Agriculture Reimagined – by
Scientists, Engineers and Visionaries
We are vGreens.
A team made up of diverse backgrounds—from plant science to data analytics, engineering, business studies and beyond. What unites us is the ability to find common ground, build bridges across disciplines, and collaborate toward a shared mission: providing growers with intelligent tools to enable smarter, faster, and more sustainable growth for the future of farming.
Powered by Data. Driven by Purpose.
vGreens is built on a deep belief in data’s power to transform agriculture. Our intelligent technology is built to make resilient, high-quality food production accessible everywhere in the world.
The vGreens Journey
January 2021
The Spark
The Idea
In the beginning of 2021, the vision of data-driven 365-day production of strawberries using vertical farming and AI software germinated. The journey of the future founding team of vGreens takes off with initial technical tests.
January 2021
The Spark
The Idea
In the beginning of 2021, the vision of data-driven 365-day production of strawberries using vertical farming and AI software germinated. The journey of the future founding team of vGreens takes off with initial technical tests.
January 2021
The Spark
The Idea
In the beginning of 2021, the vision of data-driven 365-day production of strawberries using vertical farming and AI software germinated. The journey of the future founding team of vGreens takes off with initial technical tests.
April 2022
Laying the Groundwork
Foundation & First Automated Vertical Farm
Two years of intensive development later, the startup vGreens is officially founded in spring 2022. Meanwhile, the founding team set up its first 50 m2 pilot farm in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Over 4 tons of strawberries were produced here annually.
April 2022
Laying the Groundwork
Foundation & First Automated Vertical Farm
Two years of intensive development later, the startup vGreens is officially founded in spring 2022. Meanwhile, the founding team set up its first 50 m2 pilot farm in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Over 4 tons of strawberries were produced here annually.
April 2022
Laying the Groundwork
Foundation & First Automated Vertical Farm
Two years of intensive development later, the startup vGreens is officially founded in spring 2022. Meanwhile, the founding team set up its first 50 m2 pilot farm in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Over 4 tons of strawberries were produced here annually.
December 2022
Fuel for Growth
Pre-Seed-Funding
vGreens successfully closes its first seven-figure pre-seed funding round, backed by prominent institutional investors and well-known business angels.
December 2022
Fuel for Growth
Pre-Seed-Funding
vGreens successfully closes its first seven-figure pre-seed funding round, backed by prominent institutional investors and well-known business angels.
December 2022
Fuel for Growth
Pre-Seed-Funding
vGreens successfully closes its first seven-figure pre-seed funding round, backed by prominent institutional investors and well-known business angels.
December 2023
A New Home Base
New Headquarter in Essen, Germany
vGreens moves to the center of the Ruhr region in Germany: Essen. The startup’s new headquarter is located at the Triple Z startup and business center at Zeche Zollverein, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
December 2023
A New Home Base
New Headquarter in Essen, Germany
vGreens moves to the center of the Ruhr region in Germany: Essen. The startup’s new headquarter is located at the Triple Z startup and business center at Zeche Zollverein, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
December 2023
A New Home Base
New Headquarter in Essen, Germany
vGreens moves to the center of the Ruhr region in Germany: Essen. The startup’s new headquarter is located at the Triple Z startup and business center at Zeche Zollverein, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
February 2024
Expertise on Deck
Establishment of an Advisory Board
In spring 2024, vGreens established an advisory board comprising industry leaders, researchers, and forward-thinking innovators. They expand strategic perspectives, challenge ideas, and strengthen our path, helping us scale smarter, faster, and with a lasting impact.
February 2024
Expertise on Deck
Establishment of an Advisory Board
In spring 2024, vGreens established an advisory board comprising industry leaders, researchers, and forward-thinking innovators. They expand strategic perspectives, challenge ideas, and strengthen our path, helping us scale smarter, faster, and with a lasting impact.
February 2024
Expertise on Deck
Establishment of an Advisory Board
In spring 2024, vGreens established an advisory board comprising industry leaders, researchers, and forward-thinking innovators. They expand strategic perspectives, challenge ideas, and strengthen our path, helping us scale smarter, faster, and with a lasting impact.
