KisanKonnect, a direct-to-consumer (D2C) platform focused on fresh produce, has successfully raised $4.5 million in its Series A funding round, with Mistry Ventures leading the investment. The round also attracted significant participation from Times Group’s Brand Capital, VC-Grid, investor Vishwang Desai, and various prominent family offices. Notably, the startup has also secured backing from fitness icon and celebrity investor Shilpa Shetty.
Since launching in 2020, KisanKonnect has been revolutionizing the agricultural trade by developing a tech-driven, vertically integrated supply chain. With a network of over 5,000 farmers, the company promotes sustainable farming and regenerative practices, delivering fresh produce—including fruits, vegetables, and dairy—directly to urban consumers through its mobile app and an expanding network of ‘KisanKonnect Farm Stores’ in Mumbai and Pune.
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Vivek Nirmal, the Founder and CEO of KisanKonnect, explained the company’s focus on urban consumers who are looking for fresh, high-quality produce with transparency and convenience. He noted, “There’s a growing demand for branded fruits and vegetables, especially among quality-conscious consumers. The challenge has been ensuring access to fresh, safe produce at reasonable prices.” He emphasized that their tech-enhanced, temperature-controlled supply chain offers both efficiency and traceability, fostering consumer trust and making KisanKonnect the go-to brand for fresh produce.
KisanKonnect is also expanding its product range to include premium dairy items. These products, sourced from local dairy farmers, are made from hormone- and antibiotic-free milk, contributing to their growing popularity.
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Firoz Mistry from Mistry Ventures highlighted KisanKonnect’s potential within the Indian agricultural sector. He praised the startup’s supply chain proficiency and its ability to connect the needs of both farmers and customers. “KisanKonnect not only provides farmers with critical support and procurement security but also ensures that customers receive fresh produce, typically within 12 to 48 hours of harvest,” he explained.
The startup has also been rapidly scaling its operations with quick-commerce initiatives and AI-powered solutions. Nidhi Nirmal, Co-founder and Chief Business Officer, revealed that KisanKonnect initially launched a 48-hour delivery model four years ago and now delivers fresh products in just 4-6 hours within Mumbai and Pune. Their pilot for 30-minute deliveries is currently underway, signaling even more ambitious expansion plans.