Grace Ashiru
Kenya’s Pyramidia Ventures has successfully raised US$1.5 million to expand its growing portfolio of agri-tech startups, which are focused on delivering climate-smart solutions across Africa. This latest funding round includes US$1.3 million in capital from the Dutch impact investor Triple Jump, alongside US$200,000 in technical assistance and business development support from the Dutch Good Growth Fund.
Founded in 2021 by Ruth Bertens, a former McKinsey consultant, and Joseph Rehmann, the founder of the aquaculture firm Victory Farms, Pyramidia Ventures was established with the mission to create and support startups addressing critical challenges related to food security, sustainability, and carbon reduction across the African continent. The venture studio operates with the goal of accelerating innovative, scalable solutions to improve agricultural practices, ensure environmental sustainability, and mitigate climate change’s impact on farming communities.
Speaking about the investment, Bertens emphasized the importance of scaling up efforts to tackle these pressing issues, stating, “This investment allows us to scale our model of creating and supporting agri-tech companies that make a direct difference in Africa’s food systems. Farmers and consumers across the continent need solutions that are practical, affordable, and climate-friendly.” Her vision for Pyramidia is to bridge the gap between emerging agri-tech innovations and scalable, impactful businesses that can reach the masses, benefiting both producers and consumers.
Since its launch, Pyramidia Ventures has already produced a number of innovative startups that are making waves in Africa’s agriculture and food sectors. One of the standout ventures is Stable Foods, a subscription-based platform that delivers irrigation services to smallholder farmers. By providing easy access to reliable irrigation solutions, Stable Foods is helping farmers increase their productivity and protect their crops from unpredictable weather patterns.
Another promising venture is Womega, which is working to streamline Africa’s fragmented fish supply chain. By improving distribution and reducing waste, Womega aims to enhance the efficiency of the fishing industry, which is crucial for food security in many African countries. Additionally, Afriprotein, another startup under Pyramidia’s wing, is focused on producing alternative proteins for both human and animal nutrition, contributing to more sustainable and nutritious food systems in Africa.
Joseph Rehmann, who co-founded Pyramidia, highlighted the unique value the venture studio brings to entrepreneurs, particularly in overcoming the challenge of scaling innovative ideas. “Our goal is to reduce the gap between good ideas and businesses that can scale. Many entrepreneurs struggle to get beyond the pilot stage, and that is where Pyramidia steps in,” he said. By offering support and structure, Pyramidia Ventures provides the critical infrastructure needed for early-stage companies to transition into successful, high-impact businesses.
Triple Jump, the Dutch impact investor backing Pyramidia, believes that the studio’s model is well-positioned to catalyze real change in Africa’s food systems. A representative from Triple Jump noted, “Pyramidia’s model gives startups the structure and support they need to thrive. We see strong potential for these companies to impact farmers and food security in Africa.” The investment from Triple Jump aligns with the investor’s broader mission to grow businesses that address urgent global challenges, particularly those related to food production, sustainability, and poverty reduction.
In addition to funding, Pyramidia Ventures also benefits from the Dutch Good Growth Fund’s commitment to providing technical support and capacity building to ensure that the ventures it supports are equipped with solid business practices for long-term growth. This additional support aims to reinforce the operational capacity of the startups, enabling them to scale in a sustainable and efficient manner.
The funding raised by Pyramidia Ventures is part of a broader trend in the African agricultural technology sector, where investments have been increasing in recent years. In 2024, several other venture-backed agri-tech firms in Kenya, Nigeria, and other African countries secured capital to expand digital farming tools, irrigation technologies, and sustainable protein production. This growing interest in African agri-tech companies reflects a broader global confidence in the continent’s ability to lead practical solutions for food security, environmental sustainability, and climate resilience.
Among the other irrigation-focused startups gaining traction in East Africa, companies like Stable Foods are particularly well-positioned to address the critical issue of crop irrigation in the face of erratic weather conditions, a problem that many African farmers face due to climate change. These companies are leveraging technology to create sustainable solutions that not only increase crop yields but also improve the livelihoods of farmers who are particularly vulnerable to climate variability.
Industry analysts agree that the combination of funding, technical support, and strategic partnerships is creating a solid foundation for African agri-tech startups to transition from early-stage innovations to sustainable businesses with measurable impact. The efforts of Pyramidia Ventures and similar organizations are helping to drive a transformative change in Africa’s agricultural landscape, where entrepreneurship and technological innovation are essential to building a more secure and sustainable food future.
As Bertens put it, “Africa has no shortage of entrepreneurs with big ideas. What is often missing is the bridge to scale those ideas into businesses that can sustain themselves and deliver value to farmers. This new investment takes us a step closer to that goal.” This investment not only provides the necessary capital to scale these agri-tech startups but also reinforces the broader momentum in Africa’s agricultural sector, offering hope for the future of food security on the continent.
