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Published: 06-04-2018 16:44:00 | By: Nico Scherphuis | hits: 3879763 | Tags:



Engineering firm Sandvik acquires majority stake in China-based Suzhou Ahno
Published: 23-04-2024 | 16:41:00 | By: Bob Koigi
The company will be reported within the business area segment Sandvik Machining Solutions.












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.


SUNeVision launches first startup programme to advance innovations in Hong Kong
Published: 27-09-2023 | 11:17:00 | By: Pie Kamau
SUNeVision has announced the launch of its first startup programme.


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.


ZENCE OBJECT secures $2.5m to commercialise sustainable materials from tea residuals
Published: 28-08-2023 | 11:33:00 | By: Pie Kamau
ZENCE OBJECT has secured $2.5m from the AEF Greater Bay Area Fund (AEF GBA).


OKX Ventures invests $1m funding round in Hong Kong-based AI and Web3 startup Moonbox
Published: 07-08-2023 | 13:57:00 | By: Pie Kamau
OKX Ventures has announced a $1m investment in Moonbox.


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.


Proptech startup NineSmart launches contactless booking solution
Published: 28-04-2023 | 15:31:20 | By: Bob Koigi
With the rising demand for property technology (PropTech), NineSmart is committed to becoming a prominent solution provider in the market with advanced IoT technology.


Chinese electric truck startup DeepWay raises $117m Series A+ round to accelerate mass production of smart electric heavy-duty truck
Published: 28-03-2023 | 12:14:00 | By: Pie Kamau
DeepWay, a smart commercial vehicle developer and manufacturer, announced it had raised $117 million Series A+ financing.


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.


Chinese Venture Capital firm CCV signs UNPRI, makes commitment to responsible, sustainable living
Published: 14-03-2023 | 09:55:00 | By: Pie Kamau
The United Nations-supported Principles for Responsible Investment (UNPRI) has admitted CCV, an Asian-based early-stage VC firm as a signatory, making CCV one of the first Asian investment-focused signatories.


Hong Kong insurtech startup Bowtie appoints James Lau as Independent Non-Executive Director
Published: 02-03-2023 | 09:58:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Bowtie, Hong Kong’s first virtual insurer, announced the appointment of James Lau to its Board of Directors as an Independent Non-Executive Director.


Hong Kong insurtech startup Bowtie revolutionalizes traditional insurance industry with technology
Published: 28-02-2023 | 12:44:00 | By: Pie Kamau
In today’s digital age, many industries have begun to introduce emerging technologies to develop innovative services. The transformation and upgrading of the insurance industry is also in full swing.


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.


[Column] Xiao Feng: The 10 principles of Web3
Published: 03-02-2023 | 12:52:00 | By: Pie Kamau
What is Web3? Web3 is essentially the other side of the coin in relation to blockchain technology. When we talk about blockchain, we are also talking about Web3 to a considerable extent, and vice versa.


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. 


Plug and Play China launches call for global startup applications
Published: 23-01-2023 | 11:53:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Global innovation platform Plug and Play has announced a strategic partnership with the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) and launched a call for entries for the Elevator Pitching Competition 2023 (EPiC 2023).


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.


Beijing-based Astro-E closes seed round financing to accelerate growth
Published: 16-01-2023 | 11:35:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Astro-Energy Technology (Astro-E), a Chinese provider of household new energy products and systems, raised an undisclosed amount in Seed funding led by CAS Venture Capital, followed by Asia Green Fund (AGF) and Ningbo Angel Capital Guiding Fund.


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.


Season Group acquires IoT tech startup Pycom to give all connected ideas an opportunity to succeed
Published: 14-12-2022 | 08:59:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Season Group, an international electronics design and manufacturing services provider headquartered in Hong Kong, announced its acquisition of all assets of Pycom, a full stack Internet of Things (IoT) company.


HashKey and SEBA Bank partner to accelerate institutional adoption of digital assets in Hong Kong and Switzerland
Published: 05-12-2022 | 10:18:00 | By: Pie Kamau
HashKey and SEBA Bank announced a partnership to leverage their digital asset service offerings as well as custody and asset management products to accelerate institutional adoption of digital assets.


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.


Chinese web3 startup Viide shows ambition to leverage advertising through Decentralized Screen Network
Published: 30-11-2022 | 12:47:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Viide, a web3 startup has shown its ambition to leverage the value of web3 advertising in China through its Decentralized Screen Network.


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.


