Indian food startup KisaanSay has successfully secured USD 4 million, equivalent to INR 34 crore, in its Series A funding round. The investment was prominently led by NABVENTURES through its specialized AgriSURE Fund, with additional participation from seasoned industry leaders. This capital injection is poised to significantly accelerate the company's mission of scaling its direct farm-to-consumer food supply chain model.
A Strategic Investment in Direct Sourcing
Founded by Nitin Puri, Vaishali Mehta, and Manoj Karki, KisaanSay operates on a unique "single-origin" proposition that emphasizes transparency. The company sources its products directly from specific farmer enterprises, ensuring complete traceability and consistent quality from farm to table. This model also empowers farmer groups by integrating them into processing and packaging, allowing them to capture a greater share of the value chain.
Allocation of Capital for Growth and Technology
The newly acquired funds will be strategically deployed to expand the company's distribution network and bolster its brand-building initiatives across multiple channels. A significant portion of the capital is also allocated for strengthening the organizational team to manage future growth. Furthermore, KisaanSay plans to develop a comprehensive full-stack technology infrastructure to enhance sourcing, logistics, and overall supply chain efficiency.
The Role of NABVENTURES and AgriSURE Fund
The investment comes from the AgriSURE Fund, a blended-capital vehicle managed by NABVENTURES and supported by the Government of India and NABARD. This specialized fund is dedicated to fostering technology-driven startups that improve farm-to-market connections and support rural development. NABVENTURES' Managing Director, Vikas Bhatt, praised KisaanSay's differentiated model for its potential to create significant value while improving farmer incomes.
Market Alignment and Operational Scale
KisaanSay's business model is well-timed with evolving consumer preferences for natural, minimally processed, and fully traceable food products. The company currently offers a diverse portfolio of over 100 products across 12 categories, working directly with 25 farmer enterprises. This extensive network encompasses approximately 50,000 farmers across nine Indian states, demonstrating a substantial and growing operational footprint.
A Vision for a Sustainable Future
Co-founder Nitin Puri highlighted that the partnership with NABVENTURES provides strategic advantages that extend beyond mere financial backing. It offers invaluable access to the broader NABARD ecosystem, which includes established farmer networks, infrastructure support, and crucial market linkages. This powerful alliance is expected to accelerate the company's expansion and deepen its engagement with farming communities nationwide.
This Series A funding marks a pivotal moment for KisaanSay, equipping it with the essential resources to scale its innovative business model. The investment serves as a strong validation of the company's approach to creating a more transparent and equitable food supply chain. As KisaanSay expands its reach, it is well-positioned to deliver enhanced value to both Indian farmers and increasingly conscious consumers.