Gotham Greens raises more than $310 million in new capital

Gotham Greens, the New York-based indoor farming pioneer that operating a large networking of high-tech hydroponic greenhouses in North America, has raised more than $310 million in new capital, per a press release. That brings the fast-growing company’s total financing to $440 million since its founding in 2009. The latest fundraising round, the company’s largest to date, includes "equity and debt funding led by new investors BMO Impact Investment Fund (IIF), a sustainability-focused investment fund of the Bank of Montreal (BMO), and Ares Management funds (Ares).

Per a release, the Series E round was joined by additional new investors, including Commonfund, RockCreek and Kimco Realty Corporation, along with key existing investors, including Manna Tree Partners and The Silverman Group.  

Gotham Greens says it plans to use the funding to "accelerate its mission to decentralize agricultural production and bring more greenhouse-grown produce and fresh, plant-based foods to people across the United States through channel and geographic market expansion,  increased operational capacity and new product development." The company's product line includes  leafy greens and herbs.

This Series E capital raise will support Gotham Greens’ new greenhouse projects currently under construction in  Seagoville, Texas (near Dallas), Monroe, Ga. (near Atlanta) and Windsor, Colo. (near Denver), the expansion of its existing greenhouses in Chicago and Providence, R.I., as well as future projects and acquisitions in other regions across the U.S. By 2023, Gotham Greens says it will own and operate 13 high-tech, climate-controlled hydroponic greenhouses, totaling more than 40 acres (1.8 million square feet) across nine states.

“Gotham Greens was founded with a vision to advance indoor farming and sustainably grow high-quality leafy greens in cities across America every day of the year. Today, our ambitions and footprint are outgrowing our roots in the best way, and we’re humbled to receive this funding from new and existing investors to continue our national expansion in order to reach our goal of delivering Gotham Greens fresh produce within a day’s drive from our greenhouses to 90% of consumers across the U.S.,” said Viraj Puri, Co-Founder and CEO of Gotham Greens. “With increasing climate and supply chain related issues facing our food system, it’s more important than ever to bring innovative farming solutions that grow high-quality produce while using fewer precious natural resources.  Gotham Greens is growing fast, and we look forward to bringing our brand to new markets in the coming months.” 

Gotham Greens also recently completed the acquisition of FresH2O Growers, Inc., a 540,000 square foot hydroponic greenhouse grower in Stevensburg, Va. (50 miles southwest of Washington, D.C.). FresH2O leafy green salad products are sold in grocery stores across the Mid-Atlantic region. 

“We are proud to pass the torch of the greenhouse facility and business to Gotham Greens, our trusted friends and industry partners. We have admired Gotham Greens’ outstanding track record of success in the industry and being  exceptional growers, and there was no better choice in the CEA industry to continue what we built in Virginia,” said  Joe Van Wingerden, former owner of FresH2O Growers, Inc. “Gotham Greens and FresH2O shared a desire to advance greenhouse agriculture and to bring more fresh, local and sustainably grown produce to consumers  across the country, and we are confident they will continue to service our customers with high-quality, longer lasting leafy greens and other exciting innovations in the years to come.” 

“The Gotham Greens management team has a demonstrated track record of successful execution, having developed a distributed network of greenhouse facilities with near national reach while producing positive facility level unit economics, a key differentiator in the indoor farming space,” said Marc Khouzami, Managing Director, BMO Impact Investment Fund. “BMO IIF is excited to be partnering with Gotham Greens on the next stage of the  company’s growth, as they continue to expand their market share and solidify their position as a leading indoor farming operator.” 

“Ares is excited to support Gotham Greens’ plans to expand its leadership within the fast-growing controlled environment agriculture sector,” said Mike Roth, Partner in the Ares Infrastructure Opportunities strategy. “Through its innovative approach to food production, Gotham Greens has built a resilient business model that also drives positive environmental and social impact within its communities. We look forward to collaborating with the  Gotham Greens team as we continue to advance our commitment to support sustainable climate infrastructure  while seeking to deliver attractive returns for our investors.”