Overview

• Founder Harish Varadharajan confirmed the move in a viral LinkedIn/X post on October 1.
• He described the shift as inevitable, citing climate, market access, supportive agriculture laws, expat livability, and Bengaluru’s thriving startup ecosystem.
• Fragaria will keep its R&D farm in Chennai, which Varadharajan called the company’s first home.
• Reactions online ranged from welcomes in Bengaluru to criticism from Chennai users who disputed the climate rationale and urged stronger startup support.
• The decision renewed debate over Chennai’s retention of high‑growth firms, with coverage highlighting Bengaluru’s policy and livability edge and referencing BlackBuck’s recent office shift as broader context.