BeeHero Raises $19M to Revolutionize Pollination with AI

Precision Apiculture: BeeHero Secures $19 Million to Revolutionize Pollination

A shift is occurring in the agricultural sector, with precision apiculture gaining prominence alongside precision agriculture. BeeHero, a rapidly expanding company, has secured $19 million in new funding. This investment will facilitate its expansion beyond initial markets and unlock further applications for its unique data collection system, derived from thousands of active honeybee hives.

Empowering Hives with IoT Technology

BeeHero equips hives with Internet of Things (IoT) technology. This allows for real-time tracking of bee movements and health. Early detection of issues like mite infestations is now possible, preventing widespread problems.

The benefits are substantial, including improved crop yields, healthier hives, and reduced tractor usage. Traditional hive monitoring, involving infrequent physical checks, is inefficient. Hives can collapse or pollinate ineffectively during these intervals, leading to unproductive seasons.

Addressing the Challenges of Pollination

“Current pollination practices present significant challenges,” states Omer Davidi, CEO and co-founder of BeeHero. “There’s a hive shortage, and the quality of available hives is uncertain. Effective pollination requires understanding stressors and inputs, which is difficult with traditional methods.”

Despite launching during the pandemic, BeeHero experienced remarkable traction after establishing connections with farmers. Many farmers are cautiously adopting modern solutions, often skeptical of quick fixes proposed by startups.

Building Trust Through Results

“We initially considered highlighting dramatic yield increases, but realized a cautious approach was necessary,” Davidi explains. “Farmers have generations of experience. Bold claims would erode credibility. We focused on under-promising and over-delivering, creating a streamlined onboarding process.”

This strategy proved successful, and BeeHero now collaborates with leading almond growers in California, a major global producer. The company anticipates managing 100,000 hives by year-end, becoming the largest pollination provider in the U.S. (currently fourth largest).

Funding and Expansion Plans

The $15 million A round was led by ADM Capital, Rabo Food and Agri Innovation Fund, iAngels, FirstTime, J-Ventures, UpWest, Entrée Capital, Good Company, the Arison Group and Gaingels. BeeHero has also received $4 million in grants from the European Commission, the BIRD Foundation and the Israel Innovation Authority.

The funding will primarily support expansion beyond the U.S. and almonds. Initial targets include berries, avocados, and apples, followed by crops like sunflowers and soybeans. Greenhouse crops, such as tomatoes, are also being considered. Australia and Europe are potential expansion locations, contingent on partnerships.

The Value of Bee Data

Davidi emphasizes the potential of the growing bee activity database. While acknowledging the early stage of their research, he highlights the value of collecting the largest bee-adjacent dataset available.

Understanding how hives and pollination respond to various factors – weather patterns, crops, planting styles, pesticides, invasive species (including the Asian giant hornet) – will be invaluable. This research is just beginning.

Remarkably, bees can even detect rainfall 30 minutes before it occurs. The underlying mechanisms are still being investigated, but this insight could provide valuable data for farmers and apiculture in general.

Collaborations and Future Research

Research partnerships with organizations like the World Bee Project and Japan’s Ministry of Culture demonstrate the untapped potential of this data. Given the critical role of pollination in global food security and the increasing threats to bee populations, any insights are welcome.

Here's a quick overview of the key benefits: