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Published: 06-04-2018 16:44:00 | By: Nico Scherphuis | hits: 3958219 | Tags:









Indian agritech startup Fasal raises $12 million funding to grow its precision farming solution
Published: 12-01-2024 | 12:27:00 | By: Bob Koigi
Fasal's solution has already proven to improve crop yield and reduce operational costs at an affordable price to the individual farmer.






Israeli precision irrigation management startup Treetoscope closes $7m seed round to fuel growth
Published: 06-10-2023 | 12:35:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Treetoscope has closed $7m seed round.


Indigo Ag accelerates sustainability programs for farmers with $250m fundraise
Published: 19-09-2023 | 13:50:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Indigo Ag has raised $250m to drive innovation and sustainability.


50 African women to benefit from fellowship on agri food policies
Published: 15-09-2023 | 13:15:00 | By: Bob Koigi
The two-year career development program aims to grow a pool of confident and capable mid-career African women to lead policy changes to improve African smallholders’ livelihoods, particularly women.


Ugandan Agritech startup Emata raises $2.4m seed funding
Published: 14-09-2023 | 11:55:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Ugandan agritech startup Emata has raised $2.4 million in seed funding.


SatSure partners with Rabo Partnerships to revolutionize cash flow-based lending for smallholder farmers
Published: 28-07-2023 | 09:32:00 | By: Pie Kamau
SatSure announced partnership with Rabo.


Freiburg-based constellr secures new funding to springboard US expansion
Published: 26-07-2023 | 12:32:00 | By: Pie Kamau
constellr has secured further investment to extend its seed round to a total of €17m.


Belgian agritech startup Aphea.bio raises €70m to accelerate growth
Published: 14-07-2023 | 16:17:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Aphea.Bio, a Belgium-based agricultural technology company, announced the closing of its Series C funding round.


Kenyan agritech startup Kyosk acquires KwikBasket, expands into fresh produce market
Published: 10-07-2023 | 11:09:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Kenyan agritech startup Kyosk, is expanding into the African fresh produce market.


Aigen unveils world's first AI-driven, solar-powered, agricultural robotics platform
Published: 03-07-2023 | 11:00:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Agritech startup Aigen, unveiled an autonomous, scalable robotics platform.


SK networks invests $2m in AI farming Dutch startup Source.ag
Published: 09-06-2023 | 11:35:00 | By: Pie Kamau
SK networks announced it will invest $2m Series A funding round of $27 million for Source.ag.


[Column] Nixon Gecheo: Agtech, a pivotal force driving climate change action in agriculture
Published: 05-06-2023 | 16:02:00 | By: Pie Kamau
The agricultural sector is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.


Absa acquires minority stake in South African agritech startup Khula!
Published: 18-05-2023 | 14:33:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Absa Bank has acquired a minority stake in South African agritech startup, Khula! 


UK biotech startup Resurrect Bio completes seed investment round to develop disease resistant crops
Published: 17-05-2023 | 13:27:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Resurrect Bio, a biotechnology startup which is on a mission to revolutionize the agricultural industry by giving crops the genetic tools to defend themselves against disease, has completed its seed investment round, totaling at £1.61 million.


Start-Up Nation Central collaborates with Microsoft to promote Israeli agri-food tech startups
Published: 16-05-2023 | 12:08:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Start-Up Nation Central has collaborated with Microsoft to promote Israeli agri-food tech startups in the international marketplace.


Innovate UK launches £100m AI Fund for UK business
Published: 09-05-2023 | 13:03:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Innovate UK, the UK’s national innovation agency, has unveiled BridgeAI, a new programme which aims to drive growth and competitiveness in the UK economy through the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). 


Denmark-based soil carbon startup Agreena raises €46m to scale the regenerative revolution
Published: 04-05-2023 | 10:17:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Denmark-based climate and fintech startup Agreena, whose soil carbon platform is one of the largest globally, announced its Series B raise of €46 million.


Factor[e] Ventures launches a new venture studio to transform the African startup ecosystem
Published: 23-03-2023 | 12:08:01 | By: Bob Koigi
Delta40 focuses on technology-driven energy, agriculture, and mobility ventures led by diverse, experienced founders.


AI crop analysis platform Inarix raises €3.1m seed funding to help farmers determine quality and value of their crops
Published: 14-03-2023 | 11:52:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Inarix, the AI-powered crop analysis platform, announced a €3.1 million seed round from Ankaa ventures, Label Investment, Newfund, Alliance for impact and Resiliance.


Elgon Kenya partners with Ministry of Agriculture to reward young farmers
Published: 23-02-2023 | 13:15:00 | By: Bob Koigi
Agro input company Elgon Kenya has partnered with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Education to reward pupils and their teachers for participating in food production in a wider scheme that seeks to motivate school going children into farming.  


[Interview] David Galadima, Founder, Graemoh Foods, Nigeria
Published: 21-02-2023 | 10:45:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Passionate about sustainable agriculture, aquaculture and food security in Africa, David Galadima is the Founder of fast growing agriculture and processing company, Graemoh Foods, operating out of the northern state of Kaduna, Nigeria.


Agritech startup IngredientWerks announces successful completion of seed round funding
Published: 21-02-2023 | 10:08:00 | By: Pie Kamau
IngredientWerks, an ag-tech ingredient company developing high value plant-based proteins for the alternative protein markets, announced it has secured its seed round of funding.


22 Milken-Motsepe Prize in AgriTech finalists push to the finish
Published: 03-02-2023 | 11:16:00 | By: Pie Kamau
The Milken Institute and the Motsepe Foundation, kicked off the final phase of the Milken-Motsepe Prize in AgriTech.


Catalyst Fund invests $2m in 10 startups to improve resilience to climate change in Africa
Published: 27-01-2023 | 11:05:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Pre-seed venture capital (VC) fund and accelerator Catalyst Fund, announced a $2 million investment in 10 startups developing solutions to improve the resilience of communities most vulnerable to climate change in Africa.


Irish agritech startup Proveye secures €1m seed funding to accelerate growth
Published: 26-01-2023 | 14:05:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Irish agritech startup Proveye, a pioneer in remote sensing image analysis for agriculture, announced the closing of €1 million seed funding round to advance the company’s growth strategy. 


Food Foundry accelerator announces fifth cohort of early-stage foodservice startups
Published: 23-01-2023 | 11:42:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Food Foundry, an accelerator program built by Relish Works and Gordon Food Service for early-stage startups disrupting the food and foodservice industry, announced the five startups that will join the fifth cohort starting in January 2023.


Agritech startup EarthOptics secures $27.6m Series B funding to advance data-driven agriculture through actionable soil insights
Published: 19-01-2023 | 09:33:00 | By: Pie Kamau
EarthOptics, a pioneer in soil measurement and insights, announced a $27.6 million round of funding led by Conti Ventures.


Terramera creates enrichAg to commercialize transformative soil analysis platform with $6m from At One Ventures
Published: 16-01-2023 | 10:56:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Terramera announced the formation of its new majority-owned subsidiary, enrichAg, which will focus on commercializing its soil enrichment platform. The seed round is led with a $6 million investment from AOV.


John Deere announces 2023 startup collaborators
Published: 11-01-2023 | 10:59:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Deere & Company has released the names of eight companies chosen for its 2023 Startup Collaborator program.


Nigerian agritech startup Releaf secures $3.3m pre-Series A funding, unveils new technologies to drive profitability for consumer goods manufacturers
Published: 09-01-2023 | 10:21:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Releaf, a Nigerian agritech startup, has raised $3.3 million in an oversubscribed pre-Series A funding round.