July 2024
Scaling Starts Here
First Industrial Module & Expansion to Singapore
In collaboration with technical partners, vGreens builds the first industrial module of their vertical farming system in Essen, Germany, enabling software-controlled strawberry production. At the same time, vGreens expands to Singapore with a subsidiary.
July 2024
Scaling Starts Here
First Industrial Module & Expansion to Singapore
In collaboration with technical partners, vGreens builds the first industrial module of their vertical farming system in Essen, Germany, enabling software-controlled strawberry production. At the same time, vGreens expands to Singapore with a subsidiary.
July 2024
Scaling Starts Here
First Industrial Module & Expansion to Singapore
In collaboration with technical partners, vGreens builds the first industrial module of their vertical farming system in Essen, Germany, enabling software-controlled strawberry production. At the same time, vGreens expands to Singapore with a subsidiary.
January 2025
Proof in Practice
First Industrial-Scale POC Greenhouse Facility in South Africa
Together with our strategic partner CAN Agri, vGreens introduced strawberries and sensor technology into their greenhouse facility in Pretoria. This setup marks an important step in validating the hybrid greenhouse approach—combining natural resources with data-driven precision to enable scalable, energy-efficient strawberry production.
January 2025
Proof in Practice
First Industrial-Scale POC Greenhouse Facility in South Africa
Together with our strategic partner CAN Agri, vGreens introduced strawberries and sensor technology into their greenhouse facility in Pretoria. This setup marks an important step in validating the hybrid greenhouse approach—combining natural resources with data-driven precision to enable scalable, energy-efficient strawberry production.
January 2025
Proof in Practice
First Industrial-Scale POC Greenhouse Facility in South Africa
Together with our strategic partner CAN Agri, vGreens introduced strawberries and sensor technology into their greenhouse facility in Pretoria. This setup marks an important step in validating the hybrid greenhouse approach—combining natural resources with data-driven precision to enable scalable, energy-efficient strawberry production.
March 2025
Momentum Secured
Seed Funding
vGreens successfully closes its second funding round, welcoming new investors who strengthen our journey—strategically and financially.
March 2025
Momentum Secured
Seed Funding
vGreens successfully closes its second funding round, welcoming new investors who strengthen our journey—strategically and financially.
March 2025
Momentum Secured
Seed Funding
vGreens successfully closes its second funding round, welcoming new investors who strengthen our journey—strategically and financially.
June 2025
Unveiling our Future
Launch of New IP & Brand Positioning
After two years of focused development behind the scenes, vGreens unveils its new technology platform and brand identity, positioning itself publicly, for the first time, as a leading provider of data-driven solutions for the future of food production.
June 2025
Unveiling our Future
Launch of New IP & Brand Positioning
After two years of focused development behind the scenes, vGreens unveils its new technology platform and brand identity, positioning itself publicly, for the first time, as a leading provider of data-driven solutions for the future of food production.
June 2025
Unveiling our Future
Launch of New IP & Brand Positioning
After two years of focused development behind the scenes, vGreens unveils its new technology platform and brand identity, positioning itself publicly, for the first time, as a leading provider of data-driven solutions for the future of food production.
vGreens as an employer
At vGreens, we empower our team just like we empower growers—with the right tools, trust, and space to grow smarter and move faster. Every day, we strive to build a workplace where people feel supported, enjoy what they do, and grow, both personally, and professionally.
Working at vGreens means:
Purpose-Driven Work
Join a team that is working toward real impact. At vGreens, your contribution supports a more sustainable food system—turning vision into action with every project you work on.
Purpose-Driven Work
Join a team that is working toward real impact. At vGreens, your contribution supports a more sustainable food system—turning vision into action with every project you work on.
Purpose-Driven Work
Join a team that is working toward real impact. At vGreens, your contribution supports a more sustainable food system—turning vision into action with every project you work on.
Purpose-Driven Work
Join a team that is working toward real impact. At vGreens, your contribution supports a more sustainable food system—turning vision into action with every project you work on.
High Level Autonomy
We trust you to own your work. You’ll have the freedom to organize your day, solve challenges your own way, and deliver results—within a team that values initiative, collaboration, and accountability.
High Level Autonomy
We trust you to own your work. You’ll have the freedom to organize your day, solve challenges your own way, and deliver results—within a team that values initiative, collaboration, and accountability.
