Indoor agriculture startup Area 2 Farms, backed by Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, has launched a franchise program as it looks to expand its urban farming model across the United States.
The Arlington, Virginia-based company, founded by entrepreneur Oren Falkowitz, plans to scale its network of indoor farms through franchising, allowing operators to grow fresh organic produce within local communities rather than relying on long supply chains.
Area 2 Farms focuses on producing vegetables, greens and herbs in controlled indoor environments located close to consumers. The company’s model is built on establishing farms within roughly a 10-mile radius of households they serve, helping deliver produce shortly after harvest while reducing transportation and food waste.
“Our vision is simple but transformative: move the farm, not the food,” Falkowitz said while announcing the franchise launch. “Our farms anchor neighbourhoods, improve farmer economics and deliver nutrient-rich produce harvested close to home.”
Unlike many indoor farming operations that rely primarily on hydroponic systems, Area 2 Farms uses soil-based indoor cultivation. The company says this approach allows it to grow a wider variety of crops while maintaining soil health and producing organic-certified vegetables year-round.
Through its franchise model, the company aims to enable entrepreneurs to convert underutilized urban real estate, such as warehouses or commercial buildings into productive indoor farms. These facilities would supply nearby households with weekly bundles of fresh produce through a direct-to-consumer subscription model.
Area 2 Farms has attracted investor interest from venture capital firm Seven Seven Six, which was founded by Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit. The company has also been recognized in the global FoodTech 500, a ranking that highlights innovative food technology startups.
To support its expansion into franchising, the company has brought in industry veteran Paul Flick as an advisor.
“Area 2 Farms is more than just a business; it’s a movement to revolutionise how we grow and access our food,” Flick said. “I’m excited to help scale a model that strengthens communities while bringing fresh, locally grown food closer to consumers.”
The company believes franchising will help accelerate the growth of distributed urban farms across the country, creating a localized food network embedded within neighbourhoods.
With the franchise program now underway, Area 2 Farms is targeting a nationwide footprint of indoor farms designed to deliver fresh food year-round while shortening supply chains and supporting local food systems.