Kenya to host sixth edition of continental agriculture expo
Published: 04-01-2023 | 09:30:00 | By: Bob Koigi
Kenya will host the 6th edition of Africa Agri Expo in February 2023 , endorsed by Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development aimed at bringing the entire agricultural value chain under one roof.


Mad Capital closes $4m seed round to finance the regenerative agriculture revolution
Published: 20-12-2022 | 11:29:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Mad Capital, an impact-focused lender that offers equitable, flexible funding for organic and transitioning farmers, announced it has raised a $4 million Seed round, led by Trailhead Capital.


Agroforestry startup Propagate raises $10m Series A funding to accelerate growth
Published: 30-11-2022 | 13:02:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Propagate, a commercial agroforestry platform, has closed a $10 million Series A led by Belgium-based The Nest.


Kenya to host international poultry expo next year
Published: 22-11-2022 | 13:00:00 | By: Bob Koigi
Demand for poultry products is on the rise in Kenya driven by an emerging middle-class created in existing and new urban settlements as a result of devolution.


Kenyan agritech startup Stable Foods raises $600k funding to grow its climate smart smallholder platform
Published: 22-11-2022 | 10:33:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Stable Foods, a Kenyan agritech startup offering a host of solutions to small-scale farmers, has raised $600k funding round, to build out its climate smart smallholder food production platform.


Katapult launches startup accelerator in Kigali, Rwanda
Published: 14-11-2022 | 17:05:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Katapult Africa announced the launch of its Accelerator program in Kigali, Rwanda, welcoming 9 companies to the Katapult portfolio.


Cooperative Ventures announces first investment in agritech startup Sabanto to improve sustainability
Published: 07-11-2022 | 08:42:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Cooperative Ventures, a venture capital fund formed by North America's agricultural cooperatives, announced its first investment in Sabanto, a hardware and software company.


Ugandan agritech startup Inputi receives investment to boost inputs distribution
Published: 14-10-2022 | 12:41:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Ugandan agritech startup Inputi announced it received an investment funding to boost inputs distribution across the country.


FNHIC launches to invest $2.5b in startups improving hunger and health outcomes through food
Published: 28-09-2022 | 11:13:00 | By: Pie Kamau
S2G Ventures, Food Systems for the Future and other partners launched the Food, Nutrition and Health Investor Coalition (FNHIC), a call to action to drive $2.5 billion in private investment.


Ghanaian agritech startup Farmerline raises $1.5m from Dutch investor Oikocredit
Published: 27-09-2022 | 15:59:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Ghanaian agritech startup Farmerline announced the second close of a Pre-Series A investment raise with an additional $1.5 million investment from Dutch social impact investor Oikocredit.


Kenyan agricultural insurtech startup Pula appoints Michael Joseph as Board Chair
Published: 22-09-2022 | 10:28:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Former Safaricom CEO Michael Joseph has been appointed as Board Chair of a Kenyan agricultural insurtech startup Pula.


India's fruits and vegetables platform Sahyadri Farms raises €40m growth capital to support smallholder farmers
Published: 19-09-2022 | 09:19:00 | By: Pie Kamau
India's integrated platform for fruits and vegetables Sahyadri Farms has raised  €40 million growth capital from a group of impact-focused investors; Incofin, Korys, FMO and Proparco.


Industrial automation and agritech startup Agtonomy closes seed III funding round
Published: 16-09-2022 | 11:47:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Agtonomy, a cutting-edge software and service agritech startup, announced the successful closing of another round of funding for a total investment of $13.5 million.


FMO partners with SBC AfriTech to support next generation of early-stage African tech startups
Published: 30-08-2022 | 13:28:00 | By: Pie Kamau
FMO has partnered with a pan-African tech accelerator, Startupbootcamp (SBC) AfriTech, for the third installment of the Africa Startup Initiative Accelerator Program which is designed to scout skill and scale early-stage tech startups in Africa.


[Startup Interview] Alfiya Kayumova, CEO and co-founder, Green Growth, USA
Published: 24-08-2022 | 15:16:00 | By: Bob Koigi
Green Growth is a US-based agritech startup that runs a software and hardware-based solution consisting of a set of sensors, combined in a single infrastructure.


Canadian startup Vive Crop Protection closes $26m funding round to accelerate its precision chemistry platform
Published: 22-08-2022 | 13:16:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Vive Crop Protection announced the close of $26 million Series C investment round, led by Emmertech with participation from the Cibus funds, and existing investors Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC).


BASF Venture Capital and Dutch-based Aqua-Spark invest in Sea6 Energy as part of Series B financing round
Published: 19-08-2022 | 11:32:53 | By: Pie Kamau
BASF Venture Capital, the corporate venture company of BASF SE, Germany, and Aqua-Spark, a Dutch investment fund focusing on the global aquaculture industry, are investing in Sea6 Energy as part of a Series B round.


Kenyan agritech startup IProcure secures $10.2m Series B funding to accelerate growth
Published: 19-08-2022 | 10:55:00 | By: Pie Kamau
iProcure, Africa’s tech and data-driven agricultural inputs supply company, announced the close of a $10.2 million Series B funding round that raised debt and equity from a diverse group of international investors.


South African agritech disruptor AgriKool drives down food costs for consumers, increases profits for farmers
Published: 15-08-2022 | 12:31:00 | By: Pie Kamau
AgriKool, a South African e-trading platform, is connecting agricultural producers to buyers to facilitate the sale of products between retailers and farmers.


Agritech startup Lumo raises $2.1m to tackle the global water insecurity crisis
Published: 25-07-2022 | 13:03:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Lumo, a new agritech company focused on water sustainability, announced it has raised $2.1 million in pre-seed funding and plans to allocate funds toward commercialization of its irrigation technology.


Uganda entrepreneurs bet on fish project to boost incomes
Published: 04-07-2022 | 12:15:00 | By: Bob Koigi
To help communities reduce their post-harvest losses and access a more reliable supply of processed fish products.


EuraTechnologies raises €24m to back deep tech startups, open 10 incubators in Eastern Europe
Published: 24-06-2022 | 11:55:00 | By: Pie Kamau
EuraTechnologies announced the raising of €24 million to back deep tech startups and open 10 incubators in Eastern Europe.


AfricArena partners with FMO to accelerate tech startups in Ghana, Morocco and Tanzania
Published: 15-06-2022 | 11:01:00 | By: Pie Kamau
AfricArena, the African series of tech events, announced a partnership with FMO Ventures Program, the Rise Open Innovation Challenge, which focuses on accelerating the growth of startups looking to improve the state of Africa.


German agritech startup CROP.ZONE secures $11m equity funding to expand to new international markets
Published: 13-06-2022 | 14:42:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Aachen-based integrated weed management startup CROP.ZONE announced it has secured $11m equity funding from existing shareholders and new financial investors.


CerraCap Ventures invests in soil microbiome focused agritech startup Solena
Published: 13-06-2022 | 13:55:00 | By: Pie Kamau
CerraCap Ventures, a Global Venture Capital fund headquartered in Southern California, announced an investment in Solena AG, a soil microbiome startup helping farmers improve agricultural yields and optimize agrarian input costs.


Decarbon8 investment opportunity open for agritech innovation and decarbonization startups
Published: 13-06-2022 | 12:33:00 | By: Pie Kamau
The Decarbon8 Fund, an impact investment vehicle established by the E8 climate tech investing community and platform, announced a new Request for Proposal (RFP) for companies advancing regenerative agriculture solutions.


