孙正义投的独角兽Plenty，倒了

Core Viewpoint - Plenty, a vertical farming company in the U.S., has filed for bankruptcy protection, reflecting broader challenges in the vertical agriculture sector where many previously favored startups are now struggling [1][5]. Company Overview - Founded in 2014 by Matt Barnard and Nate Storey, Plenty aimed to revolutionize food production by combining water technology with agriculture, claiming to achieve yields 350 times higher than traditional farming while using only 1% of the water [2][3]. - The company has never turned a profit since its inception, with total liabilities reported between $100 million and $500 million [3][4]. Financing History - Plenty raised approximately $260 million in its early years through seed and Series A funding, with significant investments from firms like Innovation Endeavors and DCM [3]. - The company completed a record $400 million Series E funding round in 2022, reaching a valuation of $1.9 billion, but struggled to establish a viable business model [3]. Industry Context - The vertical farming industry experienced a peak in high valuations and funding from 2019 to 2022, but many companies have since faced difficulties and failed to deliver on their promises [5]. - A table lists several companies in the vertical farming sector that have faced bankruptcy or operational halts, highlighting the industry's volatility [6]. Competitive Landscape - Despite the challenges faced by many, some companies like Oishii have successfully secured funding and expanded their operations by leveraging advanced technology and targeting niche markets [7]. Policy Environment - In 2023, the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs outlined plans to enhance modern facility agriculture, including the development of vertical farms, indicating potential growth opportunities in the sector [8][9].