Arlington-based agtech aims to revolutionize local food production by ‘moving the farm, not the food’.

Area 2 Farms, an Arlington, Virginia-based agtech startup, has secured $9 million in its latest funding round, signaling growing investor confidence in localized food systems. Led by early-stage venture firm Slow Ventures and tech-focused Seven Seven Six, the round also included participation from ANIMO Ventures. The funds will support the company’s mission to embed farms directly into communities, transforming how food reaches tables while strengthening local economies.

Founded by former NSA and U.S. Cyber Command technologist Oren Falkowitz, Area 2 Farms operates on the principle of “moving the farm, not the food.” The company builds and manages indoor, soil-based farms across the U.S., producing a diverse range of nutrient-rich crops from leafy greens to root vegetables, while ensuring economic viability for local farmers.

By reducing the distance food travels, Area 2 Farms preserves up to 30% more nutrients, delivers hyper-local, organic produce within 10 miles on average, and offers educational programs to local students. Its Arlington pilot farm has already provided over 20,000 harvests to more than 1,000 customers.

Investors like Sam Lessin of Slow Ventures see Area 2 as a blueprint for decentralized food systems, while Seven Seven Six founder Alexis Ohanian emphasizes that local farms are vital infrastructure for resilience, access, and sustainability.

With new capital, Area 2 Farms plans to expand into Fairfax and other communities, partnering across real estate, education, and food access initiatives. By reconnecting farmers with neighborhoods, the company aims to reshape the future of food.