Crop tech startup moa raises $44m Series B financing to progress new generation of safe and sustainable crop protection products
Published: 31-05-2022 | 11:31:00 | By: Pie Kamau
moa Technology, the crop protection discovery company that is revolutionizing the future of weed control in agriculture, announced it has secured $44 million in Series B financing.


Irish agritech startup CropSafe raises $3m seed funding to support farmers globally, opens U.S. headquarters in Los Angeles
Published: 24-05-2022 | 15:57:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Irish agritech startup CropSafe, a platform revolutionizing the future of farming, announced it raised over $3 million in seed funding and have opened U.S. headquarters in Los Angeles.


Israeli agritech startup Seed-X partners with Advanta Seeds to improve seed lot quality
Published: 16-05-2022 | 14:33:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Seed-X, an innovative AI-driven Agritech company, and Advanta Seeds, a UPL group company, are joining forces to apply new technology in seed processing.


Solana-based DeFi startup Delta One raises $9.1m to build 'set-and-forget' yield farming protocol
Published: 22-04-2022 | 14:37:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Delta One, a Solana-based DeFi protocol, announced it raised $9.1 million seed round led by Alameda Research and Ship Capital, with participation from Solana Ventures.


French insect farming startup Ÿnsect acquires Nebraska-based Jord Producers to open first mealworm farm in the US
Published: 30-03-2022 | 11:43:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Jord Producers, based in Nebraska, has been incorporated into Ÿnsect’s production portfolio, signifying the global leader’s entry into North American mealworm production.


[Kenya] Applications for 5th cohort of Standard Chartered Bank's Women in Tech program open
Published: 10-03-2022 | 15:09:00 | By: Pie Kamau
The Standard Chartered Bank has opened applications for the 5th cohort of its Women in Tech incubator program.


Soil water sensors, detectors to the rescue of Mozambique farmers
Published: 18-02-2022 | 10:02:00 | By: Bob Koigi
More than 3 million smallholder farmers contribute 95% of Mozambique’s agricultural production.


Gender and social dynamics in smallholder groundnuts commercialisation in Southern Africa
Published: 10-02-2022 | 13:45:00 | By: Bob Koigi
Following these insights, expert commentator Kezia Batisai, Associate Professor at the University of Johannesburg, highlighted key shifts required to support agricultural transformation in the region.


Agribusiness e-Commerce startup Agrizon receives investment to expand operations in Latin America
Published: 08-02-2022 | 12:59:51 | By: Pie Kamau
Agrizon, a specialized cross-border e-Commerce company that connects and delivers worldwide brands of ag inputs to farmers and businesses, has received investment from Latin Leap Venture Capital Studio to expand operations in Latin America.


Solar-powered robotics startup Aigen raises $4m seed round to accelerate growth
Published: 19-01-2022 | 12:38:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Aigen, a company developing a scalable, solar-powered robotics platform for agriculture and soil regeneration, raised a $4 million seed round led by NEA with participation from AgFunder, Global Founders Capital, and ReGen Ventures.


Israel tech startups raised $25.4 billion in 2021, report
Published: 03-01-2022 | 09:54:13 | By: Bob Koigi
The unprecedented figure represents a 136% increase over last year, which concluded with a full-year total of $10.8 billion raised.


Israeli agritech startup Greeneye Technology raises $22 million funding to grow its offerings
Published: 03-01-2022 | 09:40:12 | By: Bob Koigi
Greeneye has developed proprietary AI-enabled precision spraying technology that enables farmers to seamlessly transition from this hugely inefficient practice to precise application of herbicides and other chemicals.


African scientists make a case for home grown research on continent’s food systems
Published: 24-12-2021 | 12:00:00 | By: Bob Koigi
A storytelling event organized by African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD), saw four accomplished African researchers working on agriculture and food security share their personal journeys in agricultural research, and discuss how they are working to transform farming on the continent.


The University of Nairobi and Elgon Kenya to develop agriculture technology and innovation centre
Published: 17-12-2021 | 17:40:11 | By: Bob Koigi
The agriculture sector in Kenya has received a major boost following a partnership between two leading institutions to set up a technology and innovation centre, the first of its kind in East Africa.


Kenyan smallholder farmers insulated from weather vagaries by picture-based insurance
Published: 14-12-2021 | 12:00:00 | By: Bob Koigi
A climate-smart crop insurance scheme introduced in Kenya has come to their rescue by combining satellite data and smartphone imagery to provide farmers with much needed protection.


Biotech startup Tiamat Sciences raises $3m to manufacture plant-based biomolecules
Published: 25-11-2021 | 10:55:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Biotechnology startup Tiamat Sciences announced its $3 million seed financing round led by Silicon Valley venture capital firm True Ventures with participation from Social Impact Capital and Cantos.


Agritech startup FarmSense receives $2.2m SBIR funding for development of biosecurity measures against native and invasive pests
Published: 24-11-2021 | 08:27:00 | By: Pie Kamau
FarmSense, the agritech startup and creator of Smart Flight Sensors, announced it has been awarded Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) funds in the amount of more than $2.2 million.


Kigali-based agriculture startup AflaSight, partners launch innovative projects to improve maize quality in Rwanda
Published: 24-11-2021 | 07:49:00 | By: Pie Kamau
The World Food Programme, IFC, Kigali-based agriculture startup AflaSight, and research firm Vanguard Economics launched innovative projects to help farmers and grain traders reduce the prevalence of aflatoxins in crops and grains in Rwanda.


GROWMARK and CHS launch Cooperative Ventures to drive technology advancements for agritech startups
Published: 18-11-2021 | 10:20:41 | By: Pie Kamau
GROWMARK and CHS announced the formation of Cooperative Ventures, a new capital fund that will focus on creating advancements in breakthrough technologies for the agriculture industry.


GrowMark and CHS unveil a new capital fund targeted at agtech startups
Published: 17-11-2021 | 17:05:27 | By: Bob Koigi
Agricultural cooperative firm GrowMark and global agribusiness company CHS have announced the formation of Cooperative Ventures, a new capital fund that will focus on creating advancements in breakthrough technologies for the agriculture industry.


Indian full-stack agritech startup DeHaat raises $115m Series D round
Published: 03-11-2021 | 12:18:00 | By: Pie Kamau
DeHaat, the technology-based platform offering end-to-end agricultural services to farmers in India, announced it has raised $115 million in Series D funding, led by Belgium based investment firm Sofina and Lightrock India.


Indian e-Commerce startup LoveLocal raises $18m Pre-Series B investment round to accelerate growth
Published: 29-10-2021 | 16:33:00 | By: Pie Kamau
LoveLocal, India's hyper-local e-Commerce platform empowering local retailers, has raised $18 million in a Pre-Series B investment round.


Fintech startup Able raises $3.2m seed round to power the new creator economy
Published: 29-10-2021 | 16:21:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Able, the first income management platform designed for the new economy of independent workers has raised $3.29 million in seed funding led by Elefund with additional backing from Moonshots Capital.


P&G Ventures invites entries for its next Innovation Challenge
Published: 29-10-2021 | 16:05:09 | By: Pie Kamau
P&G Ventures, the early-stage startup studio within Procter & Gamble, announced the call for entries for its next Innovation Challenge.


Chinese SEI Robotics partners with Silicon Valley's Medtrics to bring telemedicine service to Android TV
Published: 29-10-2021 | 15:44:00 | By: Pie Kamau
SEI Robotics, a global innovator of smart IOT devices & provider of Android TV platforms for Pay-TV operators (MVPD), announced its strategic partnership with Medtrics, the Silicon Valley startup, player of digital health service.


