Shilpa Shetty-backed Kisankonnect, a fully integrated fresh produce agritech startup, has raised INR 31 crore (approximately $3.75 million) in a pre-series A round led by climate tech-focused fund Green Frontier Capital (GFC).
The funding round also witnessed involvement from Dhanuka Agritech Limited, a prominent crop protection company in India, along with VC Grid and other family offices.
The Ahmednagar-based firm aims to deploy the raised capital to amplify its engagement in climate-smart agriculture interventions with its 5,000 farmers. Furthermore, it intends to fortify its technology for the fresh-produce supply chain and introduce new farm stores, complementing the existing ones in Mumbai and Pune.
Vivek Nirmal, Founder and CEO of Kisankonnect, said “Our extensive work on the farm front also benefits our consumers, as they get a safer produce to consume. Our tech-enabled temperature controlled and fully traceable supply chain is unique in the country. This helps the sorted and graded fresh produce of our farmers, to reach our consumers in Mumbai and Pune in the shortest possible time. The wastages are reduced significantly which ensures fair prices for farmers and consumers both, while helping reduce carbon emissions in the Agri supply-chain.”
“Kisankonnect is revolutionizing the field with its dedication to soil improvement, reduced chemical usage, and elevated farm productivity – values that align seamlessly with our mission to champion climate tech innovations. The company’s commitment ensures that fresh produce arrives on your plate at lightning speed,” said Sandiip Bhammer, Managing Partner and Founder, GFC.
Established in 2020, Kisankonnect directly procures from farmers and delivers to over 1 lakh customers in Mumbai and Pune through its proprietary D2C App and Farm-stores. The company collaborates closely with the farming community to promote sustainable food growth, utilizing its in-house technology to provide customers with fresh vegetables and fruits via its delivery channel.
The company also manufactures and markets carefully selected agricultural products and handmade snacks under its ‘Village Staples’ and ‘Mom’s Kitchen’ segments. These items are exclusively crafted by rural women in a sanitary central kitchen.
In May 2023, Kisanconnect secured undisclosed funding from celebrity Shilpa Shetty during its angel round.
Continue Exploring: Kisankonnect, the omni-channel ‘farm-to-fork’ startup, receives funding boost from Shilpa Shetty Kundra