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This investment will enable Agrileaf to expand its operations in existing markets across the US and Europe, as well as build a consumer-facing brand in India.

Bengaluru based Agrileaf, a leading Indian manufacturer and exporter of biodegradable dinnerware, announced that it has secured Rs 16 Crore ($2 Mn USD) in growth funding led by Capital-A and Samarsh Capital. This investment will enable Agrileaf to expand its operations in existing markets across the US and Europe, as well as build a consumer-facing brand in India. This marks Agrileaf’s first fundraise after being bootstrapped and profitable to date.

The round also saw participation from angel investors including Shaji Devekar, Siddharth Bafna, Co-founder of The Nutcracker, Family office of Ved Prakash, Pritie Jain of Bling Mushrooms, Sumeet Bhalotia, Director at Vario Lounge, Dhruv Taneja, Founder – Matchlog and Chiranth Patil- Beta Plus.

With this investment, Agrileaf will expand production capacity, enhance its biodegradable dinnerware and packaging line, and deepen its community impact. Operating from a world-class facility in Dharmasthala, Karnataka, Agrileaf integrates a robust supply chain of areca leaf collection with advanced robotics and AI-driven quality control to ensure high-quality, backyard-compostable products that meet both market and environmental needs. Currently, Agrileaf targets to produce up to 300,000 dinnerware products daily by end of 2025 and has created over 1,000 jobs, supporting rural economic development.

Founded in 2019 by Avinash Rao and Athishay Jain, Agrileaf provides a sustainable, high-strength alternative to plastic, paper, and bagasse plates. Dedicated to supporting local areca farmers through responsible sourcing, Agrileaf aims to foster a zero-waste, community-centered future with eco-friendly solutions available worldwide.

Commenting on the investment, Avinash Rao, Co-Founder of Agrileaf, said, “Capital-A and Samarsh Capital’s support empowers us to expand our reach and impact. This investment strengthens our mission to bring sustainable, compostable dinnerware to global markets while fostering the local economy and promoting environmental responsibility. With this backing, we aim to scale operations, enhance technology, and continue creating positive change from the ground up.”

Ankit Kedia, Founder & Lead Investor at Capital-A, highlighted the alignment of this investment with Capital-A’s focus on supporting green businesses, “At Capital-A, manufacturing and materials innovation are key pillars of our investment philosophy. Agrileaf’s innovative use of Karnataka’s vast areca plantations have the potential to redefine sustainable tableware solutions”.

Sandeep Shenoy, Managing Partner at Samarsh Capital, added, “Agrileaf has demonstrated how sustainable manufacturing can drive both economic and environmental progress. We are eager to support Avinash and Athishay as they expand into new markets and redefine eco-friendly dining solutions globally.”

This investment will enable Agrileaf to expand

The grant will support the “Yam Optimized Architecture through Gene Editing (YOAGE)” project, aimed at delivering novel genetic variation to yam (Dioscorea spp.) that improves plant architecture.

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), in partnership with Pairwise, a US-based technology company pioneering the application of gene editing in food and agriculture, announced a grant of US$ 3,874,356 from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. This grant will support the “Yam Optimized Architecture through Gene Editing (YOAGE)” project, an innovative project aimed at delivering novel genetic variation to yam (Dioscorea spp.) that improves plant architecture. The project goal is to reduce labor and environmental impact associated with traditional plant staking while also enabling mechanized farming in Nigeria, where yam is an important staple food crop.

The 4-year YOAGE project will focus on developing yam varieties with optimized growth characteristics, improving cultivation practices, and boosting productivity and profitability while collaborating with various stakeholders, including local farmers, agricultural experts, and policymakers. Yam is the second most important root and tuber crop in sub-Saharan Africa after cassava, with a production of about 75 million metric tons (FAO, 2021) and provides about 200 kilocalories daily to over 400 million people in the low-income and food-deficit countries of the tropics. Africa produces over 97 per cent of the global yams, with Nigeria alone accounting for about 66 per cent of the world’s total (FAO, 2021). In West Africa, particularly in Nigeria, yam is not only a staple crop but also plays a central role as a traditional flagship crop deeply intertwined with societal norms, fulfilling various social and religious functions.

Despite this importance, yam cultivation faces several challenges, such as high costs of planting materials and labor, declining soil fertility, low-yielding varieties that require staking, and increased pest and disease pressures due to intensified farming. While conventional breeding has improved yam varieties for pest resistance, adaptability, and quality, it has made limited progress in optimizing plant architecture for mechanized farming. The YOAGE project will leverage advanced gene editing tools to overcome these challenges and support global food security, particularly in the face of climate change, resource limitations, and shifting consumer demands.