Spiceware startup selected as finalist of UK's Trade's Global Fintech Competition
Published: 29-10-2021 | 15:20:55 | By: Pie Kamau
Spiceware, a cloud-based data security company and a member of Born2Global Centre, was selected as the "Joint Winner" at the Global Fintech Competition 2021 hosted by the British Ministry of International Trade (DIT).


Nigerian Auto financing startup Autochek secures $13.1m seed funding to deepen West African footprint
Published: 28-10-2021 | 16:55:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Autochek, the Nigerian automotive startup which recently expanded to Kenya, has secured $13.1 million in seed funding.


South African e-Health startup RecoMed concludes $1.5m funding round to scale its online healthcare marketplace
Published: 28-10-2021 | 16:44:00 | By: Pie Kamau
RecoMed, the online healthcare marketplace and booking platform in sub-Saharan Africa concluded a highly successful funding round of $1.5 million with a strong and diversified group of leading local and international investors.


JICA kicks off 2nd Cohort of its NINJA Accelerator in Kenya
Published: 28-10-2021 | 16:35:00 | By: Pie Kamau
The NINJA Accelerator in Kenya, powered by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in partnership with Double Feather Partners, Deloitte Tohmatsu and Kenyan implementation partner GrowthAfrica, is kicking off its 2nd cohort with five tech-enabled Kenyan startups.


Biotech startup Shiru closes $17m Series A to develop novel plant-based food ingredients
Published: 28-10-2021 | 09:32:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Shiru, a biotech startup that identifies and creates novel plant-based ingredients for the global food industry, closed a $17 million Series A round led by S2G Ventures and joined by returning investors Lux Capital, CPT Capital, Y Combinator, and Emles Venture Partners.


Chinese autonomous driving startup WeRide releases next-gen small, lightweight Sensor Suite 4.0
Published: 28-10-2021 | 09:15:00 | By: Pie Kamau
WeRide, a Chinese L4 autonomous driving company released WeRide Sensor Suite 4.0 (Suite 4.0), marking another key step towards the mass production of self-driving vehicles.


Abacus.AI startup raises $50m Series C funding, releases Computer Vision as a Service
Published: 28-10-2021 | 09:05:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Abacus.AI startup announced $50 million Series C funding from Tiger Global, Coatue, Index Ventures, and Alkeon. As part of this release, the company also announced support for Computer Vision use-cases.


London-based scale-up Wazoku acquires Colombian open innovation crowd Channge
Published: 28-10-2021 | 08:37:03 | By: Pie Kamau
London-based Innovation scale-up Wazoku has continued its global expansion and extended its reach into Latin America with the acquisition of Colombian open innovation crowd Channge.


Female-founded winery startup BOXT raises $9.35m to expand luxury brand of fine wine offerings
Published: 28-10-2021 | 08:13:00 | By: Pie Kamau
BOXT, the female-founded, direct-to-consumer winery, announced it has raised $9.35 million in equity and debt funding to drive the continued expansion of its luxury brand of fine wine offerings.


JAY-Z's VC firm Marcy Venture Partners invests in Iddris Sandu's impact-driven tech incubator, spatial LABS
Published: 26-10-2021 | 11:43:00 | By: Pie Kamau
JAY-Z's venture capital firm Marcy Venture Partners (MVP) has invested in 24 year-old technologist Iddris Sandu's impact-driven tech incubator: spatial LABS (sLABS).


Chinese startup MioTech raises additional financing to develop sustainability innovations that support net-zero global economy
Published: 26-10-2021 | 11:22:07 | By: Pie Kamau
MioTech announced it has secured investments to further its commitment to develop sustainability innovations that support a net-zero global economy.


Asymmetric Capital Partners launches $105m debut fund to invest in B2B startups
Published: 26-10-2021 | 10:50:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Asymmetric Capital Partners (Asymmetric), a new venture capital firm helmed by Rob Biederman, Co-founder, Chairman, and former co-CEO of Catalant Technologies, announced the close of its oversubscribed first fund at $105 million.


Seed-stage VC firm Cove Fund announces $30m third venture fund to invest in Southern California ecosystem
Published: 26-10-2021 | 09:28:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Cove Fund, a seed-stage venture capital firm that invests in the Southern California startup economy, announced the launch of its third fund, Cove Fund III.


Indian education infrastructure startup Teachmint raises $78m Series B round to accelerate growth
Published: 26-10-2021 | 07:48:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Teachmint, the education infrastructure startup and the creator of India's largest teaching platform, raised $78 million in Series B round led by Rocketship.vc and Vulcan Capital.


Pan-African fintech startup Payday joins Techstars Toronto Accelerator program
Published: 22-10-2021 | 14:34:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Payday, a Pan-African fintech startup announced it has joined Techstars Toronto Accelerator program.


Israeli mobile app startup Bites raises $5m seed funding for next-gen employee-communications and training application
Published: 22-10-2021 | 14:17:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Bites, a game-changing player in the employee communications and training industry, announced the completion of its seed funding round, raising $5 million.


SaaS startup ProfitWheel secures $3m investment
Published: 22-10-2021 | 14:00:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Following close on the heels of its US operations launch in September 2021, SaaS startup ProfitWheel announced securing a total capital raise of $3 million.


Healthtech startup Medicardia closes $3m post seed round to accelerate growth
Published: 22-10-2021 | 13:35:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Medicardia Health announced it has raised $3 million in its first major financing round. Founded in 2020, the company was initially bootstrapped by CEO and Founder Indrajit Choudhuri and associates, and was provided seed capital by angel investor Jeff Rusinow.


Basel-based DayOne Accelerator launches call for digital health startups
Published: 22-10-2021 | 13:19:00 | By: Pie Kamau
DayOne, the healthcare innovation initiative based in Switzerland, announced the extended deadline for the global call for its digital health accelerator to Friday, 5 November 2021.


MFS Africa signs agreement to acquire Nigerian fintech startup Baxi
Published: 22-10-2021 | 13:05:27 | By: Pie Kamau
Pan-African digital payments hub MFS Africa signed an agreement to acquire Baxi, one of Nigeria's super-agent networks. The deal, which is subject to approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria, will be the second highest fintech acquisition in Nigeria to date.


Nigerian fintech startup Brass secures $1.7m financing round
Published: 22-10-2021 | 12:57:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Brass, a Nigerian digital bank delivering easy access to affordable premium banking services for SMEs, secured $1.7 million in funding to address the heavily underserved banking needs of local entrepreneurs, traders, and fast-growing businesses.


London-based AI startup Humanising Autonomy raises $11m Series A funding to change how machines understand people globally
Published: 21-10-2021 | 14:10:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Humanising Autonomy, a behaviour AI company using modular, low-power computer vision technology to ethically understand and predict human behaviour raised an $11 million Series A funding round.


South Korean startup Humelo receives $2.6m pre-series A funding for AI voice synthesis solution
Published: 21-10-2021 | 13:42:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Humelo, a South Korean startup that specializes in AI-based voice synthesis solutions and a member of Born2Global Centre, recently received a pre-series A investment of $2.6 million (KRW 3 billion) from KT Investment and Kakao Investment.


Texas-based fintech startup CollateralEdge emerges from stealth with an oversubscribed $3.5m seed round
Published: 21-10-2021 | 13:24:00 | By: Pie Kamau
CollateralEdge, a Texas-based fintech company providing banks with a risk-mitigation tool to efficiently increase lending capacity without compromising credit quality, emerges from stealth mode with an oversubscribed $3.5 million seed round.


