Agritech startup Eeki has raised US$ 7 million from Sixth Sense Ventures, marking its first major fundraising event in over three years. The latest capital infusion will be strategically deployed to support the expansion of Eeki’s operations across India, enhance its research and development capabilities and facilitate the launch of its third generation aeroponic growing chambers. The funding is expected to bolster the company’s climate resilient and resource efficient food production model.
Earlier, in 2022, Eeki had raised US$ 6.5 million in a Series A round led by General Catalyst, preceded by a US$ 2 million round led by Avaana Capital and other investors. With this new round, the total funding secured by Eeki over the past year exceeds US$ 10 million, enabling the startup to strengthen its position within the agritech ecosystem.
Aeroponic Technology at the Core of Eeki’s Model
Eeki’s technology is centred around patented, IoT enabled aeroponic chambers that allow for the cultivation of vegetables without soil. In this method, plant roots are suspended in the air and sprayed with a nutrient rich mist, which significantly reduces water consumption, by up to 95%, compared to conventional farming practices. This approach enables precision control over growing conditions, supporting year round production and consistent crop quality.
The company’s latest advancement, the Gen 3 aeroponic chamber, is designed to further optimise the efficiency and scalability of this system. The new chamber is expected to improve resource management while maintaining affordability, thereby supporting Eeki’s goal of producing vegetables at costs comparable to traditional farming methods.
Scalability Through Collaboration with Landowners
Founded in 2018 by Abhay Singh and Amit Kumar Eeki is headquartered in Kota, Rajasthan. The company operates a scalable model by partnering with landowners to install climate controlled aeroponic chambers, including on non arable or barren land. This enables the transformation of previously unproductive areas into sites for pesticide free vegetable cultivation.
Eeki’s operational model supports the production of staple vegetables with a focus on nutritional value, while also responding to larger environmental concerns. These include soil degradation, freshwater shortages and declining agricultural productivity due to changing climate conditions. The startup’s approach also aims to reduce the pressure on fertile agricultural zones by decentralising food production.
Strategic Vision Backed by Technology and Consumer Insight
Commenting on the funding, Abhay Singh, CEO and Co-founder of Eeki, stated that the investment marks a key phase in the company’s growth trajectory. He noted that the Gen 3 chambers represent a shift in the precision agriculture landscape and reiterated Eeki’s commitment to building a food system capable of functioning independently of environmental volatility.
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Co-founder Amit Kumar added that approximately 30% of Eeki’s workforce is dedicated to advancing the company’s core technological platform. He emphasised that Eeki’s collaboration with Sixth Sense Ventures will help integrate consumer insight into its operational strategy, particularly in the areas of nutrition quality and traceability of produce.
Nikhil Vora, Founder and CEO of Sixth Sense Ventures, remarked that Eeki’s model has proven its effectiveness in India’s most challenging agricultural conditions. He described the company as one with the potential to become one of the most efficient food production systems globally and expressed confidence in the team’s ability to scale the model further.
Positioning for Broader Impact
Eeki’s ambition extends beyond production efficiency to include broader goals such as nutritional accessibility and localised food supply. By leveraging its aeroponic systems, the company aims to offer consistent, pesticide free produce at scale, regardless of geography or climate conditions. Its focus on making locally grown vegetables more widely available also aligns with broader objectives related to food security and rural economic development.
With its growing capital base and focus on research led innovation, Eeki is positioning itself to expand its network of climate controlled farms, further embedding its model within India’s agritech landscape. The funding from Sixth Sense Ventures is expected to provide the momentum required to operationalise its next phase of growth.