In just five years, Nairobi-based FarmWorks has evolved from a produce grower to one of Kenya’s largest local food distributors. It connects some 4,000 smallholder farmers with finance, inputs, and training as well as reliable access to markets, including the country’s sprawling network of informal produce sellers.
Dutch family office and impact investor DOB Equity invested an undisclosed amount in the female-led startup to help expand its network of farmers and improve its technology offerings.
The company’s approach “not only reduces food loss but also strengthens food systems by minimizing waste across the agricultural value chain,” said DOB’s Anthony Mahira.
Sustainable food systems
DOB’s investment follows an equity investment last year from Dutch impact investor Truvalu Group. Acumen’s Resilient Agriculture Fund led FarmWork’s pre-Series A round in 2023, alongside Livelihood Impact Fund, Vested World, family offices and angels.
DOB’s investment comes months after it brought in new CEO Karen Serem Waithaka, who reoriented the investment firm’s strategy around sustainable food systems, renewable energy and water and sanitation.
The investor has supported several agriculture-focused startups including aquaculture startup Victory Farmers, coconut processing company Kentatste, dairy processing company Tanga Fresh, and Cropnuts which offers crop nutrition laboratory services.
