Agritech innovation in India continues to gain momentum as Eeki, a leading climate-controlled farming startup, announced raising $7 million (approximately Rs 58 crore) in its latest funding round led by Sixth Sense Ventures, a consumer-focused domestic venture capital firm. The funding comes at a critical growth stage for Eeki as it seeks to scale its model of sustainable and tech-driven vegetable production across key Indian states.
Funding Round Details
| Funding Round | Amount Raised ($ mn) | Lead Investor | Participating Investors | Purpose Of Funds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Series A Extension | 7 | Sixth Sense Ventures | Existing angels, family offices | Expansion of farm network, R&D, hiring |
The latest investment follows its earlier $6.5 million Series A in April 2022, bringing total external funding raised to over $14 million.
What Is Eeki?
Founded in 2018 by engineers Abhay Singhal and Amit Kumar, Eeki develops proprietary climate-controlled growing chambers and vertical farm systems enabling year-round cultivation of staple vegetables at near-soil cost. The startup leases out its farm units to growers, ensuring:
- Consistent yields unaffected by seasons
- 90% less water consumption compared to open farming
- 50% lower operational costs compared to hydroponics
Key Features Of Eeki’s Farming Model
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Climate Chambers | Precision-controlled temperature, humidity, and irrigation |
| Crop Portfolio | Cucumber, tomato, bell pepper, leafy greens |
| Technology | Proprietary automation and IoT-based farm management |
| Revenue Model | Long-term lease + produce buyback guarantee |
Geographical Footprint
Currently, Eeki operates 20+ farms across Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra, with plans to expand to Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka by FY26. The fresh capital will help it build 30 new farm sites by end-2026, targeting retail supermarkets, institutional buyers, and agri-exporters.
Market Context: India’s Climate-Controlled Farming Sector
| Segment | Market Size (2025 est., $ bn) | CAGR (2021-25) | Key Drivers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Climate Controlled Greenhouses | 3.5 | 19.2% | Water scarcity, yield consistency, export demand |
| Hydroponics | 0.9 | 25.5% | Urban retail, quality-conscious consumers |
| Eeki’s Addressable Market | ~1.2 (vegetable subset) | – | Controlled environment vegetable production |
(Data: FICCI, NABARD, Eeki estimates)
Why Did Sixth Sense Ventures Invest?
Nikhil Vora, Founder & CEO of Sixth Sense Ventures, stated:
“We believe Eeki is creating the Amul moment in vegetables, ensuring high-quality, pesticide-free produce at a mass-market price point. The scalable tech, cost economics, and environmental benefits align with India’s food security and sustainability priorities.”
Sixth Sense Ventures has previously backed consumer-tech successes like boAt, Fraazo, and GoodDot.
Startup Leadership Commentary
Abhay Singhal, Co-founder of Eeki, said:
“We are excited to welcome Sixth Sense to our journey. This investment will enable us to strengthen our tech stack, accelerate farmer partnerships, and deliver nutritious vegetables to millions more, sustainably and affordably.”
Use Of Funds
- Farm Network Expansion: Setting up new farms near major consumption hubs to reduce logistics costs.
- Technology Upgrade: Advanced AI-based farm monitoring, predictive crop analytics, and automated fertigation.
- Team Building: Hiring agronomists, farm technicians, and sales leaders to support pan-India scale-up.
- R&D Investment: Developing new crop protocols for high-value horticulture.
Eeki’s Business Impact Metrics
| Metric | Current (June 2025) | Target (Dec 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Active Farms | 22 | 50 |
| Annual Produce Volume | 9,500 tonnes | 25,000 tonnes |
| Farmer Partners | 80+ | 250+ |
| Water Savings | 1 billion litres | 3 billion litres |
Challenges Ahead
While Eeki’s growth is promising, sector experts note:
- Capital Intensity: Controlled farming setups require high upfront investment despite long-term returns.
- Farmer Adoption: Convincing traditional growers to adopt new systems remains a behavioural challenge.
- Market Competition: Agri-tech startups like Clover, Barton Breeze, and UrbanKisaan are also expanding climate-controlled offerings.
Investor Insights
| Brokerage / VC | Comment |
|---|---|
| Matrix Partners (Agri Portfolio) | “Climate farming is moving beyond leafy greens to staples, driven by Eeki-type models ensuring cost parity with soil farming.” |
| Omnivore Capital | “Water-efficient farming models like Eeki are crucial as India faces climate-linked agri risks. Capital allocation to infra and distribution will decide winners.” |
Future Strategic Plans
- Export Markets: Targeting Gulf and Southeast Asia markets via Indian agri-export partners.
- Retail Brand Launch: Exploring branded packaged vegetables for premium retail segments by FY27.
- ESG Goals: Carbon neutrality in operations by 2030, driven by renewable energy-powered farms.
Conclusion
Eeki’s $7 million funding from Sixth Sense Ventures underscores growing investor confidence in India’s agritech solutions that balance profitability with sustainability. As the startup scales its climate-controlled farm network, it aims to play a pivotal role in transforming India’s fragmented fresh vegetable supply chain into an organised, high-quality, and resilient ecosystem.
With execution focus on technology integration, market linkages, and cost efficiencies, Eeki could emerge as a model agritech success story in India’s green revolution 2.0.
Disclaimer:
This news article is based on official startup press releases, market data, and analyst commentary. It is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Readers should consult independent professionals before making investment or strategic decisions.
