this method enabled the growth of modern agriculture, it has degraded soil microbiomes, polluted waterways, and contributed to biodiversity loss.
Nitricity has developed an alternative through its flagship product, Ash Tea, a liquid organic nitrogen fertilizer created from recycled almond shells, air, water, and renewable power. The product avoids the use of animal-based materials, offers pathogen free application, and integrates seamlessly into irrigation systems without clogging.
Field trials have demonstrated yield increases of up to 30% and stronger early plant growth, with every ounce of current production already commissioned. Farmers benefit from reduced fertilizer application rates due to more efficient nitrogen utilization, cutting costs while supporting regenerative practices.
Funding and Investor Support
The Series B round was co-led by World Fund, a European climate focused venture capital firm, and Khosla Ventures, with additional participation from Chipotle’s Cultivate Next venture fund, Change Forces, Susquehanna Sustainable Investments, EIP, and Fine Structure Ventures, part of Fidelity’s parent group FMR.
World Fund’s investment marks its first in a US company. Principal Dr Nadine Geiser noted that Nitricity’s solution reduces emissions by up to 92% compared to conventional fertilizers, aligning with European Union sustainability goals.
Chipotle’s Curt Garner highlighted that Nitricity’s focus on farmer-optimized fertilizer supports the company’s “Food with Integrity” approach. Khosla Ventures partner Rajesh Swaminathan emphasized Nitricity’s distinct approach of producing fertilizer directly from agricultural byproducts, describing it as a fundamental shift from traditional methods.
From Backyard Trials to Global Expansion
Founded in 2018 by Stanford University graduates Dr Nicolas Pinkowski, Dr Joshua McEnaney, and Dr Jay Schwalbe, Nitricity began with a solar-powered fertilizer experiment on a lemon tree in their shared backyard. Since then, the company has developed a sales pipeline exceeding $150 million and operates a pilot factory in Fremont producing 80 tons of fertilizer annually, serving about 80 acres of crops.
The global fertilizer market is valued at around $150 billion and is projected to grow at 2.1% annually, according to McKinsey. Nitricity estimates the organic liquid nitrogen fertilizer segment alone could exceed $11 billion.
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Scaling Production and Entering Europe
The $50 million infusion will be directed towards scaling operations in the United States and Europe, hiring more than 10 new staff to add to the current 38-person team, and advancing research and development.
In the Western US, Nitricity plans to expand capacity near high value fruit markets and its organic farmer base. In Europe, the company will initiate pilot projects and field trials, hiring local staff and sourcing feedstock from agricultural waste such as wood and byproducts of olive oil production. CEO Nicolas Pinkowski described Europe as an even larger market than the US, pointing to strong demand amid government pushes for resilience and circular agricultural economies.
Future Outlook
Slated to begin operations in 2026, the Delhi, California facility will increase production capacity one hundred-fold to reach commercial volumes. Its output is already fully sold under binding agreements with organic growers through 2028. Backed by Elemental Impact and Trellis Climate, the plant will also create more than 20 jobs in Merced County.
Pinkowski reflected on the company’s growth, noting its origins with a US$ 5,000 CalTech grant and now facing demand exceeding supply. He described the fresh capital as a crucial step to meet farmer needs and expand into new markets such as corn and wheat.
World Fund’s Geiser underscored the environmental necessity of alternatives to Haber-Bosch, while investors highlighted the commercial traction and readiness for scale. As Nitricity prepares to build capacity in both the US and Europe, its organic nitrogen fertilizer is positioned to serve an expanding customer base seeking sustainable and cost-competitive solutions.
