Bem Agro Closes R$10.2 Million Round Led by CNH

Bem Agro, a Brazilian agtech startup specializing in AI and computer vision, has secured R$10.2 million in an investment round led by CNH, a major player in the agricultural machinery market and owner of brands like New Holland and Case IH. The round also saw participation from Rural Ventures, MMAgro, and Agroven.

Established in 2018 in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Bem Agro provides solutions that assist farmers in managing grain, fiber, and sugarcane cultivation. The platform has processed data across more than 5 million hectares and serves 400 clients in 11 countries.

Bem Agro’s technology creates 180 different scenarios to optimize agricultural operations, focusing on reducing the use of inputs and improving the efficiency of machinery and labor. The company claims that its technology can decrease pesticide usage by approximately 80% and reduce machinery maneuvers by 25%. Additionally, it enables a 5% to 10% increase in plant density within the same area.

The partnership between Bem Agro and CNH began six years ago, with the startup testing its technology in sugarcane mills throughout Brazil. This collaboration has facilitated the introduction of Bem Agro’s solutions to international markets, particularly in Thailand and other Asia-Pacific countries.

Bem Agro’s systems can now integrate directly with CNH machinery, extracting data to refine scenario projections and sending information and maps directly to the machines without the need for intermediary processes.

CNH’s interest in Bem Agro’s technology is rooted in its potential to enhance the efficiency and profitability of agricultural operations, particularly during periods of volatile commodity prices. However, CNH does not seek exclusive access to Bem Agro’s technologies, acknowledging the broader industry trend of integrating advanced tech solutions into agricultural machinery.