Key Takeaways
- Saga Robotics raised $11.2 million to expand its automated agricultural platform, Thorvald, in the UK and US markets.
- The funding round was completed in two tranches and included support from both new and existing investors, highlighting strong market interest.
- Thorvald currently operates on over 1,300 acres in the US and supports 13 growers in the UK, with ambitious growth targets through 2026.
Saga Robotics Secures Funding for Growth
Saga Robotics has successfully raised $11.2 million in equity capital aimed at scaling the commercial operations of its robotic platform, Thorvald, designed for the cultivation of grapevines and strawberries in the UK and US. This funding marks a crucial point for the company, as it transitions from initial market presence to large-scale commercial deployment.
The funding round attracted a mixed cohort of new and existing investors, prominently featuring Praesidium Agri-FoodTech, a Luxembourg-based venture capital fund focused on scalable agricultural technology solutions. Existing investors such as Aker, Nysnø Climate Investments, Blystad, Hatteland, Melesio, Sanden, and MP Pensjon also participated actively.
To strengthen its operational capabilities, Saga Robotics has expanded its Board of Directors, bringing in industry experts like Laila Danielsen, CEO of AI software firm Elliptic Labs, and Alice Laurora from Praesidium Agri-FoodTech as an observer. Alice Laurora noted, “The Thorvald robot has transitioned from a prototype to a fully commercialized autonomous solution servicing thousands of acres by 2025.”
The funding was segmented into two tranches: the first, totaling $7.8 million, was closed on June 23, 2025, and was oversubscribed, largely featuring existing investors. The second tranche of $3.4 million closed on July 8, 2025, targeting new investors and strategic partners.
Board Chair Dorn Wenninger commented on the company’s strong commercial performance, stating it was essential for securing this funding in a challenging capital market. The ongoing support from familiar investors, along with new entries like Praesidium Agri-FoodTech, underscores the solid foundation and growth potential of Saga Robotics.
Looking ahead, the newly acquired funds will enable Saga to hasten the rollout of Thorvald in the UK and the US. In the UK, Thorvald currently assists 13 prominent strawberry growers, capturing around 20% of the market, with a goal of increasing that share to above 30% by 2026. In the US, Thorvald operates over 1,300 acres of vineyards, with plans to triple that range by 2026. The platform is also endorsed under California’s CORE incentive program, providing significant grants for robot purchases.
In the 2025 growing season, Saga Robotics recorded its first commercial revenue from its yield prediction data tool, demonstrating an effective use of data collected from extensive agricultural operations. Founder Pål Johan From, who has recently moved to California to lead US efforts, stated, “We’ve proven Thorvald works; now we’re scaling it.”
CEO Sacha de La Noë expressed confidence in the company’s trajectory, emphasizing the significance of the investor interest and plans for aggressive expansion in both markets.
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