North Carolina's SAS and Pappas Capital partner to propel agritech startups with analytics
Published: 21-10-2021 | 13:04:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Two North Carolina companies, analytics leader SAS and venture investment firm Pappas Capital, are joining forces to help advance the state as a global leader in agricultural technology.


Chinese autonomous driving startup WeRide named "AutoTech Startup of the Year" in 2021 AutoTech Breakthrough Awards Program
Published: 21-10-2021 | 12:49:00 | By: Pie Kamau
WeRide, a world autonomous driving company, has been named "AutoTech Startup of the Year" in the annual AutoTech Breakthrough Awards conducted by market intelligence organization AutoTech Breakthrough.


Slovenian healthtech startup MESI selected to join Google for Startups Accelerator, Europe
Published: 20-10-2021 | 15:57:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Slovenian healthtech startup MESI has been selected to join the Google for Startups Accelerator, Europe. The current three-month Google Accelerator programme brings together 15 of the most promising European tech startups in healthcare and well-being.


Tech-enabled PR startup Press Hook secures $1.5m funding to accelerate growth
Published: 20-10-2021 | 15:40:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Press Hook, a Brooklyn based, tech-enabled, public relations platform, announced $1.5 million in venture-funding after a successful year of growth, led by Emergent Ventures, The Fund and TnT Ventures.


Subscription Management startup Chargebee partners with Worldline to improve customer engagement and retention
Published: 20-10-2021 | 15:28:51 | By: Pie Kamau
Worldline and Chargebee announced collaboration to provide an end-to-end payment, subscription and revenue operations solution for merchants operating in a subscription model.


Nortal acquires minority stake in cybersecurity startup Talgen
Published: 20-10-2021 | 15:19:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Digital transformation company Nortal has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire minority stake in the cybersecurity startup Talgen to bolster cybersecurity capabilities and unlock new opportunities in Europe, North America, and the GCC countries.


Israeli deep learning development startup Deci raises $21m to accelerate commercial growth
Published: 20-10-2021 | 15:03:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Deci, the deep learning development company that helps enterprises build, optimize, and deploy AI to production, announced it has raised a $21 million Series A round led by New York-based global private equity and venture capital firm Insight Partners.


[Startup Interview] Adedokun Muhammed-Ali Adedeji, Founder, Brightcloud Automobile, Nigeria
Published: 20-10-2021 | 11:34:20 | By: Bob Koigi
Adedokun Muhammed-Ali Adedeji is a Nigerian innovator, entrepreneur and logistics manager. A green mobility advocate, Adedokun is the founder of Brightcloud Automotive.


Israeli bio-convergence startup X-trodes completes $4.5m seed round to improve quality of life, reduce hospital workload
Published: 19-10-2021 | 09:24:00 | By: Pie Kamau
X-trodes, a bio-convergence company that developed wearable technology for advanced electrophysiological measurement and analytics, has raised a $4.5 million seed round to improve the quality of life and reduce hospital workload


Indian edtech startup ConveGenius raises $5m pre Series A funding to accelerate growth
Published: 19-10-2021 | 09:04:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Indian edtech startup ConveGenius AI has raised $5 million in Venture Capital funding to grow its conversational AI platform in India and South-East Asian markets.


Berlin-based on-demand delivery startup Gorillas secures close to $1b Series C funding, the largest European round in its sector to date
Published: 19-10-2021 | 08:45:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Gorillas, the European market player in instant on-demand grocery delivery, has successfully raised close to $1 billion in Series C funding round, being the largest funding of a non-listed business Europe's grocery delivery sector has seen to date.


Nigerian e-Commerce startup Sendbox raises $1.8m to digitize deliveries for African SMEs
Published: 19-10-2021 | 08:01:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Nigerian e-Commerce fulfillment startup Sendbox announced the completion of $1.8 million seed round from investors including 4DX Ventures, Enza Capital, FJLabs and Golden Palm Investments.


Google selects nine Kenyan startups to receive equity-free funding via its Africa Investment Fund
Published: 19-10-2021 | 07:40:00 | By: Pie Kamau
During its very first “Google for Africa” event held early this month, Google announced it will be investing up to $50 million in African early- and growth-stage startups via its Africa Investment Fund.


Paris-based music experience startup Stage11 raises €5m seed round to reimagine music for the metaverse
Published: 15-10-2021 | 12:29:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Immersive music experience startup Stage11 announced it has raised a €5 million euro seed round led by Otium Capital, a European venture capital fund, backed up by founder and CEO, Jonathan Belolo.


Canadian energy startup Pani secures $8m to scale up AI solution to improve water and energy efficiency in water treatment facilities
Published: 15-10-2021 | 12:01:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Pani, a Canadian software-as-a-service (SaaS) company, announced the completion of an oversubscribed $8 million CAD capital raise.


Insurance startup Branch partners with SimpliSafe to offer proactive protection, affordable home ssecurity to its members
Published: 15-10-2021 | 11:43:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Branch, the startup that pioneered instantly-bundled home and auto insurance, announced a partnership with SimpliSafe, maker of security systems, to offer its members significant discounts on their home insurance.


Global early-stage venture capital firm Antler raises over $300m, expands investment focus to Series C
Published: 15-10-2021 | 11:16:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Global early-stage venture capital firm Antler announced it has closed over $300m to date, allowing it an opportunity to provide continued support to its companies in subsequent funding rounds.


Google to invest $50m equity-based fund in African startups
Published: 15-10-2021 | 10:57:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Tech giant Google announced it plans to invest up to $50 million in African early- and growth-stage startups via its Africa Investment Fund.


Pan-African fintech startup Carbon partners with Network International to boost digital payment offering
Published: 15-10-2021 | 10:46:07 | By: Pie Kamau
Pan-African fintech startup and digital bank Carbon Bank has partnered with Network International, an enabler of digital commerce across Africa and the Middle East, as part of its plan to boost its digital payment offering.


African fintech startup Payday raises $1m pre-seed to build Africa’s PayPal
Published: 15-10-2021 | 10:38:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Payday, a Pan-African financial technology company has raised one million dollars to build out what they believe will be the “PayPal” for Africa.


[Startup Interview] Femi Apesin, OnePipe Growth & Marketing Lead, Nigeria
Published: 08-10-2021 | 14:07:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Femi Apesin is the Head of Growth and Marketing at OnePipe, a Nigerian startup that has raised almost US$1 million in a pre-seed round with a plan to make API integration seamless for banks and fintech companies.


Berlin-based startup Made of Air raises €5m seed round to make thermoplastics for Audi, H&M Group and other companies
Published: 08-10-2021 | 13:54:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Made of Air, the carbon negative materials startup that turns wood waste into thermoplastics, announced a €5 million in seed funding, led by Norwegian sustainability-focused family fund.


Israeli startup RepAir Carbon closes $1.5m seed round to develop cell for modular Direct Air Capture
Published: 08-10-2021 | 13:37:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Israeli startup RepAir Carbon closed a $1.5m seed round to develop cell for modular Direct Air Capture inspired by fuel cell technology. The seed funding will allow the RepAir team to refine the company's existing prototype cell.


Singapore gaming startup OP Games raises $8.6m to bridge game developers to Web 3.0
Published: 08-10-2021 | 13:16:00 | By: Pie Kamau
OP Games, a startup that enables game developers to monetize their work using Web 3.0, raised $8.6 million of seed funding.


APX Platform announces oversubscribed seed round investments by 20% within 60 days
Published: 08-10-2021 | 13:06:00 | By: Pie Kamau
APX Platform, the aesthetic industry's only cloud-based, business intelligence, training, educational and data analytics platform for aesthetic practices, has oversubscribed its seed round investments by 20 percent within 60 days.