Leena Tripathi, IITA Eastern Africa Hub Director, Biotechnology Program Lead, and YOAGE Principal Investigator, said: “Receiving this grant from the Gates Foundation marks a pivotal advancement in transforming yam production through innovative gene editing technologies. By developing improved bushy-types of yam varieties, we aim to reduce labor demands, enhance farming efficiency, and boost sustainability. Ultimately, our goal is to elevate farmers’ livelihoods and strengthen food security.”

The YOAGE project aims to develop these varieties by identifying the genes controlling plant growth, optimizing gene editing to develop semi-dwarf varieties, and analyzing the impacts of these changes on labor and gender dynamics. By addressing the technical and environmental challenges of yam production, the project is expected to significantly improve productivity and farmers’ income, contributing to the global goal of sustainable agriculture and food security.

The Gates Foundation selected IITA and Pairwise for the grant because of their proven records in agricultural innovations and community engagements in the region. IITA is a global center of excellence for yam breeding and a genetic improvement source of new and improved yam genotypes for major yam growers in Africa. Also, it has a long tradition and experience in the breeding and genetics of yam, a well-established yam breeding network that connects several national programs from major yam-growing areas in Africa.

Pairwise is pioneering the application of gene editing technology in food and agriculture through its Fulcrum™ Platform, the most extensively developed and validated toolbox for CRISPR application in plants. As one of the first companies in the world to commercialize gene-edited consumer food and agricultural products, Pairwise brings together leaders in agriculture, technology, and consumer foods to harness the transformative potential of new genomics technologies to create innovative new products.

“The Gates Foundation sees gene editing as an opportunity to more rapidly advance important crops like yam, following a path established through a long history of crop breeding. Through gene editing, we can keep all the favorable characteristics of adapted crops, such as nutrition and climate resilience, while removing characteristics like vining in yams that limit a crop’s potential. By partnering IITA with Pairwise, we have brought together top scientists to tackle this important challenge and drive adoption of improved varieties for smallholder farmers.” explained Dr Nicolas Bate, the Senior Program Officer at Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Pairwise Director of Trait Strategy and Testing, Dr Shai Lawit, added: “Gene editing offers a revolutionary approach to solving global challenges in agriculture. Through important public-private initiatives like this one with IITA, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Pairwise, we are not only improving crop production; we’re also empowering smallholder farmers, reducing environmental impacts, and advancing food security to narrow the global nutritional deficit, which is especially prevalent in developing countries.”

Through this combined work, the YOAGE project will demonstrate the importance of public-private partnerships in unlocking the benefits of gene editing in Nigeria and Africa at large.

The grant will support the “Yam Optimized

Funding fuels growth of Carbon Robotics’ LaserWeeder™ business, introduction of new software and hardware products, and expansion of state-of-the-art manufacturing.

Carbon Robotics, a leader in AI-powered farming, announced today that it has raised $70 million in Series D financing. The financing was led by new investor BOND with participation from existing investors NVentures (NVIDIA’s venture capital arm), Anthos Capital, Fuse Venture Capital, Ignition Partners, Revolution, Sozo Ventures, and Voyager Capital. This round brings total company funding to $157 million. As part of the financing, Mood Rowghani, general partner at BOND, will join Carbon Robotics’ Board of Directors.

This new funding round will help scale Carbon Robotics’ LaserWeeder™ business, introduce new software and hardware products, and expand state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities in Eastern Washington. It will also support the company’s growth in new markets and continue its geographic expansion into Eastern and Southern Europe, as well as the Asia-Pacific region.

“Carbon Robotics is uniquely positioned to deploy AI to transform the massive agriculture industry at a critical time,” said Mood Rowghani, general partner at BOND. “Its proven ability to execute and scale, combined with a visionary leadership team, makes it a clear standout in the space. This investment reflects our strong conviction in the central role Carbon Robotics will play in shaping the future of farming.”

Carbon Robotics has quickly emerged as the innovation leader in the agricultural industry with its AI-powered LaserWeeder. Growers in North America, Europe, and Australia have eliminated more than 10 billion weeds across 100 crop types without the use of chemical herbicides, hand labor, or soil disruption.

“This funding represents a pivotal milestone not just for our company but for farmers and consumers worldwide,” said Paul Mikesell, CEO and founder of Carbon Robotics. “We’re leading a transformative shift, and this investment accelerates our ability to pioneer AI and robotics that will reshape farming for generations to come. I’m excited to have the strong backing of BOND and existing investors like NVentures and to welcome Mood Rowghani to our Board.”