High Level Autonomy
We trust you to own your work. You’ll have the freedom to organize your day, solve challenges your own way, and deliver results—within a team that values initiative, collaboration, and accountability.
High Level Autonomy
We trust you to own your work. You’ll have the freedom to organize your day, solve challenges your own way, and deliver results—within a team that values initiative, collaboration, and accountability.
Real Growth Potential
At vGreens, personal and professional growth go hand in hand. From day one, you’ll have the chance to take ownership, expand your skill set, and shape your own path within a growing tech company.
Real Growth Potential
At vGreens, personal and professional growth go hand in hand. From day one, you’ll have the chance to take ownership, expand your skill set, and shape your own path within a growing tech company.
Real Growth Potential
At vGreens, personal and professional growth go hand in hand. From day one, you’ll have the chance to take ownership, expand your skill set, and shape your own path within a growing tech company.
Real Growth Potential
At vGreens, personal and professional growth go hand in hand. From day one, you’ll have the chance to take ownership, expand your skill set, and shape your own path within a growing tech company.
A Global Team Driven by Purpose
At vGreens, collaboration isn’t just a value—it’s our superpower. Bridging plant science, data science, and engineering requires open minds, honest communication,
A Global Team Driven by Purpose
At vGreens, collaboration isn’t just a value—it’s our superpower. Bridging plant science, data science, and engineering requires open minds, honest communication,
A Global Team Driven by Purpose
At vGreens, collaboration isn’t just a value—it’s our superpower. Bridging plant science, data science, and engineering requires open minds, honest communication,
A Global Team Driven by Purpose
At vGreens, collaboration isn’t just a value—it’s our superpower. Bridging plant science, data science, and engineering requires open minds, honest communication,
Our Values
Our Values
Our Values
Our values guide everything we do – from how we build technology to how we work together.
The Founders
Claas Ahrens
Co-Founder and Managing Director
Claas is the visionary behind vGreens. With a background in Supply Chain Management & Logistics he brings extensive leadership experience from global companies like Amazon. Driven by a passion for sustainable innovation, Claas previously led a solar car development project before launching vGreens.
Realizing the vital role data would play across the entire food supply chain sparked the idea to found vGreens. We’re here to be part of the solution—building intelligent systems that enable a smarter, more resilient future of food.
Dr. Maximilian Hartmann
Co-Founder and Managing Director
Maximilian graduated with First Class Honors in Business Administration from the University of Wales, then earned his MBA at the University of Düsseldorf before completing a doctorate and working as a lecturer in Düsseldorf. Leading investor relations and funding, Maximilian spearheads vGreens’ growth strategy. In addition to his role as a founder, he is actively involved in volunteer work with Rotary International and the NGO "Projekthilfe Gambia".
With the rapid advancement of AI, we are entering a phase where industries are being rethought at their core. The food sector, like many others, is facing a fundamental transformation—and I’m proud that vGreens is at the forefront of this shift.
Dr. Stefan Hey
Co-Founder
Holding a PhD in Crop Science from the University of Bonn, Stefan leads vGreens’ crop research and innovation. The Gardener—as he likes to be called—is the scientific brain behind our innovative, data-driven cultivation methods.
I’ve always been fascinated by the complexity and intricate interactions between plants and their environment. I am driven by unraveling the complex regulations within plants. Using technology and data, my purpose is to provide actionable insights into the inner workings of plants for sustainable food production.
Assist. Prof. Dr. Caspar Krampe
Co-Founder
Caspar is Assistant Professor of Sustainable Market Innovations at Wageningen University. In this role, he brings the pioneering insights from Europe’s leading AgTech University into the vGreens’ founding team.
Food market transitions toward sustainability require systemic, multi-level interventions that reshape decision-making processes through stakeholder collaboration, food system innovation, and market-driving strategies aligned with long-term societal impact.
Claas Ahrens
Co-Founder and Managing Director
Claas is the visionary behind vGreens. With a background in Supply Chain Management & Logistics he brings extensive leadership experience from global companies like Amazon. Driven by a passion for sustainable innovation, Claas previously led a solar car development project before launching vGreens.