Singapore cybersecurity startup BitTrap develops detection technology to address surge in cyberattacks
Published: 07-10-2021 | 13:52:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Singapore cybersecurity startup BitTrap announced a blockchain-based cybersecurity solution that leverages attackers' motivations to provide singular detection capabilities.


MXP Ventures announces $10m venture capital fund to propel next-gen of agency startups
Published: 07-10-2021 | 13:43:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Global incubator MXP Ventures announced the establishment of a $10 million venture fund to invest in new agency startups globally. The fund will focus on building and rapidly scaling new agencies across the marketing services spectrum.


French real-time engagement startup Sparkup expands in the Middle East
Published: 07-10-2021 | 12:59:47 | By: Pie Kamau
Sparkup, a French startup specializing in real-time engagement solutions, has chosen to expand in the Middle East and will introduce its latest innovations at GITEX and CABSAT in Dubai.


South Korean startup Aniai to participate in Microsoft for Startups Global Grand Final program
Published: 07-10-2021 | 12:25:31 | By: Pie Kamau
Korean startup Aniai, a member of Born2Global Centre, got selected as one of the 10 companies that will participate in Microsoft for Startups. Aniai has developed a labor solution for quick service restaurants by building a robotic kitchen.


Start-Up Nation Central signs MoU with TiE to boost technological innovation of Israeli and Indian startups
Published: 07-10-2021 | 11:40:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Israeli not-for-profit Start-Up Nation Central signed a Memorandum of Understanding with TiE to achieve full implementation of sustainable Israeli and Indian technologies in the foodtech sector.


Westchester Angels announces first exit opportunity, parlays early fintech investment into major win
Published: 06-10-2021 | 14:46:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Investment group Westchester Angels announced its first exit opportunity, providing significant returns to a group of local investors and highlighting their intuition for spotting growth opportunities.


PHYTunes startup closes $1.5m seed round to develop solution for full 5G inside residential, commercial buildings
Published: 06-10-2021 | 14:32:00 | By: Pie Kamau
PHYTunes, a player in 5G at the Edge and wireless-wireline convergence, announced it has close its seed round of $1.5 million with investors Deutsche Telekom´s hub:raum.


Rendered.ai startup raises $6m to expand developer framework for synthetic data
Published: 06-10-2021 | 14:14:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Rendered.ai announced the closing of a $6 million seed round to expand staffing and operations to scale up the Rendered.ai Platform as a Service that supports data scientists, engineers, and business innovators.


Dalan Animal Health startup raises $1.9m seed funding for development of a breakthrough honeybee vaccine
Published: 06-10-2021 | 14:03:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Dalan Animal Health, Inc., a biotech company developing vaccines for new age production animals, announced it has closed funding for a $1.9 million seed round.


Japanese startup Autify raises $10m Series A to advance software testing automation through no-code solution
Published: 06-10-2021 | 13:29:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Autify, a no-code AI-powered software testing automation platform, announced today that it has raised $10 million in Series A funding. Leading the round is World Innovation Lab (WiL).


Hopscotch emerges out of stealth with $3.6m seed funding
Published: 05-10-2021 | 16:52:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Hopscotch, the platform bringing a consumer-like experience to B2B payments, today announced its emergence from stealth with $3.6 million in seed funding led by NOEMIS Ventures and Stellation Capital.


Chargebee startup adds revenue recognition capabilities to solve complex finance challenges for SaaS, subscription-based businesses
Published: 05-10-2021 | 16:40:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Subscription Management startup Chargebee announced its acquisition of revenue recognition platform RevLock to expand the company's product offerings.


European startup CircuitMess partners with Warner Brothers Consumer Products to launch STEM-based autonomous Batmobile
Published: 05-10-2021 | 16:30:26 | By: Pie Kamau
CircuitMess announced its licensing deal with Warner Brothers and its Kickstarter campaign for the CircuitMess Batmobile, designed to teach children seven and up about engineering and autonomous driving.


Insurtech startup VOOM raises $15m to provide usage-based insurance to underserved mobility segments
Published: 05-10-2021 | 16:17:00 | By: Pie Kamau
VOOM, creators of innovative insurance products for underserved mobility segments, announced $15 million in funding to expand its usage-based insurance model to additional mobility verticals.


Global Alts launches Unicorn Technology Fund II to provide investors access to private companies, create technological innovations for the future
Published: 01-10-2021 | 12:07:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Global Alts announced the launch of Unicorn Technology Fund II, to acquire a portfolio of late stage, venture-backed technology companies.


Frame Fitness startup raises $5m seed round to launch at-home digitally-connected pilates reformer
Published: 01-10-2021 | 11:44:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Frame Fitness was met with immediate interest from pioneers in the fitness industry and closed a $5 million seed financing round with substantial oversubscription, to launch first at-home digitally-connected pilates reformer.


UK-based music distribution startup Blarecast Systems closes seed round to harness the power of BSV blockchain
Published: 01-10-2021 | 11:20:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Blarecast Systems, the UK-based startup aiming to provide an elegant and equitable solution for the music industry with BSV blockchain technology, has closed a seed funding round.


German constructiontech startup Schüttflix raises $50m in additional financing, prepares to go international
Published: 01-10-2021 | 10:59:00 | By: Pie Kamau
After delivering more than 100,000 shipments in Germany, constructiontech startup Schüttflix announced it has raised $50 million of additional capital.


Silicon Valley-based VC firm BGV raises $110m to focus on Enterprise AI and cross-border investments
Published: 01-10-2021 | 10:45:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Silicon Valley-based venture capital (VC) firm Benhamou Global Ventures (BGV), which invests in Enterprise 4.0 companies globally, announced its fourth fund, closing at $110 million, 60% larger than its third fund.


Canadian precision-farming startup Semios raises $100m in capital to expand agtech platform globally
Published: 29-09-2021 | 13:53:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Semios, a precision-farming platform and one of the world's largest independent agtech solutions providers, announced it has raised $100 million in funding led by Morningside Group, a Boston-based private equity and venture capital firm.


Industrial automation startup Agtonomy launches out of stealth to address farm labor crisis with $4m seed round
Published: 24-09-2021 | 13:58:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Agtonomy, a hybrid autonomy and tele-assist service platform, launched out of stealth and announced a $4 million seed round from Grit Ventures, GV (formerly Google Ventures), and Village Global.


Nigerian agritech startup Releaf secures $4.2m funding to drive industrialisation of food processing in Africa
Published: 16-09-2021 | 13:05:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Nigeria's agritech startup Releaf, which develops proprietary hardware and software solutions to industrialize food processing, raised $2.7 million in seed funding and grants.


Foodtech startup GrubMarket acquires Bartolotta, further expands in Eastern US and Canada
Published: 07-09-2021 | 16:04:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Food technology startup GrubMarket announced it has completed the acquisition of Bartolotta, a full-service provider of fresh fruits and vegetables to customers in New England, the Mid-Atlantic and Eastern Canada.


Jiddu acquires CerraCap Ventures portfolio company Nirveda Cognition
Published: 13-08-2021 | 13:44:58 | By: Pie Kamau
CerraCap Ventures, a Global Venture Capital fund, announced acquisition of its portfolio company Nirveda Cognition by Jiddu Inc for an all-stock deal. The transaction is one of a slew of recent exits from CerraCap's investment fund.