The funding comes on the heels of Carbon Robotics’ recognition on the CNBC Disruptor 50, Fast Company’s Best Workplaces For Innovators, and the Fortune Change The World lists. These accolades underscore the Carbon Robotics team’s passion for innovation that creates a more prosperous and sustainable future.

Funding fuels growth of Carbon Robotics’ LaserWeeder™

The round saw participation from existing investors (Blume Ventures, Omnivore, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, IDH Farmfit Fund, 500 Startups & Blue Ashva Capital), and new investor Miledeep Capital.

Dairy tech startup Stellapps Technologies announced that company has raised $26 million in its Series C funding round in equity & debt to accelerate its mooMark business. The round saw participation from existing investors (Blume Ventures, Omnivore, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, IDH Farmfit Fund, 500 Startups & Blue Ashva Capital), and new investor Miledeep Capital, with debt funding provided by the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC).

mooMark is focused on contract manufacturing and private labelled dairy business of high-quality value-added dairy products, that are both sustainable and traceable. Incubated at IIT Madras, Stellapps started as a Dairy IoT solutions provider, and has now ventured into contract manufacturing and private labelling of value-added dairy products under the “‘mooMark’” brand. The company utilises a “low-capex and tech-powered approach” to deliver these products to Indian and global customers.  Stellapps’ dairy-tech is deployed in over 42,000 villages, enabling the movement of more than 14 million liters of milk every day.

“We are excited to receive continued commitment from our existing investors and welcome aboard new investors as part of our Series C round. This capital will help mooMark scale its value-added dairy product offering to its customers across India in a sustainable manner and strengthen its export segment going forward,” said Ranjith Mukundan, CEO of Stellapps.

The round saw participation from existing investors

The capital will propel ongoing support for Micropep’s pipeline of sustainable micropeptide solutions to develop affordable, effective crop protection solutions.

Micropep Technologies (Micropep), the global leader in micropeptide crop protection technologies, announced that it has successfully closed its Series B funding round with an additional $11 million commitment. This investment, from new investors Corteva Inc. through its Corteva Catalyst platform, Sparkfood SA, as well as all existing investors brings the total Series B round to $40 million and elevates the company’s total funding to over $60 million.

The capital will propel ongoing support for Micropep’s pipeline of sustainable micropeptide solutions by harnessing the power of its proprietary discovery platform, Krisalix™, to develop affordable, effective crop protection solutions.

Micropep’s proprietary discovery platform, Krisalix™, allows researchers to discover new micropeptide molecules seamlessly and rapidly for more efficient and environmentally friendly crop protection compared to traditional methods used within the industry. Krisalix™, a robust screening tool, measures efficiency, stability, and production feasibility by combining proprietary micropeptide design algorithms with a unique suite of bioassays.

“On the heels of the initial raise of $29 million for this round, this increased investment in Micropep will accelerate our time to market,” said Thomas Laurent, Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Micropep. ‘We are grateful to our incoming investors, Corteva and Sparkfood, for their partnership and confidence in our ability to be a new hope for sustainable agriculture for future generations.”

Corteva, Inc., through its Corteva platform, collaborates with entrepreneurs and innovators to accelerate the development of early-stage, disruptive technologies that enable farmers to sustainably produce more food and feed.

“Micropep is helping shape the accelerated delivery of sustainable innovation through their micropeptide crop health solutions, and we’re excited to stand with Micropep among the leading investors in this funding round,” said Tom Greene, senior director at Corteva, Inc. and global leader for Corteva Catalyst, the company’s investment and partnership platform. “The technologies they are developing—particularly as leaders in the peptide space—complement Corteva’s own leadership in biologicals and natural products and are crucial for the expansion of environmentally friendly and effective crop protection solutions.”

Sparkfood is a subsidiary of Sonae, a multinational Portuguese holding company backed by a long-term value-driven family. Sparkfood funds & fuels next-generation of food companies towards a sustainable, healthier future. Micropep’s addition to Sparkfood’s portfolio highlights their commitment to invest in food impact companies in all sectors from the farm to the table.

“We see the combination of three pillars of innovation built by Micropep to produce micropeptide-based biosolutions as a major breakthrough in the industry,” said Anouk Veber, Head of Ventures at Sparkfood. “Between an AI tool, a platform approach capable of producing multiple end applications from various modes of action, and a low-cost and scalable production approach, we believe Micropep is well positioned. Sparkfood will support the company over time through its market expertise, potential subsequent fundings depending on needs, and portfolio complementarity, including potential synergies with our latest investment, BCF Life Sciences, as both companies are tackling the bio-inputs space through different approaches.”