Hong Kong and Singapore lead green fintech development among the five economies in the APEC region, study
Published: 31-10-2022 | 10:42:00 | By: Pie Kamau
GoImpact, together with The CUHK Business School, released the findings from their working paper, Exploring the Green Fintech Ecosystem in Asia: Insights from Five Economies in APEC.


GS1 Hong Kong unlocks the next generation of trade finance service for SMEs in China
Published: 31-10-2022 | 07:21:00 | By: Pie Kamau
GS1 Hong Kong (GS1 HK) announced it has welcomed the launch of Commercial Data Interchange (CDI) by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA).


Meet female scientists who develop cellular and gene therapies in China, Jiang and Zhang
Published: 27-10-2022 | 12:16:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Inside Namtai Inno Park in Guangming District hides a low-profile biomedical development firm; Shenzhen Wingor Biotechnology 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.


BRV China-backed HPC-AI Tech startup completes $6m seed and angel round financing
Published: 15-09-2022 | 11:02:00 | By: Pie Kamau
HPC-AI Tech, an artificial intelligence high-performance optimization startup announced the closing of $6 million seed and angel rounds, with BlueRun Ventures China (BRV China) acting as the lead investor for the angel round.


Chinese biotech startup CellOrigin partners with Qilu Pharmaceutical to develop "off-the-shelf" CAR-iMAC cell therapy
Published: 05-09-2022 | 13:16:00 | By: Pie Kamau
CellOrigin Biotech has made an agreement with Qilu Pharmaceutical on strategic global collaborations to develop, manufacture and commercialize a proprietary "off-the-shelf" CAR-iMAC cell therapy.


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.


Chinese Grand Pharma backs Dutch medtech Xeltis with €15m
Published: 10-08-2022 | 12:27:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Xeltis, a medtech company developing the most advanced polymer-based restorative cardiovascular devices, announced that a Chinese company, Grand Pharmaceutical Group, has committed to invest €15 million in equity and license fees.


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.


Qiming Venture Partners closes $3.2b funds to back early and growth stage tech startups in China
Published: 11-07-2022 | 10:30:00 | By: Pie Kamau
China based venture capital firm Qiming Venture Partners announced the closing of $3.2 billion, including USD Fund VIII at $2.5 billion and the first closing of RMB Fund VII at $700 million.


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.


Lummus announces successful startup of CATOFIN PDH unit in China
Published: 01-07-2022 | 14:21:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Lummus Technology announced the commissioning and startup of a propane dehydrogenation (PDH) unit at Shandong Ruize Chemical Technology's complex in China.


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.


Chinese biotech startup Meta Pharmaceuticals raises $15m to accelerate its pipeline development
Published: 15-06-2022 | 13:44:00 | By: Pie Kamau
META Pharmaceuticals, China's first immunometabolism-based small-molecule drug discovery company, announced two consecutive Seed and Pre-A funding rounds totaling $15 million.


Chinese ARHUD solution provider Raythink completes Series A+ financing to accelerate mass production of in-vehicle AR displays
Published: 15-06-2022 | 11:35:13 | By: Pie Kamau
Raythink, the ARHUD solution provider for the automotive and transportation industry, announced it has raised around $15 million in a Series A+ funding round led by Chengwei Capital.


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.


BRV China-backed eVTOL startup Zerog closes $1.48m seed round to accelerate growth
Published: 07-06-2022 | 10:26:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Zerog, a Chinese electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft developer, completed a $1.48 million seed round with BlueRun Ventures China (BRV China) as the sole investor.


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.


Foodtech startup Haofood partners Lawson to accelerate presence in China
Published: 11-05-2022 | 12:30:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Haofood, a food science and technology startup announced a new partnership with Chinese convenience store Lawson where customers will gain greater access to its products.


Biotech startup AskGene completes of $20m Series A financing to accelerate growth
Published: 10-05-2022 | 10:45:00 | By: Pie Kamau
AskGene, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focusing on discovery and development of innovative biological drugs, announced the completion of $20 million in Series A financing.


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.


Cross-border fintech startup Dowsure raises $20m to fuel growth of e-Commerce sellers in China
Published: 22-02-2022 | 12:07:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Shenzhen-based fintech startup Dowsure Technologies, has attracted the attention of global strategic investors, fueling the growth of millions of e-Commerce sellers from China on marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, Shopee and more.


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.


