Mumbai-based agritech startup, KisanKonnect, has secured a hefty USD 4.5 million (roughly INR 39 Crore) in its Series A funding round, spearheaded by Mistry Ventures. This infusion of cash follows a notable pre-Series A round where KisanKonnect raised INR 31 Crore back in January 2024. The latest investors include Times Group’s Brand Capital, VC-Grid, Vishwang Desai from Desai & Diwanji, and various family offices. Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty, already an investor, has doubled down with additional funds.
Launched in 2020 by Vivek Nirmal and Nidhi Nirmal, KisanKonnect isn’t just an agritech startup; it’s a direct-to-consumer (D2C) platform focusing on streamlining the supply chain for fresh produce. By connecting consumers directly with over 5,000 farmers, the platform cuts out the middleman, ensuring that fruits, vegetables, and dairy reach the market fresh and fast. The company’s tech-driven, temperature-controlled system tracks everything, making KisanKonnect a standout in the crowded agritech space.
Investment Plans and Tech Boost
With this fresh capital, KisanKonnect plans to expand its tech infrastructure. The company focuses on AI integration into its sourcing and supply chain to make operations smoother and more effective. Expansion into new urban markets is on the agenda too, alongside scaling up as a quick-commerce – delivery times drop from 48 hours to just 4-6 across Mumbai and Pune. There’s also a pilot for 30-minute deliveries, which has caught on with consumers craving both speed and quality.
Empowering Farmers, Promoting Sustainability
KisanKonnect’s ethos is all about sustainable farming and helping farmers adapt to climate-smart practices. By reducing chemical inputs, the company not only boosts soil health but also supports a network of farmers committed to regenerative agriculture. This approach has built a loyal customer base in Mumbai and Pune, valuing both freshness and sustainability.
Beyond just fruits and vegetables, KisanKonnect offers premium dairy products free from antibiotics and hormones. Their ‘Village Staples’ and ‘Mom’s Kitchen’ lines bring traditional, handmade snacks to the urban market, crafted by rural women, blending cultural heritage with modern commerce.
Vision for Tomorrow
Once known for its 48-hour delivery model, KisanKonnect now promises 4-6 hour delivery times, with ambitions for even quicker service. The technological backbone of the company supports this rapid growth, ensuring scalability and market expansion. This funding round will see KisanKonnect pushing deeper into quick commerce while fostering stronger bonds with farmers and consumers alike.
Previous Funding and Broader Impact
Before this Series A, a pre-Series A round led by Green Frontier Capital fetched KisanKonnect INR 31 Crore. Those funds were poured into tech enhancements and operational expansion in Mumbai and Pune. The company’s drive to minimize food waste and ensure equitable pricing has resonated with investors, including Dhanuka Agritech, who backed the earlier round, aligning with their vision for climate tech and sustainable agriculture.
Conclusion
KisanKonnect’s Series A funding round marks a pivotal moment for KisanKonnect as it scales its operations, refines its tech infrastructure, and broadens its market footprint. With a commitment to sustainability and a tech-forward approach, KisanKonnect is well on its way to becoming a leading name in fresh produce supply chains and quick commerce, all while nurturing an agricultural ecosystem that rewards both the farmer and the consumer.
For more details related to IPO GMP, SEBI IPO Approval, and Live Subscription stay tuned to IPO Central.
