KisanKonnect, a farm-to-fork startup based in Mumbai, has recently secured an undisclosed funding round led by renowned actor Shilpa Shetty Kundra. The startup aims to revolutionize the agricultural industry by adopting an omnichannel approach to connect farmers directly with consumers.
Established in 2020 during the pandemic by Vivek Nirmal and Nidhi Nirmal, KisanKonnect has disrupted the traditional supply chain by adopting a direct-to-consumer approach. With a network of 5,000 farmers, the Mumbai-based startup sources food directly from these farmers through its village-level collection centers. By eliminating middlemen from the equation, KisanKonnect ensures a seamless and transparent supply chain. The fresh produce is then efficiently delivered to consumers in Mumbai and Pune, offering them access to high-quality farm-to-fork products.
Speaking about her investment in the startup, Shilpa Shetty said, “Not only are they (Kisankonnect founders) solving the problem of safe-to-eat food, but they are also connecting thousands of farmers directly to the consumers, resonating with my thoughts about promoting health in my country, where agriculture is one of the major occupations.”
The startup, in contrast to its competitors like DeHaat, Ninjacart, and WayCool, differentiates itself by offering its services directly to customers through its mobile app and farm stores. This unique approach sets it apart in the market, providing convenience and accessibility to consumers seeking fresh produce and farm-to-fork products.
Additionally, the startup oversees the management of approximately 1.75 lakh acres of cultivated land, enabling them to offer an extensive range of over 200 types of vegetables and 100 types of fruits through their online platform. Impressively, the startup boasts a monthly delivery volume of around 1.5 lakh boxes of fresh vegetables and fruits, further solidifying its commitment to providing quality produce to its customers.
Vivek Nirmal, Founder of KisanKonnect, said, “We took three years to build our model patiently to build a supply-chain-first company. Working at farm level, reducing waste, building a robust last mile and gaining excellence in customer experience have always been our priorities. We see Kisankonnect is striking a chord with the majority of planned buyers, who value good quality over quick delivery.”
As of now, the agritech startup has reported an impressive Annualized Revenue Run Rate (ARR) of INR 120 crore. In addition to this milestone, the startup proudly serves over 1 lakh consumers in the cities of Pune and Mumbai. These achievements reflect the growing success and widespread adoption of the startup’s services in the market.
According to an Avendus Capital report, KisanKonnect has set its sights on capitalizing on the immense potential within the agritech sector. The report suggests that the sector is projected to experience a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 50% by 2027, resulting in a market worth $34 billion. With this promising market outlook, KisanKonnect is strategically positioned to leverage the anticipated growth and make a significant impact in the agritech industry.
“Our integrated model right from soil testing, plant biologicals based on Regenerative Agriculture are helping thousands of our farmer members to nurture an active and healthy soil. Our unique model ensures better returns for smallholder farmers and fresh and nutritious food for the consumer,” added Nirmal.
Shilpa Shetty Kundra’s investment in KisanKonnect adds to her recent funding activities in the startup ecosystem. Prior to this, she injected INR 2.25 crore into the ready-to-cook D2C brand WickedGud. Furthermore, Shetty Kundra also made an undisclosed investment in Hunar Online, a platform dedicated to upskilling women. These strategic investments demonstrate Shilpa Shetty Kundra’s continued support for promising ventures spanning different industries, showcasing her commitment to fostering innovation and empowering entrepreneurs.
The actor additionally raised her investment in the direct-to-consumer (D2C) unicorn Mamaearth, which is set to go public through an initial public offering (IPO).