The capital will propel ongoing support for

The company plans to launch its existing range of innovative biostimulants in North America, Brazil & Southeast Asia with trials in the US currently underway.

BioPrime, a pioneer in the biologicals space, announced today that it has raised a $6 million Series A round, led by Edaphon, with equal participation from existing investors Omnivore and Inflexor. This investment marks Belgium-based Edaphon’s first investment in Asia. This investment will fuel BioPrime’s research in the crop protection segment, focusing on the co-development of novel biofungicides & bioinsecticides.

The company plans to launch its existing range of innovative biostimulants in North America, Brazil & Southeast Asia with trials in the US currently underway. Furthermore, BioPrime plans to advance & accelerate product development based on BioNexus, the patented technology platform, which has identified over 170 novel microbial strains from its library of close to 18,000 strains. BioPrime will continue to steadily move away from a one-product-fits-all approach and enhance B2B customer experience by offering products customized to the exact customer needs. The startup’s goal remains – From Nature, For Nature.

Dr. Renuka Diwan, Co-founder & CEO, commented on the funding, “Securing this investment is a testimony to the strength & impact of our technology and the dedication of our team. We will continue to pursue our strategic priorities of accelerating the development of industry solutions in the biologicals space. We look forward to enhancing the offerings to our existing B2B customers & entering into strategic co-development & licensing with industry players.”

“We invested in BioPrime because of its impressive balance between a strong portfolio of commercial products and a high-potential innovation pipeline. The company has already demonstrated success in delivering impactful solutions to the market, while its advanced R&D platform is set to unlock significant future growth. Operating within India’s rapidly growing biostimulant market, BioPrime is deeply connected to the country’s agricultural core, providing crucial solutions to smallholder farmers and addressing sustainability challenges. This combination of proven market performance, forward-looking innovation, and strong market potential makes BioPrime well-positioned to drive both immediate and long-term impact” says Vincent Vliebergh, Managing Partner of Edaphon.

The current round of investment further strengthens the growth path being charted by BioPrime leveraging its IP and consumer product portfolio. It also further deepens the conviction on the biologicals space in India,” quoted Pratip Mazumdar, Managing Partner of Inflexor.

“The climate crisis threatens the very future of agrifood systems and rural communities across India.  The complex web of challenges threatening food security and rural livelihoods demands innovative approaches with potential for systemic change,” says Jinesh Shah, Managing Partner of Omnivore. “Our investment in BioPrime underscores our steadfast commitment to advancing sustainable farming practices.”

The company plans to launch its existing

The funding will be used to scale operations, enhance product development, and expand the company’s market presence.

Gocarin Industries Pvt. Ltd., a pioneering startup in the agri-tech sector, announced that it has secured Rs 49 lakh in funding from KIIT Technology Business Incubator (TBI) under the prestigious BIRAC Leap programme.

The funding comes as a part of the central government’s initiative to support innovative startups and bolster the entrepreneurial ecosystem in India. BIRAC Leap, an initiative under the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), aims to accelerate startups with potential for high impact and scalability.

The funding will be used to scale operations, enhance product development, and expand the company’s market presence, further solidifying Gocarin Industries’ position as a leader in the agri-tech industry.

Dr Ramanuj Panda, a Founder and CEO of Gocarin Industries, expressed his enthusiasm about this milestone: “We are honoured to receive this support from KIIT TBI and BIRAC. This funding will be instrumental in driving our mission to revolutionize the agricultural industry by empowering farmers with cutting-edge technology solutions. The validation from such esteemed institutions is a testament to our team’s hard work and dedication.”

Gocarin Industries has been at the forefront of providing innovative solutions to farmers, helping them improve productivity and sustainability. The infusion of funds will enable the company to enhance its product offerings, expand its reach, and continue to innovate in the agri-tech space.

KIIT TBI, known for its robust incubation support and mentorship, has been a catalyst for numerous successful startups. The BIRAC Leap programme, specifically designed for high-potential startups, will provide Gocarin Industries with not just financial support but also strategic guidance and mentorship.

“We believe in the vision and potential of Gocarin Industries. Their commitment to leveraging technology to solve real-world problems in agriculture aligns perfectly with the objectives of the BIRAC Leap programme,” said Dr Mrutyunjay Suar, CEO KIIT TBI, DG (R&D) KIIT University, Chairman BCKIC.

