Jai Kisan Bags $25 Million to Transform Rural India’s Financial Future
Empowering Farmers with a Big Win
Jai Kisan, a Mumbai-based agri-fintech startup, has secured $25 million in its Series C funding round in 2025, led by Temasek and backed by existing investors like Mirae Asset, Blume Ventures, Arkam Ventures, and GMO Venture Partners. This brings Jai Kisan’s total funding to an impressive $113.75 million, cementing its role as a game-changer in rural financial inclusion. The company is on a mission to make affordable, tech-driven financial solutions accessible to India’s farmers and small businesses, bridging gaps left by traditional banks.
A Mission Rooted in Rural India
Jai Kisan, established in 2017 by Arjun Ahluwalia and Adriel Maniego, is causing a revolution in rural finance. The company sees farmers and small businesses as entrepreneurs, not just consumers. The startup operates in 12 states, including Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh. It has given out over $1.08 billion in loans, with $530.14 million in FY24 alone. Jai Kisan serves more than 1 million farmers and 150,000 small businesses. Its digital-first approach reaches over 6,000 pin codes.
Smart Tools for Rural Prosperity
Jai Kisan’s standout platforms, the Bharat Khata and Jai Kisan Farmer apps, are driving this transformation. Bharat Khata, launched in 2020, is a digital ledger that’s processed over $500 million in annual transactions across 30,000 storefronts, helping rural businesses manage finances and access point-of-sale credit. The Jai Kisan Farmer app, with 15,000+ downloads, offers farmers quick loans, repayment options, and account management. Using AI-driven credit scoring, Jai Kisan delivers loans at just 12% interest within seven days—far faster and cheaper than traditional lenders. Its Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) options and supply chain financing make it easier for farmers to afford seeds, equipment, and more.
Funding That Fuels Growth
Jai Kisan’s funding journey (in US dollars) reflects its steady rise:
- 2018 (Seed): $1.4 million from Arkam Ventures and NabVentures to build its digital platform.
- 2020 (Series A): $3.5 million, led by Arkam Ventures, to expand credit offerings.
- 2022 (Series B): $50 million in equity and debt, led by Mirae Asset, to scale loans and tech.
- 2025 (Series B Extension): $3 million (Rs.26.5 crore) from Mirae Asset, Unitary Fund, and Blume Ventures to boost operations.
- 2025 (Series C): $25 million, led by Temasek, to drive expansion and innovation.
This $113.75 million total has powered Jai Kisan’s growth into a rural fintech leader.
A Game-Changing NBFC Move
In 2024, Jai Kisan acquired Kushal Finnovation Capital, securing an NBFC license that lets it directly offer and co-lend tailored financial products with banks. This move has supercharged its ability to scale, working with 400 corporate partners, 100 Farmer Producer Organizations, and 15 major financial institutions. “This funding accelerates our mission to empower 900 million rural Indians with accessible financial tools,” said CEO Arjun Ahluwalia, noting that their approach keeps loan defaults below 2% while boosting farmer incomes by 20–30%.
What’s Next for the $25 Million?
The Series C funds will fuel Jai Kisan’s big plans:
- Grow the Loan Book: Scale its Rs.3,000 crore portfolio to Rs.15,000 crore by FY27.
- Upgrade Tech: Add blockchain for transparent loan tracking.
- Expand Services: Launch digital savings and insurance products for a complete financial ecosystem.
- Reach Further: Cover 20 states and 10 million customers by 2027.
Temasek’s Siddharth Mehta said, “Jai Kisan’s tech-driven platform and NBFC license make it a key player in India’s $350 billion agricultural economy.” This reflects the strong investor belief in Jai Kisan’s model, which uses partnerships to deliver affordable credit at scale.
Earning Praise and Making an Impact
Jai Kisan’s efforts have won accolades, like runner-up for Agri Fintech Startup at the 2024 FICCI Agri Startup Summit and Financial Inclusion Initiative of the Year at the 2021 IFTA Awards. By digitizing transactions and offering formal credit, it’s bringing transparency to a sector long reliant on costly informal loans. With partnerships across 700+ entities and a loan process that takes just 10 minutes, Jai Kisan is setting a new standard for rural lending, rivaling players like Samunnati and Farmart.
Looking Forward
With India’s rural economy supporting 350 million people and agriculture driving 37% of rural GDP (Bain & Company, 2019-20), Jai Kisan is poised to meet the growing demand for digital finance. Its plans to digitize savings, insurance, and payments aim to make it India’s go-to rural financial brand. By blending cutting-edge tech with a deep understanding of rural needs, Jai Kisan is empowering farmers and small businesses, paving the way for a stronger, more inclusive rural India.
Ready to scale your agri startup? Connect with incubators offering funding — Explore Now