John Deere acquires agritech startup Bear Flag Robotics to accelerate autonomous technology on the farm
Published: 06-08-2021 | 13:49:56 | By: Pie Kamau
Deere & Company has signed a definitive agreement to acquire agritech startup Bear Flag Robotics for $250 million. Founded in 2017, the Silicon Valley-based startup develops autonomous driving technology compatible with existing machines.


Tech executive Mark Bregman launches Quidnet Ventures, a venture capital fund based in New Zealand
Published: 03-08-2021 | 12:41:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Mark Bregman, a successful tech executive and entrepreneur, has launched Quidnet Ventures, a venture capital fund based in New Zealand and operated out of New Zealand, San Francisco and New York City.


UN announces 50 best small business winners providing “Good Food for All”
Published: 27-07-2021 | 11:31:35 | By: Bob Koigi
Fifty small- and medium-sized enterprises around the world have been announced as the Best Small Businesses of the “Good Food for All” competition, held in conjunction with the UN Food Systems Summit.


Agritech startup Adaviv raises $2.3m seed round to scale its AI-driven plant intelligence platform for indoor farming
Published: 21-07-2021 | 13:32:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Adaviv, a cultivation technology company surfacing actionable insights for Controlled Environment Agriculture, announced the raise of $2.3 million in an oversubscribed Series Seed financing led by Delta Emerald Ventures.


Agritech startup GrowFlux selected to join Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator program
Published: 14-07-2021 | 12:48:00 | By: Pie Kamau
The Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator, a technology incubator and platform funded by the Wells Fargo Foundation, has selected GrowFlux and four other startups to participate in the program's ninth cohort.


Forum advocates for collaboration to strengthen African food systems
Published: 13-07-2021 | 11:00:00 | By: Bob Koigi
Speaking during the Alliance for a Green Revoluton in Africa (AGRA) organized Africa Green Revolution Forum (AGRF) Summit, speakers reiterated that food security cannot be achieved without a gvernment facilitated enabling environemnt for agribusiness to thrive.


AI startup LLENA (AI) partners with Southern University to support (USDA/NIFA) Agriculture and Food Research Initiative
Published: 29-06-2021 | 14:24:00 | By: Pie Kamau
LLENA (AI) Health Solutions, announced a partnership with Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to support their "Center of Excellence for Nutrition, Health, Wellness, and Quality of Life" initiative to address diet-related health disparities.


Farmtech startup Iron Ox hires first CFO, Head of Marketing as company prepares for growth
Published: 18-06-2021 | 12:30:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Iron Ox, a farming innovation company with deep expertise in robotics and artificial intelligence, hired its first Chief Financial Officer and its first Head of Marketing as the company accelerates growth and expands its commercial footprint.


Nigeria agritech startup Thrive Agric targets 50,000 farmers with new project
Published: 04-06-2021 | 08:52:56 | By: Bob Koigi
A natural partner for the Trade Hub, Thrive Agric has already helped over 140,000 farmers in Nigeria increase their capacities to meet supply, quality, and food safety standards required by domestic and export markets.


The UN Food Systems Best Small Business competition: Startups time to shine
Published: 28-05-2021 | 12:44:00 | By: Bob Koigi
Small businesses around the world that help provide healthy food that is good for the environment, good for their communities and create jobs for people locally are being invited to share ideas and suggestions for how their countries and economies can maximize their positive impact.


AlphaCode announces four startups taking part in the second phase of its incubate programme in South Africa
Published: 20-05-2021 | 14:50:00 | By: Pie Kamau
AlphaCode has announced the four fintech startups that will be part of the second phase of the AlphaCode Incubate programme.


UN launches hunt for startups and enterprises changing the face of food systems
Published: 10-05-2021 | 11:03:00 | By: Pie Kamau
The UN Food Systems Summit has announced a competition to identify the best small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from across the world who are transforming food systems for a better tomorrow.


FarmTogether, Backstage Capital join forces to generate grater access to diverse farmland investments
Published: 06-05-2021 | 11:50:00 | By: Pie Kamau
FarmTogether, the technology-enabled investment platform democratizing access to farmland, announced a partnership with Backstage Capital, an investment firm focused on startups founded by people of color, women, and members of the LGBTQ community.


Dutch impact investment firm Goodwell Investments launches €50 million fund to support African SMEs
Published: 30-04-2021 | 13:04:00 | By: Bob Koigi
Goodwell V will build a new portfolio of companies across various sectors in Africa: at least a third will be invested in financial inclusion, a quarter in agriculture, and the remainder in mobility and other impact sectors such as education and healthcare.


UN targets startups transforming food systems in new competition
Published: 30-04-2021 | 10:04:00 | By: Pie Kamau
The UN Food Systems Summit has announced a competition to identify the best small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from across the world who are transforming food systems for a better tomorrow.


Milken Institute and Motsepe Foundation launch $2 million AgriTech competition for African entrepreneurs
Published: 30-04-2021 | 09:27:19 | By: Bob Koigi
The Milken-Motsepe Prize in AgriTech is a $2 million global competition for innovative solutions to increase economic value to farmers, from seed to sale.


Telecel Group launches applications for Africa startups accelerator programme
Published: 14-04-2021 | 15:47:19 | By: Bob Koigi
The Program helps startups achieve 18-24 months of growth in just three months. Now, the next generation of early-stage African tech startups disrupting a wide range of industry sectors are being sought.


Grow-NY startup business competition kicks off year 3
Published: 14-04-2021 | 10:20:00 | By: Pie Kamau
The application window for the 2021 Grow-NY million-dollar top prize business competition is now open for submissions. Grow-NY, a unique initiative which connects innovators and investors in the food, beverage and agriculture.


Zimbabwe agritech startup Farmhut secures investment to scale operations
Published: 30-03-2021 | 15:25:13 | By: Bob Koigi
Zimbabwe agritech startup Farmhut has received $US100 000 investment from the Hult Prize Foundation. This follows through the Hult Prize accelerator program of the 2020 cohort.


ASIP Accelerator Program open for applications from disruptive startups in Africa
Published: 26-03-2021 | 11:00:00 | By: Pie Kamau
To develop the potential of startups driving the internet economy, Telecel Group has opened applications for the ASIP Accelerator Program powered by Startupbootcamp AfriTech.


Texas-based Precision Livestock Technologies completes $600K seed round on Harvest Returns agriculture crowdfunding platform
Published: 24-03-2021 | 14:27:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Harvest Returns announced that Dallas, Texas-based Precision Livestock Technologies has successfully completed a seed round raise totaling $600,000 on the Harvest Returns agriculture crowdfunding platform.


IFC invests in Savannah Fund to support Africa’s tech startups funding growth
Published: 11-03-2021 | 12:23:00 | By: Pie Kamau
IFC announced an investment in the Savannah Fund, a technology seed fund in Africa, to increase lending to startups across sub-Saharan Africa with a focus on supporting women entrepreneurs and disruptive companies in high-growth sectors.


Investing in mentorship to inspire women in agribusiness
Published: 09-03-2021 | 16:02:00 | By: Bob Koigi
Jolenta Joseph, a Tanzania entrepreneur has built her business tackling malnutrition, an endemic problem in Tanzania, thanks in part to the support she has received since winning the 2020 SUN Pitch Competition.


BioPhero startup raises $17m Series A for sustainable pest control
Published: 09-03-2021 | 13:26:00 | By: Pie Kamau
BioPhero, the insect pheromone company, announced it has raised $17 million in Series A funding led by DCVC Bio with participation from new investor FMC Ventures, as well as existing investors Syngenta Group Ventures and Novo Holdings.