The funding will be used to scale

The round was led by The Acumen Resilient Agriculture Fund (ARAF) and Equator, alongside the Asian Development Bank Ventures (ADBV) and existing investors including Ankur Capital.

Headquartered in Luxemburg, IBISA, a Climate Insurtech company has closed a $3 million funding round to scale its parametric insurance solutions for weather-related risks in Asia and Africa. The round was led by The Acumen Resilient Agriculture Fund (ARAF) and Equator, alongside the Asian Development Bank Ventures (ADBV) and existing investors including Ankur Capital. This strategic investment will empower IBISA to make parametric insurance more accessible.

With the global cost of extreme weather events on agriculture estimated to be between $10-15 billion annually as reported by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, IBISA is providing simple and efficient parametric insurance products to help those affected by the climate crisis. Leveraging innovative satellite and actuarial technologies, IBISA designs and operates parametric insurance products that promote financial resilience in regions where communities are the most vulnerable to the impacts of extreme weather events. The company is placing a special emphasis on India, since establishing a local presence there in 2023.

Currently, IBISA offers a suite of innovative climate coverages tailored to meet the needs of multiple stakeholders worldwide. These include agricultural-focused insurance products, as well as typhoon insurance, and loan protection for financial institutions. Additionally, IBISA has developed a groundbreaking heat stress product insurance initially designed for dairy farmers, primarily in India, that is currently being expanded in other countries, such as Bangladesh.

Maria Mateo, CEO of IBISA, explains: “Since the beginning at IBISA, we have functioned with great agility as product innovators and bringing these products to market efficiently. This is what drives us. This is our DNA. Now, we are entering the industrialisation phase of our journey. With the backing of this fundraising effort and the support of both existing and new investors, our goal is to amplify our product offerings, expand within our current markets, and explore new markets.

Tamer El-Raghy, Managing Director of ARAF, adds: “We’re honoured to co-lead this investment round in IBISA with Equator and excited to partner with a world-class entrepreneur like Maria. African farmers are among the most negatively impacted by climate change and the need for low-cost parametric insurance products is a must-to-have for those farmers to be able to absorb a climate shock and IBISA’s cutting-edge technology helps developing low-cost insurance products for those farmers. This investment is an invaluable addition to ARAF’s portfolio and we look forward to supporting IBISA’s regional growth.

Nijhad Jamal, Managing Partner of Equator, explains: “Investing in IBISA aligns with our strategy to back innovative ventures providing critical climate adaptation products and services. IBISA’s technology and business model specifically enable it to scale access to a broad range of affordable parametric insurance products across emerging markets.”

Thitirat Sittakaradej of ADB Ventures states: “IBISA’s cutting-edge approach leverages satellite data analytics and advanced risk modelling to make parametric insurance accessible and affordable for climate-vulnerable communities. In Asia and the Pacific, where increasingly frequent climate events often go uninsured, there is a growing need for platforms like IBISA that deliver fit-for-purpose solutions designed to seamlessly integrate with distribution channels. We are excited to support IBISA in its mission to advance climate risk insurance, a crucial way of fostering meaningful climate resilience in the region.”

Ritu Verma, Managing Partner at Ankur Capital, explains: “It’s been an exciting journey working closely with IBISA over the last two years, as they leveraged their deep technical expertise in parametric insurance to scale their offerings and launch innovative new products to insure vulnerable communities and small businesses against adverse climate events. We look forward to continuing our support to IBISA’s vision of transforming climate insurance across Asia, Africa and the Pacific.”

The round was led by The Acumen

The funding round was led by Rainmatter, an investment initiative by Zerodha, known for funding and incubating climate and health startups with a total capital infusion of Rs 50 crore.

Two Brothers Organic Farms announced that the company has completed its Series-A funding round, raising Rs 58.25 crore. The company aims to utilise the funding to support its business growth in India and the United States, explore demand-side opportunities, and expand supply-side operations.

The funding round was led by Rainmatter, an investment initiative by Zerodha, known for funding and incubating climate and health startups with a total capital infusion of Rs 50 crore. Another prominent investor leading the funding round was Raju Chekuri, a notable Silicon Valley entrepreneur and founder of NetEnrich. Most participating investors were among Two Brothers Organic Farms’ long-standing consumers and active supporters of the brand’s efforts toward strengthening the organic farming community.