Realizing the vital role data would play across the entire food supply chain sparked the idea to found vGreens. We’re here to be part of the solution—building intelligent systems that enable a smarter, more resilient future of food.
Dr. Maximilian Hartmann
Co-Founder and Managing Director
Maximilian graduated with First Class Honors in Business Administration from the University of Wales, then earned his MBA at the University of Düsseldorf before completing a doctorate and working as a lecturer in Düsseldorf. Leading investor relations and funding, Maximilian spearheads vGreens’ growth strategy. In addition to his role as a founder, he is actively involved in volunteer work with Rotary International and the NGO "Projekthilfe Gambia".
With the rapid advancement of AI, we are entering a phase where industries are being rethought at their core. The food sector, like many others, is facing a fundamental transformation—and I’m proud that vGreens is at the forefront of this shift.
Dr. Stefan Hey
Co-Founder
Holding a PhD in Crop Science from the University of Bonn, Stefan leads vGreens’ crop research and innovation. The Gardener—as he likes to be called—is the scientific brain behind our innovative, data-driven cultivation methods.
I’ve always been fascinated by the complexity and intricate interactions between plants and their environment. I am driven by unraveling the complex regulations within plants. Using technology and data, my purpose is to provide actionable insights into the inner workings of plants for sustainable food production.
Assist. Prof. Dr. Caspar Krampe
Co-Founder
Caspar is Assistant Professor of Sustainable Market Innovations at Wageningen University. In this role, he brings the pioneering insights from Europe’s leading AgTech University into the vGreens’ founding team.
Food market transitions toward sustainability require systemic, multi-level interventions that reshape decision-making processes through stakeholder collaboration, food system innovation, and market-driving strategies aligned with long-term societal impact.
Claas Ahrens
Co-Founder and Managing Director
Claas is the visionary behind vGreens. With a background in Supply Chain Management & Logistics he brings extensive leadership experience from global companies like Amazon. Driven by a passion for sustainable innovation, Claas previously led a solar car development project before launching vGreens.
Realizing the vital role data would play across the entire food supply chain sparked the idea to found vGreens. We’re here to be part of the solution—building intelligent systems that enable a smarter, more resilient future of food.
Dr. Maximilian Hartmann
Co-Founder and Managing Director
Maximilian graduated with First Class Honors in Business Administration from the University of Wales, then earned his MBA at the University of Düsseldorf before completing a doctorate and working as a lecturer in Düsseldorf. Leading investor relations and funding, Maximilian spearheads vGreens’ growth strategy. In addition to his role as a founder, he is actively involved in volunteer work with Rotary International and the NGO "Projekthilfe Gambia".
With the rapid advancement of AI, we are entering a phase where industries are being rethought at their core. The food sector, like many others, is facing a fundamental transformation—and I’m proud that vGreens is at the forefront of this shift.
Dr. Stefan Hey
Co-Founder
Holding a PhD in Crop Science from the University of Bonn, Stefan leads vGreens’ crop research and innovation. The Gardener—as he likes to be called—is the scientific brain behind our innovative, data-driven cultivation methods.
I’ve always been fascinated by the complexity and intricate interactions between plants and their environment. I am driven by unraveling the complex regulations within plants. Using technology and data, my purpose is to provide actionable insights into the inner workings of plants for sustainable food production.
Assist. Prof. Dr. Caspar Krampe
Co-Founder
Caspar is Assistant Professor of Sustainable Market Innovations at Wageningen University. In this role, he brings the pioneering insights from Europe’s leading AgTech University into the vGreens’ founding team.
Food market transitions toward sustainability require systemic, multi-level interventions that reshape decision-making processes through stakeholder collaboration, food system innovation, and market-driving strategies aligned with long-term societal impact.
Claas Ahrens
Co-Founder and Managing Director
Claas is the visionary behind vGreens. With a background in Supply Chain Management & Logistics he brings extensive leadership experience from global companies like Amazon. Driven by a passion for sustainable innovation, Claas previously led a solar car development project before launching vGreens.
Realizing the vital role data would play across the entire food supply chain sparked the idea to found vGreens. We’re here to be part of the solution—building intelligent systems that enable a smarter, more resilient future of food.
