Khula is a South African agritech startup that has developed a digital ecosystem aimed at transforming the agricultural value chain. Co-founded in 2016 by Karidas Tshintsholo, Jackson Dyora, and Matthew Piper, Khula was developed to address key challenges faced by South African farmers, including limited market access and financial constraints.
The company offers small-scale and commercial farmers a comprehensive suite of services to grow their businesses. Khula’s three core components include an input marketplace, where farmers can access essential agricultural products; a trader platform that facilitates direct sales of produce; and a financial linkage platform that connects farmers with funding opportunities.
Khula has seen significant success since its inception, completing a three-year pilot phase and gaining the trust of over 3,000 farmers. The startup has also garnered recognition, winning the MTN Business App of the Year Award for 2018-19 and being listed among the Top 10 Social Enterprises in the Chivas Regal Global Venture Competition. The company has attracted notable investors, including PepsiCo and AECI, which has supported Khula in scaling its operations across South Africa and exploring opportunities in other regions. The startup’s long-term vision is to create a more efficient and connected agricultural system that can support sustainable growth and improve the livelihoods of farmers across the continent.
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