With the raised capital, Two Brothers Organic Farms aims to maintain a profitable growth trajectory and achieve a revenue of Rs 500 crore in the next four years. It also aims to support over 50,000 farmers in their journey towards sustainability. The company also plans to use the funds to explore more demand-side opportunities and expand its supply-side operations. This would help it scale growth and achieve the targeted revenue in the next four years.

This funding would help the company to strengthen its business operations and grow its market presence in India and the United States. This would also help it promote the widespread adoption of organic food.

“We are glad to have like-minded individuals and organisations participate in this fundraising effort, especially our lead investors Nithin Kamath of Zerodha and Raju Chekuri, who understand and support our vision for the organic food business in India and abroad. This substantial funding will empower us to cater to our consumers in India and help us assist Indian farmers in embracing organic farming practices.”, said Brothers and co-founding farmers, Satyajit Hange and Ajinkya Hange, said in a joint statement release.

The latest funding round also marks a milestone for the Two Brothers Organic Farms’ growth trajectory, following its successful Rs 14.5 crore pre-series A funding in April 2023, where Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar and cricketer Virender Sehwag were key investors.

The funding round was led by Rainmatter,

 Fyllo will use the funds to expand into new geographies and crops and develop more precision agriculture products.

 Agritech startup Fyllo has announced that it has raised $4 million in a fresh funding round led by IndiaQuotient and SIDBI Ventures. Existing investors Triveni Trusts, IAN, and KIAORA participated in the round. Fyllo will use the funds to expand into new geographies and crops and develop more precision agriculture products. 

Global warming has led to significant climate change. It has reduced soil health and random attacks of diseases and pests have made agriculture uncertain. Through its precision agriculture platform, Fyllo has developed AI-based prediction models that can suggest good agri processes to farmers that bring about consistency in farm produce and quality.

Fyllo founders Sudhanshu Rai and Sumit said, “We are seeing a surge in the adoption of precision agriculture. Farmers are using mobile phones to make 90 per cent of their decisions. With this funding, we would like to work even more closely with farmers, build new and better products, and expand our reach to farmers and other geographies.”

Currently, over 8,000 farmers are using Fyllo’s services on more than 50,000 acres and have consistently received 25 per cent more yield, 80 per cent export-quality produce, and 30% more income.  Fyllo is now looking to make its current offering widespread by expanding around its existing geographies and working on expanding its product offerings.

Sahil Makkar from IndiaQuotient said, “The Indian agricultural sector has long grappled with the uncertainties of erratic weather and crop wastage, causing farmers to fall short of meeting global benchmarks for productivity, efficiency, and output quality. However, a new generation of farmers is emerging, equipped with technological know-how and a willingness to adopt innovative practices to drive improvement.

We strongly believe in Fyllo’s potential to harness this shift, increase adoption rates in precision agriculture, and expand its product suite to reach millions of farmers across India. This endeavour elevates productivity and output quality and addresses climate challenges in agriculture.”

Farmers who have adopted the Fyllo platform have achieved significant environmental benefits as they manged to cut down their chemical usage by 35 per cent, leading to a reduction in irrigation needs by approximately 50 per cent. This has resulted in a saving of over 100 billion litres of water and a reduction of 4 million kilograms of carbon emissions.

Chintan from SIDBI Ventures said, “Given the climate change scenario and crop wastage, Fyllo, through its precision agriculture platform, is helping farmers to make better decisions. The market for precision agriculture is growing, and based on Fyllo’s record of strong retention, we expect them to tap a larger chunk of this market.”

 Fyllo will use the funds to expand

With the newly secured funding, the company’s primary focus will be on developing proprietary edge computing drones specifically for precise crop monitoring and variable pesticide application.

BharatRohan, a pioneering agtech firm specialising in drone-based hyperspectral remote sensing, has announced the successful completion of a significant funding round. The company secured 2.3 million USD in a pre-IPO round from notable investors, including Villgro Innovation Foundation, Caspian, RevX, and Venture Garage (with a group of Ultra High Net Worth Individuals as investors), marking a strategic blend of debt and equity financing.

With the newly secured funding, the company’s primary focus will be on developing proprietary edge computing drones specifically for precise crop monitoring and variable pesticide application. These drones will be made available to rural entrepreneurs through franchise-based models, enabling them to offer CropAssure® Services to farmers. Additionally, the company plans to design and develop compact hyperspectral & multispectral sensors for drones.

