Led · Seed · Jul 2018

Tulaa operates an end-to-end mobile and AI-driven platform that enables smallholder farmers to access inputs, credit, and offtake markets while connecting suppliers, buyers, banks, NGOs, co-ops, and commodity buyers. The platform helps input suppliers aggregate demand and build brand loyalty, aids banks in expanding loan portfolios and assessing credit risk with data, and lets buyers source quality produce and reduce cash handling via mobile money. Tulaa spun out of Esoko in July 2017 and has amassed 10,000 farmers on the platform; the company is already generating revenue. Management cites ecosystem complexity as a primary challenge and works with enterprise partners such as Syngenta and OCP to align incentives. Proceeds from the recent round will be used to expand services to more agro-vet retailers, traders, and markets across Kenya and to continue development of the technology platform, especially its AI applications. The company positions itself as a platform to improve crop yields and sales for smallholders while delivering investor returns.

Participated · Series A · Jan 2017

PowerGen is a Kenyan renewable energy firm that builds and operates micro-grids. The company focuses on expanding access to electricity through its micro-grid portfolio. It plans to use new funding to expand its current micro-grid portfolio and provide more people with access to electricity within the next two years. In the announced financing PowerGen raised $4.5 million in a Series A. The round was led by Dutch firm DOB Equity and included AHL Venture Partners and private investors Marc Beuls and Billy Harbert. The proceeds are intended to fund the company’s micro-grid expansion over the coming two-year period.