Revolutionizing Farming: How Niqo Robotics is Changing the Game with $13M Series B Funding

Bengaluru’s Niqo Robotics, an agriculture robotics startup, secures $13 million in a Series B funding round spearheaded by Brida Innovation Ventures. This funding round also witnesses engagement from new investor Fulcrum Global Capital and existing supporter Omnivore.

With this latest influx, Niqo Robotics has amassed a total funding of $21 million across multiple rounds. Previous funding includes a $5 million Series A round in August 2021 and a $2 million Seed round in 2019.

What is Niqo Robotics’ Expertise?

Niqo Robotics, formerly recognized as TartanSense, focuses on crafting compact agricultural robots integrated with AI-powered computer vision capabilities.

The company has pioneered a unique AI camera utilizing advanced deep learning algorithms to accurately detect and spray targeted plants, resulting in a remarkable reduction of chemical consumption by up to 90%.

This innovative technology has been successfully deployed across more than 90,000 acres of land, delivering substantial benefits to over 1,800 farmers during the fiscal year 2023-24, with a significant reduction in chemical expenses by up to 60%.

Venturing into New Markets: Niqo Robotics’ Growth Strategy

Niqo Robotics, under the leadership of founder and CEO Jaisimha Rao, sets its sights on expanding into fresh markets to drive widespread adoption of its spot spray technology worldwide.

Rao remarked, “With the successful closure of our Series B funding round, we are fortified by a consortium of investors boasting extensive agricultural expertise across three continents.”

Setting Apart from Competitors

In a landscape teeming with competitors like Zenrobotics, SwarmFarm, and Ecorobotis, Niqo Robotics stands out with its groundbreaking solutions geared towards sustainability and economical efficiency.

Niqo Robotics prioritizes farmer-centric solutions and fosters sustainable agricultural practices.

Investor Feedback on Niqo Robotics

Yassine Cherkaoui, CEO of Bidra Innovation Ventures, emphasized the significance of farmer-centric solutions like Niqo’s AI-driven spot spraying technology in fostering sustainable agriculture.

“We’re excited to lead this investment round, enabling more farmers to access Niqo’s cutting-edge technology. This perfectly aligns with Bidra’s mission to support innovative solutions for feeding a growing population sustainably,” said Cherkaoui.

Mark Kahn, Managing Partner at Omnivore, highlighted the increasing necessity for climate-smart deep tech solutions in global agri-food systems. He reiterated Omnivore’s commitment to Niqo, believing that farm robotics can optimize resources and boost farmer profits significantly.

Duane Cantrell, Managing Partner and CEO of Fulcrum Global Capital, expressed confidence in Niqo Robotics, marking it as their first investment in an India-based company. Cantrell emphasized Niqo’s potential to scale and benefit farmers worldwide, emphasizing spot spraying as advantageous for the farming ecosystem. With their industry expertise and strategic partnerships, Fulcrum aims to support Niqo’s global expansion efforts.