In a major development for India’s agri-tech sector, Fragaria Fruits, a high-tech farming startup focused on premium and sustainable fruit cultivation, has successfully raised $4 million in funding to expand its operations in Bengaluru and strengthen its position in India’s fast-growing fresh produce market.
The seed funding round, valued at $2 million, was led by WEH Ventures with participation from Rainmatter, Spiral Ventures, and several prominent angel investors, including Sashi Kumar, CEO of Akshayakalpa Organic. The remaining capital was reportedly secured through follow-on commitments from institutional partners and strategic backers to support large-scale expansion and R&D initiatives.
Building India’s Next-Generation Fruit Brand
Founded in 2024 by Harish Varadharajan, Damian Lopez-Salazar, and Timothy Van Niekerk, Fragaria Fruits aims to redefine India’s fruit consumption experience through world-class farming practices, sustainable production methods, and technology-driven operations. Collectively, the founders bring over 25 years of agricultural experience across six countries, blending international expertise with a deep understanding of India’s local market dynamics.
The company’s flagship brand, “Oh! Fruits,” has already made a mark in southern India. It offers European-grade strawberries grown using advanced vertical farming systems in Chennai. These strawberries are known for being twice as sweet as conventional Indian varieties, 100% pesticide-free, and have an extended shelf life — up to three times longer than typical market options.
Funding to Accelerate Growth and Market Reach
Commenting on the company’s growth plans, Timothy Van Niekerk, Co-founder of Fragaria Fruits, said:
“This funding will allow us to scale our operations and reach a larger consumer base with consistently high-quality fruit. It’s a key step forward in our mission to build India’s most trusted and beloved fruit brand, offering fresh, sustainable produce throughout the year.”
The startup plans to utilize the funds to enhance its farming infrastructure, expand cultivation facilities to Bengaluru, and diversify its premium fruit portfolio. Fragaria will soon introduce blueberries and raspberries to its product line, catering to the growing demand for high-quality, imported-style fruits produced locally at scale.
Investors Back Sustainable, Tech-Led Agriculture
Rohit Krishna, Partner at WEH Ventures, praised Fragaria’s innovation-driven approach to agriculture, saying:
“We believe Fragaria is addressing a critical inefficiency in India’s fruit supply chain. Their model blends cutting-edge farming technology with sustainable practices, which is a game-changer for India’s premium fruit market. We are excited to support their vision of delivering fresh, year-round fruit without compromising on quality or environmental responsibility.”
Technology and Sustainability at the Core
Fragaria’s production model integrates climate-controlled vertical farming, AI-based monitoring, and hydroponic systems to ensure optimal fruit quality and consistency. By eliminating pesticide usage and optimizing water consumption, the company aligns with India’s sustainable agriculture and food security goals.
The startup also aims to reduce the supply chain inefficiencies commonly seen in India’s perishable goods market by bringing farm-to-fork traceability and maintaining cold-chain logistics from cultivation to delivery.
Transforming India’s Fruit Industry
India’s fresh fruit market, currently valued at over $15 billion, is witnessing a surge in demand for premium, organic, and locally grown produce. Urban consumers are increasingly seeking healthier, fresher options — and Fragaria Fruits is well-positioned to meet this need with its high-quality, sustainable products.
Industry experts view Fragaria’s tech-first approach as a potential blueprint for the future of Indian agriculture, especially in urban and controlled-environment farming. By focusing on vertical integration, sustainability, and flavor innovation, the company hopes to create a strong national presence and eventually expand to international markets.
A Fruitful Future Ahead
With the newly raised funding, Fragaria Fruits plans to strengthen its production capacity, hire skilled agri-tech professionals, and expand its retail network across major Indian metros. Its long-term goal is to establish India’s first large-scale premium fruit brand that combines technology, taste, and transparency.
As the Indian agriculture landscape continues to evolve, Fragaria Fruits represents a refreshing example of how AI, innovation, and sustainability can come together to transform traditional farming into a future-ready, scalable enterprise.
