New report shows India agrifoodtech funding dipping to pre-pandemic levels

AgFunder and Omnivore have released the sixth India AgriFoodTech Investment Report, detailing just under $1 billion in startup investment, a 60% year-over-year decline from $2.4 billion in 2022. However, India maintained a steady deal activity with 129 deals, only slightly fewer than in 2022. This reduction aligns closely with the global decline in agrifoodtech investments, which fell by 50% year-over-year. 

Unlike the global market, however, the total funds raised by Indian agrifood startups were not far off from the $1.3 billion garnered in pre-Covid 2019, suggesting a normalization of market conditions after a period of excessive valuations. A concerning trend is the limited participation of agrifood investors, with Omnivore being one of the few remaining, alongside generalist and climate-focused VCs. This scenario underscores the need for more committed investors across all stages. 

Below are some of the highlights of the report:

• In 2023, Indian agrifoodtech startups raised $940 million across 129 deals, down 60% from 2022.

• The number of deals remained almost flat with 129 closing in 2023 compared to 133 deals in 2022, indicating smaller deal sizes given the steep decline in dollars raised.

• More early stage deals closed in 2023 than 2022 indicating continued interest by investors in the category but at much lower valuations than in previous years.

• The median deal sizes dropped significantly year-on-year across stages and most dramatically at the late stages: 50% at the early stages (Seed and Series A), 39% at the growth stages (Series B and C) and 89% at Series D and later.

Both AgFunder and Omnivore continue to explore deals that push beyond traditional agrifood boundaries into adjacent sectors, highlighting the growing interconnectedness of food, agriculture, and other industries like climate tech. Despite a decrease in the median deal sizes, the willingness to invest persists, although at lower ticket sizes, with Ag Marketplaces and eGrocery receiving the most attention yet again. However, there are fewer players in the market than before, reflecting Power Law dynamics.  

Other key insights in the report:

• All parts of the supply chain received substantially less funding in 2023 than 2022, with Midstream startups faring the worst with a 80% decrease.

• eGrocery was still the most funded category, albeit with a 46% year-over-year drop to $420 million.

• Agribusiness Marketplaces & Fintech was the second best funded category, raising $162 million, a more pronounced 62% decline.

• Together, eGrocery and Ag Marketplaces & Fintech accounted for 62% of the capital raised in 2023.

• Many later-stage startups raised follow-on bridge capital in 2023, resulting in smaller deals at the late stage. This is in line with global agrifoodtech investment trends, where later-stage startups have raised down rounds and overall valuations have been severely corrected.

Louisa Burwood-Taylor, Managing Editor of AgFunder News, observed, ″The global downturn in agrifood investments is attributed to fewer and smaller deals, but the situation in India indicates a fundamental shift. Although the number of deals remains nearly unchanged, the investment approach in India has become more selective and merit-based, suggesting a gradual and promising revival of the sector.″

Mark Kahn, Managing Partner, Omnivore, said, ″What we see unfolding before us is the return of realistic valuations that reflect the operational and financial achievements of the companies. From unbridled growth strategies, the focus is squarely on prioritizing building a strong business model, focusing on profitability, and creating value for customers and stakeholders. Like 2023, this year will be a great vintage year to invest in promising startups, especially for founders who are building differentiated and unit economically viable businesses from the beginning. ″

Download the full report here.