Dr. Maximilian Hartmann
Co-Founder and Managing Director
Maximilian graduated with First Class Honors in Business Administration from the University of Wales, then earned his MBA at the University of Düsseldorf before completing a doctorate and working as a lecturer in Düsseldorf. Leading investor relations and funding, Maximilian spearheads vGreens’ growth strategy. In addition to his role as a founder, he is actively involved in volunteer work with Rotary International and the NGO "Projekthilfe Gambia".
With the rapid advancement of AI, we are entering a phase where industries are being rethought at their core. The food sector, like many others, is facing a fundamental transformation—and I’m proud that vGreens is at the forefront of this shift.
Dr. Stefan Hey
Co-Founder
Holding a PhD in Crop Science from the University of Bonn, Stefan leads vGreens’ crop research and innovation. The Gardener—as he likes to be called—is the scientific brain behind our innovative, data-driven cultivation methods.
I’ve always been fascinated by the complexity and intricate interactions between plants and their environment. I am driven by unraveling the complex regulations within plants. Using technology and data, my purpose is to provide actionable insights into the inner workings of plants for sustainable food production.
Assist. Prof. Dr. Caspar Krampe
Co-Founder
Caspar is Assistant Professor of Sustainable Market Innovations at Wageningen University. In this role, he brings the pioneering insights from Europe’s leading AgTech University into the vGreens’ founding team.
Food market transitions toward sustainability require systemic, multi-level interventions that reshape decision-making processes through stakeholder collaboration, food system innovation, and market-driving strategies aligned with long-term societal impact.
Claas Ahrens
Co-Founder and Managing Director
Claas is the visionary behind vGreens. With a background in Supply Chain Management & Logistics he brings extensive leadership experience from global companies like Amazon. Driven by a passion for sustainable innovation, Claas previously led a solar car development project before launching vGreens.
Realizing the vital role data would play across the entire food supply chain sparked the idea to found vGreens. We’re here to be part of the solution—building intelligent systems that enable a smarter, more resilient future of food.
Dr. Maximilian Hartmann
Co-Founder and Managing Director
Maximilian graduated with First Class Honors in Business Administration from the University of Wales, then earned his MBA at the University of Düsseldorf before completing a doctorate and working as a lecturer in Düsseldorf. Leading investor relations and funding, Maximilian spearheads vGreens’ growth strategy. In addition to his role as a founder, he is actively involved in volunteer work with Rotary International and the NGO "Projekthilfe Gambia".
With the rapid advancement of AI, we are entering a phase where industries are being rethought at their core. The food sector, like many others, is facing a fundamental transformation—and I’m proud that vGreens is at the forefront of this shift.
Dr. Stefan Hey
Co-Founder
Holding a PhD in Crop Science from the University of Bonn, Stefan leads vGreens’ crop research and innovation. The Gardener—as he likes to be called—is the scientific brain behind our innovative, data-driven cultivation methods.
I’ve always been fascinated by the complexity and intricate interactions between plants and their environment. I am driven by unraveling the complex regulations within plants. Using technology and data, my purpose is to provide actionable insights into the inner workings of plants for sustainable food production.
Assist. Prof. Dr. Caspar Krampe
Co-Founder
Caspar is Assistant Professor of Sustainable Market Innovations at Wageningen University. In this role, he brings the pioneering insights from Europe’s leading AgTech University into the vGreens’ founding team.
Food market transitions toward sustainability require systemic, multi-level interventions that reshape decision-making processes through stakeholder collaboration, food system innovation, and market-driving strategies aligned with long-term societal impact.
Claas Ahrens
Co-Founder and Managing Director
Claas is the visionary behind vGreens. With a background in Supply Chain Management & Logistics he brings extensive leadership experience from global companies like Amazon. Driven by a passion for sustainable innovation, Claas previously led a solar car development project before launching vGreens.
Realizing the vital role data would play across the entire food supply chain sparked the idea to found vGreens. We’re here to be part of the solution—building intelligent systems that enable a smarter, more resilient future of food.
Dr. Maximilian Hartmann
Co-Founder and Managing Director
Maximilian graduated with First Class Honors in Business Administration from the University of Wales, then earned his MBA at the University of Düsseldorf before completing a doctorate and working as a lecturer in Düsseldorf. Leading investor relations and funding, Maximilian spearheads vGreens’ growth strategy. In addition to his role as a founder, he is actively involved in volunteer work with Rotary International and the NGO "Projekthilfe Gambia".
