French agritech startup UBEES has successfully closed an $9.4 million Series A funding round to advance its mission of integrating pollination into regenerative agriculture. The round was co-led by European funds Starquest and Capagro, with participation from Newtree Impact. This new capital will fuel the company's international expansion, technological development, and efforts to scale its innovative agricultural solutions worldwide.
Addressing a Critical Agricultural Challenge
UBEES is tackling the critical issue of pollinator decline, noting that the world has lost nearly half its bee population in the last decade. This poses a significant threat to global food security, as approximately 75% of food crops depend on pollination. The company argues that despite this dependency, pollination remains an underutilized tool in modern agronomic strategies and value chain management.
A Technology-Driven Approach to Pollination
The company's solution involves designing structured pollination programs based on detailed analysis of pollinators and their local environments. UBEES utilizes connected beehives equipped with sensors and analytical tools to monitor pollinator health and surrounding environmental conditions. This data-driven approach allows for the optimization of agricultural practices and a comprehensive assessment of overall ecosystem health.
Fueling Global Growth and Innovation
With the new investment, UBEES plans a significant operational expansion into Latin America and Africa, targeting key regions for crops like coffee, berries, and cocoa. This move complements the company's strategy to consolidate its existing presence in the European and United States markets. The funding is earmarked to scale its deployment and bring its services to new agricultural sectors globally.
A portion of the capital will also be dedicated to enhancing the embedded technologies within its connected beehives. The goal is to improve the quality of pollinator monitoring and data collection, thereby strengthening its impact measurement capabilities. This will allow for more precise assessments of the agronomic, environmental, and economic benefits of its programs.
Creating Economic and Environmental Value
Investors highlight the company's creation of a virtuous cycle that generates measurable benefits for all stakeholders. Quentin Simon of Starquest noted that the model increases agricultural yields and provides additional income for farmers through honey production. This dual benefit strengthens farm resilience while accelerating the adoption of regenerative agricultural practices throughout the value chain.
A key long-term objective for UBEES is to build an international community of trained and supported farmers. By equipping them with beekeeping skills and access to valuable agronomic data, the company aims to create new income opportunities. This initiative empowers rural communities and fosters a more sustainable and collaborative approach to modern farming.
A Vision for Resilient Agriculture
Founded in 2017, UBEES combines professional beekeeping with agronomy and technology to improve yields and protect biodiversity. CEO Louis Delelis-Fanien stated the funding marks a turning point in demonstrating that pollination can be a profitable and scalable agronomic lever. The company already operates in over fifteen countries, serving major clients like Nespresso, Nestlé, and Starbucks.
This $9.4 million funding round marks a significant milestone for UBEES, validating its innovative approach to solving pressing agricultural and environmental challenges. The investment empowers the company to scale its technology-driven pollination services, expand its global footprint, and further its mission of building more productive food systems. UBEES is now strongly positioned to lead the transition toward a future where agriculture and biodiversity can thrive together.