Unnati Secures $16.5 Million to Transform Indian Farming with Smart Solutions
Empowering Farmers Through Innovation
Unnati, a Noida-based agri-fintech startup, is changing the face of Indian agriculture by equipping farmers with cutting-edge technology and financial tools. As of April 2025, the company has raised $16.5 million across six funding rounds, with its latest $2.7 million boost coming from Zephyr Management and existing investors like Incofin Investment Management, NabVentures, and Orios Venture Partners. Valued at $56.3 million in February 2025, Unnati is on a mission to digitize farming, expand its uStore network, and empower over 300,000 farmers through 20,000+ touch points across India.
A Vision Rooted in Farmer Success
Founded in 2017 by Amit Sinha and Ashok Prasad, Unnati operates under Akshamala Solutions Pvt. Ltd. The platform offers farmers a one-stop solution: AI-driven crop advice, access to quality seeds and fertilizers, output management, and affordable financial services like micro-loans at 12–15% interest (compared to 20–30% from traditional lenders). By turning farmers into agri-entrepreneurs, Unnati competes with players like Jai Kisan and Samunnati in India’s growing agri-fintech space.
Funding Journey: Building a Strong Foundation
Unnati’s funding, converted to US dollars, tells the story of steady growth:
- 2018 (Pre-Seed): $1.5 million to kickstart its platform and uStore network.
- 2019 (Seed): $2.5 million to reach more farmers and enhance tech.
- 2021 (Pre-Series A): $3.5 million to scale financial and crop advisory services.
- 2022 (Bridge): $1 million for operational expansion.
- 2023 (Series A): $3.39 million and $3.34 million to strengthen fintech and sustainable products.
- 2025 (Series A Extension): $2.7 million to grow its network and services.
- 2025 (Series B): An undisclosed amount from Zephyr Peacock India to fuel further innovation.
While the Series B amount remains undisclosed, Unnati’s total funding stands at $16.5 million, with more growth on the horizon.
How Unnati Uses Its Funds
The latest $2.7 million and prior funds are powering:
- Digital Supply Chains: Streamlining everything from buying inputs to selling crops.
- uStore Expansion: Growing beyond 20,000 touchpoints to reach 500,000 farmers by 2027.
- Financial and Crop Support: Providing low-cost loans, crop insurance, and AI-based farming tips.
- Sustainability: Partnering with IPL Biologicals for eco-friendly products like bio-fertilizers.
The uStore app, with over 100,000 downloads, lets farmers order inputs, manage finances, and get tailored crop advice—all in one place.
Milestones That Matter
Unnati’s achievements highlight its impact:
- Revenue Surge (2022): Hit $11.9 million in FY22, with $12 million in FY24 and a projected $20 million in FY25.
- Training Academy (2022): Launched to upskill agri-retailers, helping them better serve farmers.
- Drone Services (2022): Introduced drone spraying for mango and sugarcane farmers in Uttar Pradesh.
- Credit for Yarn Dealers (2022): Partnered to improve supply chain financing.
- Fintech Recognition (2021): Honored by The Financial Express for building a fintech-driven farming ecosystem.
Transforming Lives and Fields
Unnati’s work is making a real difference. Farmers using its services see 15–20% higher yields and 10–12% lower input costs thanks to quality products and smart advice. Its digital payment system has processed over $50 million in transactions, ensuring transparency and speed. For 70% of its users, Unnati provides their first access to formal credit, a game-changer in a country where only 30% of farmers have such access (RBI, 2024). Partnerships with IPL Biologicals have cut chemical pesticide use by 30%, boosting incomes by 25% while promoting sustainable farming.
Industry Praise and Partnerships
Unnati’s innovative approach earned it the AgriTech Startup of the Year at the 2023 FICCI Agri Startup Awards. Collaborations with Paytm have supercharged digital payments, while ties with NABARD and state governments have trained 50,000 farmers in 2024. Zephyr Peacock India’s investment signals global trust in Unnati’s vision, with plans to explore Southeast Asia by 2028.
A Bright Future
With a $56.3 million valuation and a 67% revenue growth rate, Unnati is a leader in India’s $5 billion agri-fintech market, which is set to grow 20% annually by 2030 (Deloitte, 2024). The company hit EBITDA breakeven in 2025 and retains 85% of its customers. Looking ahead, Unnati plans to reach 1 million farmers by 2027, introduce IoT soil sensors and drone monitoring by 2026, and launch a carbon credit program to reward sustainable farming.
Why Unnati Stands Out
Unnati’s $16.5 million journey is about more than money—it’s about transforming Indian agriculture, a sector that supports 350 million people and drives 37% of rural GDP (Bain & Company, 2019-20). By giving farmers digital tools, affordable credit, and eco-friendly solutions, Unnati is building a stronger, more resilient rural India, one harvest at a time.
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