The Sandbox and Brinc announce $50m open metaverse accelerator program funding for 100 startups
Published: 27-01-2022 | 11:18:00 | By: Pie Kamau
The Sandbox, a decentralized gaming metaverse, has committed $50 million to Brinc, a global venture accelerator, for The Sandbox Metaverse Accelerator Program, which will target 100 startups to enhance the open metaverse.


SOMA.finance closes $6.5m seed funding round to accelerate growth
Published: 24-01-2022 | 15:09:00 | By: Pie Kamau
SOMA.finance, a Hong Kong and New York-based decentralized marketplace for digital assets, announced the completion of a $6.5 million seed funding round.


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.


Chinese autonomous driving startup Haomo.AI raises nearly RMB 1 Billion, reaches Unicorn status
Published: 04-01-2022 | 10:09:00 | By: Bob Koigi
Beijing-based autonomous driving startup Haomo.AI has raised nearly 1 billion yuan (close to $150 million) in its Series A financing round, giving itself strong financial momentum to expand this new year.


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.


Chinese gaming and entertainment startup Talon closes $5m Series A funding to accelerate growth
Published: 25-11-2021 | 12:31:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Talon, the Hong Kong headquartered competitive gaming, entertainment and culture brand announced it has secured $5 million in equity capital in its Series A financing round.


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.


Illumina and Sequoia Capital select first startups to join Genomics Incubator in China
Published: 18-11-2021 | 08:56:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Illumina and Sequoia Capital China, an investment firm, jointly announced the selection of the first two startup companies joining the Sequoia Capital China Intelligent Healthcare Genomics Incubator, Powered by Illumina.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


Chinese warehouse robotics startup HAI ROBOTICS secures $200m funding to accelerate growth
Published: 22-09-2021 | 14:26:00 | By: Pie Kamau
HAI ROBOTICS, a Chinese warehouse robotics startup pioneering in autonomous case-handling robotics (ACR) system, announced it has secured two new continuous rounds of financing, garnering $200-odd million in total.


Chinese intelligent robotics startup Agile Robots completes Series C financing to accelerate growth
Published: 21-09-2021 | 10:41:12 | By: Pie Kamau
Agile Robots, an intelligent robotics company, announced the completion of a Series C financing with a total investment of $220 million. The financing was led by SoftBank Vision Fund 2, followed by financial investors.


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.


Oddup raises $12.8m Series C funding to increase access to pre-eminent global startup ecosystem insights
Published: 01-09-2021 | 13:07:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Oddup, an international provider of data-driven insights for the startup and cryptocurrency ecosystems, announced the close of a $12.8 million Series C funding round.


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.


HUAWEI partners with Singapore-based healthtech startup Plano to tackle global problem of myopia
Published: 05-08-2021 | 12:30:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Huawei Technologies and Plano announced a partnership to address the global problem of myopia. Through this partnership, Huawei and Plano will provide Huawei users with easy-to-use, innovative, and science-based technological solutions.


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.


Hong Kong-based insurtech startup YAS MicroInsurance features in TOP 10 of Plug and Play Insurtech Batch 5 startups
Published: 22-07-2021 | 11:55:14 | By: Pie Kamau
Hong Kong-based next-generation Insurtech startup YAS MicroInsurance, has been featured as one of the TOP 10 of the Insurtech Batch 5 in Plug and Play APAC, a well-known global startups accelerator and innovation platform.


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.


QIMA acquires stake in London-based supply chain resiliency startup Kavida.ai
Published: 08-06-2021 | 13:13:00 | By: Pie Kamau
QIMA, the provider of quality control and supply chain compliance solutions, announced it has invested in Kavida.ai, a London-based startup that builds supply chain digital replicas and uses artificial intelligence.


Speedaf express completes Round A+ financing to build China-Africa express brand
Published: 08-06-2021 | 12:32:54 | By: Pie Kamau
Speedaf express, a China-Africa integrated logistics service provider, officially announced the completion of its Round A+ financing, led by TRUSTBRIDGE, followed by Northern Light VENTURE CAPITAL, and VISION+CAPITAL on the basis of Round A.


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.


Chinese AI robotics startup Mech-Mind completes Series C funding
Published: 24-05-2021 | 14:31:35 | By: Pie Kamau
Chinese AI industrial robotics startup, Mech-Mind Robotics (Mech-Mind), completed Series C funding led by tech giant Meituan, bringing Mech-Mind's total funding to over $100 million, making Mech-Mind one of the world's most funded AI+ industrial robotics startups.


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.