BharatRohan is poised to expand its operations and offerings in 15 Indian states, covering 10 lakh acres by 2025. It has shown promising growth, increasing revenue 3x and profit by 200 per cent from the last financial year. While continuing to provide its drone-based crop monitoring Decision Support System (DSS), the company also ventured into procuring residue-free farm produce grown through Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices implemented by farmers who utilise its BharatRohan CropAssure® Services. BharatRohan aims to introduce its pesticide residue-free farm produce to global consumers, thereby expanding its reach and impact on a global scale.

This strategy underscores BharatRohan’s dedication towards incentivising farmers to adopt technology-driven, sustainable, and residue-free farming practices. This investment marks a significant milestone in BharatRohan’s journey. “It strengthens our resolve to enhance our services and expand our reach across the nation, ensuring that farming becomes more scientific, sustainable, and profitable,” stated founders Amandeep Panwar and Rishabh Choudhary.

Vivek Kumar, founder at Venture Garage Expressed that “BharatRohan is in a unique position using latest technology to solve one of the oldest problems of continuously optimizing farming and bridge farmers to most profitable markets. Growing at a rapid pace, we at Venture Garage, strongly feel that BharatRohan is on track to not only build a company championing sustainable and scalable agriculture but also deliver great earnings for their investors”.

“BharatRohan is well-positioned to spearhead the transformation of agriculture through cutting edge drone technology, providing sustainable solutions to age-old farming challenges while driving positive change locally and globally. We, at RevX Capital, are happy to understand BharatRohan’s unique working capital gaps and partner to provide customised solutions”, added Sibadittya Baidya, AVP-Investements, RevX Capital.

With the newly secured funding, the company's

The recent raised funds will enable Samunnati to strengthen its business operations and customize its solutions to meet the specific needs of different value chain players.

Samunnati, a leading agri value chain enabler, had an impressive $155 million in funding in the financial year 23-24. Now, setting the stage for the current financial year, Samunnati has begun FY24-25 by securing a $5 million in debt funding through an External Commercial Borrowing (ECB) from Enabling Qapital, a renowned global impact investment advisory firm.

In FY 23-24, Samunnati had made significant strides by securing $155 million in funding, comprising $132 million in debt funding and an additional $23 million in equity funding through the pre-series E round, all accomplished amidst a challenging funding landscape.

The recent strategic investment by Enabling Qapital is poised to propel Samunnati’s vision of revolutionizing the Indian agricultural sector by empowering small and marginal farmers. This infusion of fresh capital will facilitate Samunnati’s expansion efforts, enabling it to reach a broader spectrum of farmers across India while advancing financial inclusion initiatives.

Anil Kumar, Founder and Group CEO at Samunnati, emphasised, “This strategic funding from Enabling Qapital is a testament to the confidence investors have in the role Samunnati plays in bridging the credit gap for smallholder farmers. With these resources, we are well-positioned to empower countless farmers, drive agricultural progress, and contribute to a more prosperous rural India.”

Moreover, in the recent years, Samunnati has emerged as a few companies in this sector, where reputed investors have shown their confidence and have come onboard. During FY23-24, it garnered investments from 13 esteemed lenders, comprising a prestigious roster including USDFC, Credit Saison, Tata Capital, Poonawalla, Hinduja Leyland Finance, Wint wealth, Altifi, Alteria Capital, and Anicut Capital.

The recent raised funds will enable Samunnati to strengthen its business operations and customize its solutions to meet the specific needs of different value chain players. By enabling access to finance, Samunnati empowers farmers to invest in their agricultural activities, thereby improving yields and increasing their income. This not only contributes to the overall growth of the agricultural sector but also fosters rural economic development.

The recent raised funds will enable Samunnati

Latest funding will be used to cater to the growing demand for Ecozen’s innovative products and to further its commitment to climate-smart technology.

Ecozen, a leader in climate-smart technology solutions, announced today that it has raised USD 30 million in a mix of debt and equity. This infusion of capital includes continued support from Nuveen and other existing equity investors, and new debt support from InCred Credit Fund and the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) through Ecozen’s exclusive advisor Setuka Partners LLP.

The latest round of funding will be used to cater to the growing demand for Ecozen’s innovative products and to further its commitment to climate-smart technology. The company has grown 5X over the last two years, with profits growing 3X as well. Ecozen anticipates doubling its revenue in the current fiscal year, buoyed by strong demand for existing products and plans to leverage its tech stack of advanced motors and controls, thermal energy storage, AI and IoT to enter new segments undergoing a transition to cleaner energy sources. These solutions will decarbonise sectors like milling, mobility, retail and industry, just as the company’s pumping and cooling solutions did for agriculture. The company is also set to meaningfully expand its offerings and market presence into Africa and Southeast Asia.

