agtech

“Shamba Pride: Kenyan Agtech Secures $3.7M for Expansion of Merchant Network”

Team Snap 2023
Shamba Pride has since 2016 worked to enhance last-mile distribution for farm inputs and tackle price exploitation and quality issues for farmers through its merchant network dubbed digishops. The agtech has, so far, built a network of merchants (agro-dealers) extending across 24 counties in Kenya, which represents just over half of the country. The new funding, which includes $1.7 million equity, follows $1.1 million capital raised in 2021 from SAV and Gray Matters Capital. “Agriculture distribution in rural communities is heavily controlled by agro-dealers who decide how farmers access inputs, services and training. Shamba Pride sources inventory from partners such as French multinational Elephant Verve that supplies it with “climate-smart” farm inputs, which is part of the agtech’s strategy to build resilience for small-holder farmers.

Big Burro Discovers Agtech Robotics Firm’s Massive Expansion

Burro Team
Burro has been on our radar since early 2020, when the company (then Augean) participated in a TechCrunch Robotics pitch-off. The wonderfully named Burro Grande is — as the name suggests — a big new member of the family. “In simple terms, Burro Grande is a bigger Burro,” says Andersen. This Burro Grande is “Pallet-scale”, which means it can carry 1,500 lbs and tow 5,000 lbs. Burro Grande, includes several safety features, including 3D LIDAR, and all Burro Grandes come with Burro Operating System Software v 5.0 which includes a Lidar-based SLAM algorithm, which enables GPS denied navigation.”The Grande can be ordered starting today.