Chinese biopharma startup Alebund Pharmaceuticals raises $60m in Series B financing round
Published: 11-05-2021 | 12:04:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Alebund Pharmaceuticals, a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing innovative therapies for the treatment of renal diseases and related chronic conditions, announced the raise of $60 million in its Series B financing round.


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.


Revere VC raises $1.35 m seed round to give venture capital its vanguard moment
Published: 07-05-2021 | 12:34:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Revere VC, a San Francisco and Hong Kong based asset management firm, announced the launch of its flagship products and services; "The Portal,' a curated VC platform, and its inaugural fund strategy, 'The Prime Access Fund.'


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.


Chinese biotech startup Bioheng raises $80m in Series B financing to advance allogeneic immuno-cell therapies
Published: 24-03-2021 | 15:37:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Bioheng Biotech, a clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated on developing novel cellular immunotherapy for cancer, announced that it had secured $80 million in Series B Financing.


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.


Chinese logistics startup Duckbill closes $50m funding
Published: 22-03-2021 | 14:59:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Duckbill, the world container trucking/drayage service platform featuring intelligent dispatching and transportation management, announced the closing of fund raising of $50 million which marks the biggest funding in the industry.


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.


Adjuvant Capital announces $300m venture fund to improve global public health
Published: 19-02-2021 | 12:32:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Adjuvant Capital announced an oversubscribed $300 million fund focused on accelerating the development of medical innovations for historically overlooked public health challenges.


Proxima Ventures, Co-win Ventures invest in Bioelectronica to accelerate pharmaceutical discovery and development
Published: 09-02-2021 | 08:47:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Bioelectronica announced the closing of an investment by Proxima Ventures and Co-win Ventures to advance the company's innovations in digital biochemistry, from novel assay development to scalable electrofluidics.


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.


Chinese venture capital firm Qiming closes RMB Fund VI at RMB 2.852 billion
Published: 26-01-2021 | 09:48:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Chinese venture capital firm Qiming Venture Partners announced the final closing of its RMB Fund VI at RMB 2.852 billion.


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.


Genomics startup NuProbe closes $42m fundraising for expansion
Published: 12-01-2021 | 11:34:00 | By: Pie Kamau
NuProbe, a genomics and molecular diagnostics company specialized in ultrasensitive sequencing panels, announced the closing of its oversubscribed $42 million fundraising.


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.


Chinese iQIYI's VR startup completes Series B funding to drive innovation, expand content ecosystem
Published: 06-01-2021 | 13:27:00 | By: Pie Kamau
iQIYI Inc., an innovative market-leading online entertainment service in China, announced it has recently completed a multi-hundred million RMB Series B funding round for its virtual reality (VR) division iQIYI Intelligent.


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.


Chinese autonomous truck startup Inceptio Technology raises $120m to accelerate volume production
Published: 16-11-2020 | 13:24:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Inceptio Technology, an autonomous truck company, announced a $120 million funding led by Contemporary Amperex Technology, developer and manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries.


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.


Luxury e-commerce startup ShopWorn enters Asia with Hong Kong satellite
Published: 28-10-2020 | 13:23:53 | By: Pie Kamau
ShopWorn, e-commerce destination for well-priced, guaranteed authentic luxury brands opened a Hong Kong satellite location to directly service APAC countries, with an initial focus on the Greater China area.


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.


Alfa Bank, Plug and Play collaborate on innovation in Fintech
Published: 30-09-2020 | 14:39:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Along with 80 other financial institutions across the United States, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Milan, Paris, Abu Dhabi, Shanghai, Singapore, and Tokyo, Alfa Bank will join Plug and Play's global ecosystem.


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.


Smart consumer technology startup Dreame raises $14.6m in Series B+ funding
Published: 07-09-2020 | 16:16:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Dreame Technology (Dreame), a smart consumer technology company specializing in cordless vacuum cleaners, robot vacuum cleaners and mops, announced it raised $14.6 million in its Series B+ funding led by IDG Capital.


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.


Mitsui Chemicals, UNEP support Asian startups helping reduce plastic waste
Published: 22-05-2020 | 08:54:00 | By: Pie Kamau
Mitsui Chemicals announced that it has selected three innovative Asian startups to receive support under the Asia–Pacific Low-Carbon Lifestyles Challenge (APLCLC), a program run by the United Nations Environment Programme.


Intel Capital invests $132 million in 11 disruptive technology startups
Published: 19-05-2020 | 12:52:00 | By: Bob Koigi
Intel Capital, the global investment arm of tech giant Intel has invested $132 million in 11 technology startups.