Bio-Logical, a Kenyan climate-tech startup dedicated to tackling climate change and empowering smallholder farmers, has secured a significant funding boost of $1.3 million.
This seed funding round marks a critical step forward in their mission to revolutionize agricultural practices and combat climate change simultaneously.
Bio-Logical’s innovative approach centers on biochar, a charcoal-like substance created through pyrolysis (heating in the absence of oxygen) of agricultural waste.
Their technology transforms readily available materials like crop residues into a powerful fertilizer rich in nutrients.
Biochar not only enhances soil fertility and crop yields, but also acts as a potent carbon sink, sequestering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and locking it away in the soil for centuries.
This innovative solution tackles two crucial issues – food security and climate change – in a single stroke. The funding round was led by a consortium of investors, including CrossBoundary, Redshaw Advisors, and existing investors like the Steyn Group.
This diverse group of backers signifies the growing confidence in Bio-Logical’s technology and its potential to create a significant impact.
Bio-Logical plans to leverage the funding to strategically expand their operations. A key focus area will be scaling up their existing biochar production facility near Mount Kenya. This will allow them to significantly increase their output and reach a wider range of farmers.
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Additionally, the company plans to invest in hiring skilled personnel to bolster their research and development efforts. Product development will focus on optimizing the biochar production process and potentially exploring the creation of biochar-based soil amendments further tailored to specific regional needs.
Finally, Bio-Logical intends to utilize a portion of the funds for market expansion initiatives, aiming to reach and empower a larger base of smallholder farmers across Kenya.
“This funding round is a tremendous validation of our vision,” said Rory Buckworth, co-founder and CEO of Bio-Logical. “We are excited to use this capital to make a real difference on the ground, both for Kenyan farmers and for the planet.” Philip Hunter, co-founder, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the inspiration behind their venture: “Witnessing the struggles of smallholder farmers due to climate change and soil degradation motivated us to find a solution that could empower these communities while combating climate change.”