Union Bank of Nigeria to support startups through UnionX Innovation Challenge
Published: 26-02-2021 | 15:09:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Union Bank, one of Nigeria’s foremost financial institutions, has unveiled the 2021 UnionX Innovation Challenge, as part of efforts to support young startups and boost innovation in the startup ecosystem.


Kenyan young agripreneurs reel under impacts of COVID-19
Published: 05-02-2021 | 12:15:00 | By: Bob Koigi
Kenyan agribusiness enterprises run by young people experienced a 48 per cent failure rate last year at the height of the novel corona virus a new study has shown.


John Deere adds new companies to its 2021 Startup Collaborator program
Published: 28-01-2021 | 12:01:00 | By: Pie Kamau
John Deere & Company announced the companies that will be part of the 2021 cohort of the Startup Collaborator program.


Agritech startup Bear Flag Robotics raises $7.9m seed extension round
Published: 25-01-2021 | 14:12:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Bear Flag Robotics announced a $7.9 million seed extension funding round led by True Ventures. The Silicon Valley-based agritech company is developing autonomous technology for farm tractors, which enables growers to increase productivity.


India's Z3Partners announces first close of Tech & Digital Fund, invests in Cyfirma and DealShare startups
Published: 12-01-2021 | 10:36:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Z3Partners Tech Fund announced its First Close of $14 million and its investments in Cyfirma, a Cyber Threat Intelligence Software startup and DealShare, a Social Commerce-led online grocery startup.


South Africa agritech startup Aerobotics raises funds for global expansion
Published: 16-12-2020 | 09:05:40 | By: Bob Koigi
FMO and Cathay AfricInvest Innovation have invested in Aerobotics, a South African AgriTech startup developing intelligent tools to the feed the world.


HexGn, AFRIEF launch startup program to accelerate African youth careers
Published: 15-12-2020 | 08:59:00 | By: Pie Kamau
HexGn, a consulting firm known for fast-tracking entrepreneurship and upcoming technologies globally, has joined hands with the Africa Islamic Economic Foundation (AFRIEF), to launch its flagship startup program, HexGn Startup Explore, in Africa.


AgTech startup SeeTree raises $30 million funding to expand into new crops
Published: 09-12-2020 | 11:10:00 | By: Bob Koigi
SeeTree, an AI-powered, end-to-end service that provides growers with intelligence on trees and tree clusters, has raised $30 million in a Series B funding round led by the International Finance Corporation


Flagship summit to support growth of digital agriculture start-ups in Africa
Published: 01-12-2020 | 13:44:11 | By: Bob Koigi
African entrepreneurs in digital agriculture will have new opportunities to secure support and investment as the African Green Revolution Forum takes on the AgriHack Talent project.


Kenyan agritech startup Farmers Pride raises $220k funding from Gray Matters Capital’s coLABS
Published: 06-11-2020 | 13:15:00 | By: Pie Kamau
US-based impact investor Gray Matters Capital announced its funding in Kenya's agritech startup Farmers Pride, a one stop e-commerce platform that connects village level farmers to quality inputs, services and information.


Plug and Play partners with Evergy to foster new relationships, innovation in Topeka
Published: 23-10-2020 | 10:17:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Global innovation platform Plug and Play announced that Evergy will be a founding partner for its Topeka location, which is centered around animal health and agriculture technology


Nufarm, German agritech startup CROP.ZONE partner for alternative weed control across European markets
Published: 22-10-2020 | 11:42:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Australian crop protection and specialty seed company Nufarm and the German agritech startup CROP.ZONE have partnered to launch Nufarm's and CROP.ZONE's hybrid herbicide solutions across major European markets.


Rabobank unveils 45 food & agriculture startups selected for FoodBytes! Pitch 2020
Published: 07-10-2020 | 12:16:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Rabobank unveiled the 45 startups selected to participate in FoodBytes! Pitch 2020, its global food and ag startup discovery program that helps entrepreneurs scale their impact through mentorship and connections to corporate leaders and investors.


S2G Ventures, CDPQ announce funding for startups in sustainable food business
Published: 30-09-2020 | 15:55:00 | By: Bob Koigi
Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ) and S2G Ventures (S2G) have announced creation of a co-investment partnership that will target ventures that aim to make the food and agriculture industry more sustainable.


Cannabis cultivation software startup Trym closes $3.1m seed round to accelerate growth
Published: 29-09-2020 | 14:29:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Trym, a pioneering cannabis cultivation software company announced the completion of its $3.1 million seed funding round of financing to accelerate growth.


Airsmat raises $100,000 investment to deepen AI application in agriculture
Published: 25-09-2020 | 09:33:19 | By: Bob Koigi
AirSmat, a Nigeria-based Pan-African Software company, has received a boost of $100,000 from Zetogon as pre-seeding investment to help the organization on the journey to deliver world-class service in Africa.


Phytolon secures $4.1 million funding for natural food colour tech
Published: 22-09-2020 | 15:17:00 | By: Bob Koigi
Israel-based Phytolon, a portfolio company of The Trendlines Group Ltd has announced that it secured $4.1 million in funding for its fermentation-based technology for the production of plant-based food colours.


German urban farming startup Infarm raises $170m to grow urban vertical farming network in the world
Published: 18-09-2020 | 13:22:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Infarm, German urban farming network announced $170 million investment raised in the first close of a Series C funding round expected to reach $200 million.


Cellular agriculture startup Wildtype launches salmon in sushi restaurants
Published: 17-09-2020 | 12:07:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Cellular agriculture startup Wildtype has unveiled its latest cell-based salmon. This version is "sushi-grade" and crafted with the sushi industry's favorite raw salmon applications in mind.


Irish agtech startup MagGrow raises €6m Series A round
Published: 17-08-2020 | 14:37:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Irish startup MagGrow, the agtech innovator that specialises in delivering crop protection products where they matter most while protecting the environment, has completed a €6m Series A round.


Kenyan women and youth agritech startups invited to apply for $100k FoodTech Africa accelerator
Published: 14-08-2020 | 15:40:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Kenyan youth and women-led agribusinesses have been awarded an opportunity to access $100,000 as investment for their companies through the FoodTech Africa accelerator.


US startup Atomo Coffee raises $9m to bring molecular coffee to the market
Published: 13-08-2020 | 15:54:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Seattle based startup Atomo Coffee announced it has closed an additional $9 million in Seed funding to bring its molecular coffee to market.


Kenyan agritech startup Lentera, MCFI ink deal to provide satellite based crop analysis for Mauritian farmers
Published: 29-07-2020 | 11:15:00 | By: Pie Kamau
The Mauritius Chemical and Fertilizer Industry (MCFI), and Lentera Africa have signed a partnership that will see Lentera provide satellite-based crop health analysis and crop modelling services for Mauritian customers of MCFI.


Evonik invests in Chinese tech startup to support intelligent, healthier pig farming
Published: 28-07-2020 | 13:47:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Evonik’s venture capital arm has invested in SmartAHC, a Chinese technology startup that enables more intelligent and healthier pig farming.


IFC helps boost clean tech startups in Egypt, enables farmers switch to solar
Published: 15-07-2020 | 12:41:00 | By: Pie Kamau
IFC is joining forces with the National Bank of Egypt and MSMEDA to strengthen the clean technology entrepreneurship sector and boost Egyptian farmers’ access to finance for solar irrigation.


Nigeria's FCMB, Passion Incubator partner to launch FCMB Agritech Epic Pitch 2020
Published: 07-07-2020 | 16:27:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Nigeria's First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has partnered with Passion Incubator, a Lagos-based early-stage incubator and accelerator that has invested in some Agritech startups, to launch the virtual edition of the FCMB Agritech Epic Pitch 2020.