Little Leaf Farms grows and packages lettuce year-round in controlled-environment hydroponic greenhouses that use captured rainwater, high-transmission glass for natural sunlight, and solar power. Its baby greens are harvested hands-free and are never treated with chemical pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides, and the company uses advanced data analytics and automated grow systems. The company says its hydroponic production uses up to 90% less water than field-grown greens. Little Leaf Farms plans to expand its footprint with a fourth hydroponic greenhouse opening in July on 180 acres in McAdoo, Pennsylvania, and intends to open additional greenhouses in Pennsylvania and North Carolina. The expansion is expected to increase the brand’s retail presence by 50%, with products available in more than 3,500 grocery stores and a goal to make local lettuces accessible to over half of the U.S. population by 2026. Financially, the company completed a $300 million financing to support growth and farm and distribution expansion. Little Leaf Farms grows hydroponic, greenhouse-grown baby green lettuces sold to major supermarket chains across New England and delivered within 24 hours. The company produces over one million boxes per month at its Devens, Mass. greenhouse and plans to double production to two million boxes by expanding from five to ten acres. Its facilities use pesticide-free growing methods, 100% captured rainwater, and advanced fertilization and irrigation systems that use 90% less water than field-grown greens. Little Leaf Farms plans to build 20-acre greenhouses in Eastern Pennsylvania and Western North Carolina to supply local stores. The company was founded in 2015 by Paul Sellew and emphasizes local year-round production to reduce reliance on West Coast lettuce shipments. Bank of America has provided significant financing to support this rapid East Coast expansion.

Total raised

$318M

Funding rounds

3

Latest round

Equity

Latest activity

Jun 2022