Khula Raises USD 6.7 M Series A To Expand Agritech Solutions In South Africa

South African agritech startup Khula has secured ZAR 126 M (USD 6.7 M) in Series A funding from existing investors, including Absa Bank, AECI, E Squared, and PepsiCo’s Kgodiso Fund. The round also saw participation from Khula’s founders, Karidas Tshintsholo and Matthew Piper, with E Squared Investments leading as the primary institutional backer.

Founded in 2016, Khula is revolutionising agriculture by providing farmers with access to essential resources, financing, and market opportunities. Its Inputs App connects farmers to suppliers and technical services, while its Trading Platform links vetted farmers to major buyers. The company also collaborates with financial institutions to de-risk lending for small and semi-commercial farmers.

CEO Karidas Tshintsholo reflected on the startup’s journey, stating, “Having started a few years ago just loading spinach in the back of a VW Polo, this milestone is a testament to the dedication of our team.” Khula is now opening its Series A to new investors, seeking strategic partners who can contribute beyond capital, with the second close expected by Q2 2025.

Key investors reaffirmed their commitment to Khula’s mission. Absa Business Banking Chief Executive Faisal Mkhize highlighted the bank’s role as South Africa’s largest agricultural financier, while AECI’s Managing Executive Quintin Cross emphasized the company’s long-term support for emerging farmers.

Khula plans to use the funding to strengthen its presence in South Africa’s agricultural value chain, empower more farmers, and develop cutting-edge AgriTech innovations. Expansion into new markets is also on the horizon. With strong investor backing and a clear vision, Khula is poised to reshape agriculture in Africa, driving growth, sustainability, and digital transformation for farmers.