Oslo-based Saga Robotics, the company behind Thorvald, a key autonomous platform for grapevine and strawberries, has secured €9.5 million in equity capital to expand its operations in the UK and US.
The funding round was supported by new and existing investors, including Praesidium Agri-FoodTech, a Luxembourg VC fund specializing in scalable AgTech solutions. Returning investors included Aker, Nysnø Climate Investments, Blystad, Hatteland, Melesio, Sanden, and MP Pensjon.
“We’ve proven Thorvald works, now we’re scaling it,” said founder Pål Johan From, who recently moved to California to lead US operations. “This funding provides us with the means to accelerate adoption, enhance efficiency in agriculture, and decrease chemical use in two of the world’s most chemically reliant specialty crop markets.”
Established in 2016, Saga Robotics developed Thorvald, a modular, field-tested robotic platform designed for soft fruit and grapevine production. From UV-C disease control to precise data collection, Thorvald offers automated services that reportedly help growers improve yield, reduce labor costs, and minimize chemical use. The goal is to foster cleaner food, greater efficiency, and sustainable farming.
In conjunction with the funding, Saga Robotics has bolstered its Board with additional industry experts. Dorn Wenninger (Chair), Atle Eide (Aker), and Yvonne Silden Langlo (Nysnø) remain and are joined by new members Laila Danielsen, CEO of AI software company Elliptic Labs, and Alice Laurora of Praesidium Agri-FoodTech, who joins as an observer.
“The Thorvald robot has transitioned from a prototype to a fully commercially deployed autonomous solution, servicing thousands of acres in 2025,” said Alice Laurora, Vice President at Praesidium Agri-FoodTech. “We invest in Saga Robotics because they have the right team, technology, proven solutions, and a clear path to scale in underserved agricultural sectors.”
The funding was completed in two tranches:
– Tranche 1: €6.6 Million, closed 23rd June 2025 – oversubscribed, mainly allocated to existing investors
– Tranche 2: €2.9 Million, closed 8th July 2025 – targeted new investors and strategic partners
Dorn Wenninger, Board Chair of Saga Robotics commented, “Our strong commercial performance enabled us to close this funding round in a relatively challenging capital market. Continued support from existing shareholders and new investors like Praesidium Agri-FoodTech endorses the solid foundations of our core business and growth pipeline.”
Saga Robotics will utilize the capital to expedite the commercial rollout of Thorvald in the UK and US.
In the UK, Thorvald supports 13 major strawberry growers, treating around 20% of the national market, with aims to exceed 30% in 2026. In the 2025 growing season, Saga recorded its first commercial revenue from its yield prediction data tool.
In the US, Thorvald is operating across more than 1,300 acres of vineyards, with plans to triple this area by 2026. The platform has been approved in California’s CORE incentive program, offering significant grants for robot sales.
In total, over 150 Thorvald 3.0 units are active in the 2025 growing season.
“When I joined Saga Robotics, the potential was clear, and this investor interest confirms it,” said CEO Sacha de La Noë. “With Pål leading US expansion and strong UK traction, we’re entering a new phase focused on scale and impact. We’re not just gaining ground, we’re accelerating.”