Venture Dairy
310 N. Lafox St. #647, South Elgin, IL, 60177, United States
Overview
Dairies in Developing Communities is an innovative, not-for-profit organization that works directly with industry partners in developing dairy markets to provide appropriate technology and technical training to smallholder farmers. By creating education programs for smallholder farmers, we empower them to improve the management of their dairy enterprises and use equipment and supplies that improve the health and productivity of their animals. Where possible, we focus on strengthening opportunities for women, who are often caretakers of animals. We believe in the learning by demonstration approach. Our education programs are designed to give smallholders one-on-one training and interaction with technical experts in all aspects of dairy. Techniques are demonstrated on farmers willing to use their farms to teach others. Through transfer of knowledge, smallholders are able to learn from one another, increasing the overall impact greatly and creating lasting change. Improved daily milk production and milk quality is directly associated with improved family income. Together with its partners, Dairies in Developing Communities facilitates links to the formal markets, where smallholders can sell milk on a daily basis.
- Total investments
- 1
- Lead investments
- 0
- Investments · 12mo
- 0
- Active investors
- 0
Sector focus
- Non Profit
Investment portfolio
- Akshayakalpa
Participated · Series B · Sep 2022
Akshayakalpa Organic supplies organic milk and related products to over 60,000 consumers daily across Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai through a direct-delivery platform and is also stocked in about 2,000 retail outlets and major e-commerce/quick-commerce platforms. The company was founded by GNS Reddy and Shashi Kumar and is Bengaluru-based. It recently moved to expand its ESOP pool by adding fresh options worth Rs 5 crore, taking total ESOP value to Rs 22.6 crore (about $2.75M). Akshayakalpa’s reported revenue from operations rose 66% to Rs 191 crore in FY23 (from Rs 115 crore in FY22), while losses grew 89% to Rs 36 crore in FY23. The company was valued at approximately Rs 590 crore (about $72M) post-allotment according to the filing-sourced estimates. Akshayakalpa is reportedly in talks to raise $25 million as part of its ongoing Series C process. Akshayakalpa Organic, founded in 2010 and based in Bengaluru, produces organic milk and milk products free from antibiotics, synthetic additives and chemical pesticide residues. The company works with 750 farmer families and reaches over 60,000 consumers daily via a direct delivery platform, 2,000 retail outlets and e-commerce channels. It employs about 550 people across India. Akshayakalpa reported net sales of Rs 117 crore in FY 2021-22, up from Rs 103 crore the prior year. Management plans to ramp up direct distribution, onboard more retailers and expand footprints across Pune, Mumbai, Kochi and other southern regions while scaling delivery density. The company also plans new product launches over the next two to three years and is targeting export markets including the US, Canada and the Middle East.
Team
No current team members are available.