Agtech funding figures surpassed expectations to reach $4.6 billion in 2015. This was nearly double the $2.36 billion total invested in 2014 as agtech’s place as a key area of focus for many in the venture capital community was confirmed.

Momentum in the agtech investment market gathered pace in H2 taking total fundraising volumes for 2015 to $4.6 billion across 527 deals. This doubled the $2.06 billion raised across 228 deals in H1.

Another record-breaking year for agtech investment, 2015 saw increasing diversity of investors active in the sector, but also diversity in the technologies coming to the fore. High profile investors making bets in the space included Google Ventures, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, among other generalist VC firms. The amount of investment from agtech-focused VCs also increased as new players focusing on this growing segment launched funds.

Technologies facing consumers rapidly picked up pace as food e-commerce startups raised $1.65 billion alone. Alternative protein companies attracted some large bets while drones & robotics and support tech startups continued to mature. Biological inputs companies also picked up more investment in 2015 as the efficacy of their products is increasingly proved.