“Ecozen is on an accelerated growth path, driven by the increased market demand for our pioneering climate-smart solutions,” said Devendra Gupta, CEO and Co-Founder of Ecozen. “The capital raised will enable us to scale our operations and deepen our market penetration in domestic and international territories. We are committed to empowering customers and expediting the transition to climate-smart technologies on a global scale. I thank our investors, Nuveen and other existing equity investors, for their continued support which will help us cater to the present opportunity. We are also happy to have institutions like the DFC and InCred partner with us in our journey of catalysing climate-smart solutions for agriculture and other key sectors in the future”, said Devendra Gupta, CEO and Co-Founder of Ecozen

 “Supporting companies like Ecozen aligns perfectly with Nuveen’s commitment to invest in businesses that have a profound impact on climate change mitigation and resilience,” said Rekha Unnithan, Managing Director and Head of Private Equity Impact Investing at Nuveen. “Ecozen’s continued growth and innovation exemplify the type of transformative impact we aim to achieve through our investments, paving the way for a sustainable and inclusive low-carbon economy.”

“We like Ecozen’s proven product and execution track record, and the way it has transformed the lives of farmers in India. With the government of India’s push on sustainable, climate friendly initiatives, we feel the company is poised for profitable growth,” said Saurabh Jhalaria, CIO – Alternative Credit Strategies at Incred Alternative Investments. “The opportunity in India and other developing markets is huge and we are excited to partner with Ecozen in its growth journey. The investment ties up well with our fund’s thesis on innovative cleantech solutions that can reach the masses.”

“DFC is pleased to be supporting an innovative and impactful project with Ecozen that aligns with our priorities of investing in climate adaptation solutions and improving agricultural productivity. This is a highly significant transaction that will improve production, reduce food loss, and decrease emissions in India”, said James Polan, DFC’s Vice President of Health & Agribusiness.

Latest funding will be used to cater

SOLASTA Bio and Impetus Ag announced as winners of the Radicle Natural Plant Protection (NPP) Challenge by UPL.

UPL Corporation Ltd. (UPL Corp), a global provider of holistic and sustainable agricultural solutions, and Radicle Growth, a company-building platform investing in early-stage agriculture and food technologies, announced SOLASTA Bio as the winner of ‘the Radicle Natural Plant Protection (NPP) Challenge by UPL’, securing a $1M investment, with the runner-up Impetus Ag, receiving a $750,000 investment. The Challenge sought to identify entrepreneurs advancing natural and biological solutions and saw applications from 237 start-ups.

In addition to the funding, SOLASTA Bio and Impetus Ag will gain access to UPL Corp and Radicle Growth’s expertise and networks to help accelerate their development and growth.

SOLASTA Bio, an ag-biotech company specializing in the next-generation of green insecticides, was selected as the winner for developing nature-inspired, selectively targeted and sustainable peptide insect control products. Shireen Davies, CEO of SOLASTA Bio, said: “We are delighted to have won The Radicle NPP Challenge by UPL. We look forward to accelerating our sustainable insect control solutions towards the global market in a new phase for the company and enhancing this with industry support and global networks provided by UPL Corp and Radicle Growth”.

Impetus Ag, an ag-tech company developing biological insect control solutions with the effectiveness of legacy chemical methods, was selected as the runner-up for creating novel proteins that bind naturally occurring toxins to targeted pests. Dr. Martha Schlicher, CEO of Impetus Ag said: “Being a winner of The Radicle NPP Challenge by UPL is a game changer for Impetus Ag. Investment in parallel with product development resources, expertise, and access to global networks will ensure our products meet industry gold standards and will go a long way in authenticating our pest solutions with grower supply chains critical for product adoption.”

Mike Frank, CEO of UPL Corp., said: “We’re committed to expanding access to sustainable solutions as a route to shaping healthy, productive, and climate-positive food systems. Through this investment and our ongoing support, we’re excited to work with SOLASTA Bio and Impetus Ag to develop their biological innovations and deliver real-world impacts for farmers, food chains, and the planet. Thank you to our winners, finalists, and all of the incredible start-ups that entered this Radicle Challenge.”

Kirk Haney, Managing Partner of Radicle Growth, said: “Congratulations to our winners. We have been so inspired by the biological solutions on display at the Pitch Day Event, and we are deeply proud that the Radicle Challenge continues to serve as a leading platform for driving global deal flow and funding the most impressive technologies across the food value chain.

SOLASTA Bio and Impetus Ag announced as