AppHarvest, an indoor vertical farming startup, experienced a significant decline post its initial public offering (IPO) through a SPAC in 2020. Key figures such as JD Vance and Martha Stewart endorsed the company, which raised $700 million and reached a valuation of $1 billion within a year. However, the company faced legal challenges, including a lawsuit for securities fraud, which compounded its struggles. Ultimately, AppHarvest filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2023 after failed attempts to sustain operations and meet market demands. This case exemplifies the volatility of the indoor farming sector, where high initial investments may not translate to long-term success due to environmental, financial, and operational challenges. The venture reflects broader trends in agricultural technology and raises questions about the sustainability of large-scale indoor farming ventures.