KisaanSay, a direct-from-origin food brand revolutionizing India’s food supply chain, has successfully raised $2 million in a pre-seed funding round. Led by Jungle Ventures through its First Cheque@Jungle platform, this funding highlights the brand’s potential to transform farmer-consumer relationships by promoting fairness and authenticity. Founded by Nitin Puri, Manoj Karki, and Vaishali Mehta, KisaanSay operates on a co-brand and co-profit partnership model, connecting 50,000 farmers to consumers. The funding will be used to scale operations, expand its product portfolio, and strengthen distribution networks, furthering its mission to empower farmers and provide high-quality, authentic food to consumers.
KisaanSay: Revolutionizing Farm-to-Fork for pre-seed
Working Model and Revenue Approach
KisaanSay operates as a direct-from-origin food brand that partners with farmer collectives across India. The company ensures that food products are sourced, minimally processed, and packaged directly at their origin, retaining maximum authenticity. KisaanSay’s co-brand and co-profit partnership model benefits both farmers and the company by offering fair prices and shared profits.
With an impressive portfolio of 80+ products across 12 categories, KisaanSay uses an omnichannel distribution strategy. Its products are available on e-commerce platforms, direct-to-consumer (D2C) channels, and retail stores in the Delhi NCR region. By prioritizing transparency, the company addresses the inefficiencies of India’s food supply chain while providing farmers with better income opportunities.
Founders and Their Vision
The startup was co-founded by Nitin Puri, Manoj Karki, and Vaishali Mehta, who bring a wealth of experience and dedication to transforming the Indian food ecosystem. Nitin Puri, an agribusiness veteran, envisioned bridging the gap between farmers and consumers. Manoj Karki and Vaishali Mehta add strategic depth with their expertise in food supply chains and sustainable practices. Together, they aim to establish KisaanSay as a benchmark for authenticity in food.
Funding Background
This pre-seed funding round, amounting to $2 million, was spearheaded by Jungle Ventures through its First Cheque@Jungle initiative. Senior leaders from the food industry also participated in the round. Jungle Ventures’ involvement underscores its confidence in KisaanSay’s vision and growth potential. The funds will be instrumental in scaling operations, expanding the product range, enhancing marketing efforts, and building a robust team.
A Closer Look at KisaanSay’s Services and Products
KisaanSay’s offerings include a diverse range of minimally processed, high-quality products. These products, sourced from over 50,000 farmers, span categories like grains, spices, oils, and snacks.
In addition to its products, KisaanSay provides:
- Transparent Supply Chain: Complete clarity in sourcing and processing.
- Fair Trade Practices: Better income for farmers through equitable partnerships.
- Consumer Education: Promoting awareness about the importance of origin-based food choices.
The Startup’s Mission and Achievements
Empowering Farmers
KisaanSay collaborates with 20 farmer collectives, representing over 50,000 farmers. Its model empowers farmers by ensuring fair pricing, better profit margins, and access to sustainable farming practices.
Enhancing Consumer Experience
For consumers, KisaanSay provides healthier and tastier food options. Its focus on minimal processing and authenticity ensures that every product meets high standards of quality and taste.
Scaling Operations
The fresh capital infusion will support the company’s plans to scale its operations. By expanding its product portfolio and strengthening distribution networks, KisaanSay aims to reach a larger audience while staying true to its mission of promoting transparency and sustainability.
Insights from Leadership
Nitin Puri, Co-Founder of KisaanSay, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with Jungle Ventures, stating, “We are excited to welcome Jungle to the KisaanSay family. Their expertise and commitment will steer us from idea to IPO, helping us scale sustainably.”
Rishab Malik, Partner at Jungle Ventures, highlighted KisaanSay’s unique approach, saying, “The team’s ability to align purpose with scale is remarkable. KisaanSay bridges a fundamental gap in India’s food supply chain, offering value to both farmers and consumers.”
Background Story
KisaanSay was incubated at Indigram Labs and supported through the Startup India Pre Seed Fund Scheme. Its journey from inception to securing pre-seed funding reflects its strong commitment to addressing inefficiencies in India’s food supply chain. The startup’s vision of empowering farmers and providing authentic food options has garnered widespread recognition and support.
Learning for Startups and Entrepreneurs
- Importance of Transparency: KisaanSay’s transparent supply chain model highlights the value of building trust with consumers.
- Fair Trade Practices: Ensuring equitable partnerships can lead to sustainable growth.
- Strategic Partnerships: Collaborations with ventures like Jungle Ventures can provide the necessary support for scaling.
- Focus on Authenticity: Prioritizing authenticity and quality can set a brand apart in a competitive market.
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