With the rapid advancement of AI, we are entering a phase where industries are being rethought at their core. The food sector, like many others, is facing a fundamental transformation—and I’m proud that vGreens is at the forefront of this shift.
Dr. Stefan Hey
Co-Founder
Holding a PhD in Crop Science from the University of Bonn, Stefan leads vGreens’ crop research and innovation. The Gardener—as he likes to be called—is the scientific brain behind our innovative, data-driven cultivation methods.
I’ve always been fascinated by the complexity and intricate interactions between plants and their environment. I am driven by unraveling the complex regulations within plants. Using technology and data, my purpose is to provide actionable insights into the inner workings of plants for sustainable food production.
Assist. Prof. Dr. Caspar Krampe
Co-Founder
Caspar is Assistant Professor of Sustainable Market Innovations at Wageningen University. In this role, he brings the pioneering insights from Europe’s leading AgTech University into the vGreens’ founding team.
Food market transitions toward sustainability require systemic, multi-level interventions that reshape decision-making processes through stakeholder collaboration, food system innovation, and market-driving strategies aligned with long-term societal impact.
Advisory Board
Trusted minds helping us think bigger. Our advisors are industry veterans, researchers, and innovators who provide critical insight, challenge our assumptions, and help us grow stronger—strategically and sustainably.
Dr. Ulrich Wolters
Ex-CEO Aldi Süd
Dr. Ulrich Wolters
Ex-CEO Aldi Süd
Dr. Ulrich Wolters
Ex-CEO Aldi Süd
Join our Mission
We are always looking for talented individuals who want to shape the future of sustainable food production with us. If you're excited to build something meaningful, take on real responsibility, and grow in a collaborative, agile environment—we’d love to hear from you!
System Administration & IT Support (m/f/d)
System Administration & IT Support (m/f/d)
System Administration & IT Support (m/f/d)
Founder's Associate (m/f/d)
Founder's Associate (m/f/d)
Founder's Associate (m/f/d)
Didn’t spot the perfect role? Let’s change that.
At vGreens, we're always excited to connect with driven, forward-thinking people—even if the right position isn’t listed (yet). If you're looking to make a real impact through technology and think you can bring fresh ideas to the table, we want to hear from you.
Drop us your application, including your area of expertise and the kind of role you're looking for, at recruitment[at]v-greens.com.
Contact
Get in Touch
Questions? Ideas? Opportunities? We’re here for it all. Contact us to learn more about how vGreens is shaping the future of food—and how you can be part of it.
info[at]v-greens.com
Phone
Our location
Triple Z AG
Katernberger Str. 107
D-45327 Essen
Media contact
Contact
Get in Touch
Questions? Ideas? Opportunities? We’re here for it all. Contact us to learn more about how vGreens is shaping the future of food—and how you can be part of it.
info[at]v-greens.com
Phone
Our location
Triple Z AG
Katernberger Str. 107
D-45327 Essen
Media contact
Contact
Get in Touch
Questions? Ideas? Opportunities? We’re here for it all. Contact us to learn more about how vGreens is shaping the future of food—and how you can be part of it.
info[at]v-greens.com
Phone
Our location
Triple Z AG
Katernberger Str. 107
D-45327 Essen
Media contact
vGreens is a B2B technology partner enabling precision agriculture through intelligent data utilization. Our data-driven system makes resilient, high-quality food production accessible everywhere in the world.
Copyright © 2022-2025
vGreens Holding GmbH
vGreens is a B2B technology partner enabling precision agriculture through intelligent data utilization. Our data-driven system makes resilient, high-quality food production accessible everywhere in the world.
Copyright © 2022-2025
vGreens Holding GmbH
vGreens is a B2B technology partner enabling precision agriculture through intelligent data utilization. Our data-driven system makes resilient, high-quality food production accessible everywhere in the world.
Copyright © 2022-2025
vGreens Holding GmbH
vGreens is a B2B technology partner enabling precision agriculture through intelligent data utilization. Our data-driven system makes resilient, high-quality food production accessible everywhere in the world.
Copyright © 2022-2025
vGreens Holding GmbH