Agribusiness is the most dynamic sector of the Brazilian economy, accounting for about 50% of the country’s exports and 23% of GDP. The sector has become globally integrated. This scenario shows the importance of agtechs in Brazil. According to a survey conducted by SP Ventures in partnership with the FEI University Center, Agtech Garage, Usina, Esalqtec and Agrihub, there are about 338 agtechs mapped in Brazil.
Another research, this time from ABStartups, shows that the agricultural sector, for example, was the segment with the best performance of the economy in 2017, with a growth of 13% in the number of agtechs. In total, 70% of the national territory has startups that work with agribusiness. In addition, 37% of Brazilian states have more than three agtechs. And of the five most representative states, three are from the South.
The improvement of Brazil’s technological infrastructure, such as connectivity, mobile penetration, satellite imagery and digital literacy, has been fundamental for the development of the agtech ecosystem of the country, allowing companies to bring new products and solutions to Brazilian farmers. According to the investment fund SP Ventures, between 2012 and 2017, the use of smartphones increased from 16% to more than 70%.
Investment funds such as SP Ventures are eyeing this market with the goal of helping the industry develop and leverage businesses that have innovative technologies with high impact and growth potential.
Fundepag, specialized in business management in Brazilian agribusiness, is another example. Responsible for including companies in the ecosystem of connections, its main goal is to boost innovation in the industry, expand access to research and create connections between researchers, institutes, government, startups and accelerators.
This text was translated by machine from Brazilian Portuguese.