Saga Robotics, an Oslo-based autonomous agriculture robot maker, has raised €9.5 million (US$11 million) to expand in the UK and US.

The funding came from investors including Praesidium Agri-FoodTech, Aker, and Nysnø Climate Investments.

Saga Robotics makes Thorvald, a robotic platform used for grapevine and strawberry farming.

The company said the funding will support its commercial rollout in both markets.

Thorvald currently operates with 13 UK strawberry growers and covers around 20% of the national market, with a goal of reaching 30% by 2026.

In the US, Thorvald is active on over 1,300 acres of vineyards and is part of California’s CORE incentive program.

The company completed the funding in two tranches, €6.6 million (US$7.6 million) in June 2025 and €2.9 million (US$3.3 million) in July 2025, for a larger commercial rollout.

🔗 Source: EU.startups

🧠 Food for thought

1️⃣ Agricultural robotics funding shows resilience despite sector decline

Saga Robotics secured €9.5 million at a time when farm robotics investment has been declining significantly across the industry.

The broader farm robotics sector raised nearly $399 million in the first half of 2024, representing a 21.1% decline from $505.5 million in the same period of 20231.

Despite this challenging funding environment, Saga’s oversubscribed first tranche of €6.6 million suggests strong investor confidence in companies with proven commercial traction.

The company’s success in closing funding contrasts with broader market conditions, likely reflecting their demonstrated commercial performance with over 150 active Thorvald units and established market presence treating 20% of the UK’s strawberry production.

This funding pattern indicates that investors are becoming more selective, favoring agricultural robotics companies that have moved beyond prototypes to generate actual revenue and market adoption.

2️⃣ Rising labor costs drive agricultural automation adoption across specialty crops