In a significant boost to Egypt’s agritech sector, Croptimus, a promising startup, has secured an undisclosed investment from Venture X. The funding is earmarked for scaling the company’s innovative bio-product technology, which converts agricultural and food waste into valuable resources for farms and agribusinesses. Croptimus’ portfolio includes biochar, bio-oil, and activated oil, all designed to enhance soil health, reduce water consumption, and lower fertilizer needs, thereby promoting agricultural sustainability.
Founded in 2021 by Ahmed Hassanein and Abdelrahman AlAtrash, Croptimus is a testament to the growing interest in agricultural tech solutions that address waste reduction and resource efficiency, particularly in the face of climate challenges in emerging markets. The startup’s technology is already making waves, with business customers across agricultural supply chains reaping the benefits.
The investment from Venture X is not just a vote of confidence in Croptimus but also reflects a broader trend in the Middle East and Africa. Agritech funding has been on the rise as governments and investors prioritize food security, water stress, and climate risk. The region’s heavy reliance on food imports, coupled with population growth, rising input costs, and limited arable land, has made technologies that improve yields while reducing waste a top priority.
Biochar and waste-to-input models, like those developed by Croptimus, have gained particular interest. These solutions not only help farms cut input costs and achieve more stable production but also align with corporate targets on emissions and supply chain reporting, especially crucial for export-driven agriculture.
Moreover, startups that cater to business customers, rather than smallholder farmers alone, have found faster paths to revenue. This business model, coupled with clear use cases, measurable savings, and expansion potential beyond one market, has caught the eye of investors in a tight capital market.
Egypt, with its large farm scale, export links, and industrial infrastructure, has emerged as a hotspot for agritech firms. Accelerator programs and early-stage investors have played a pivotal role in moving pilots into commercial use. Croptimus, a graduate of the Harvest Accelerator, is a prime example of this success story.
Farah Al-Nahhas, a key player in the agritech space, believes that the deal could encourage more angel funding for early-stage startups. For Croptimus, the partnership with Venture X marks the beginning of an exciting new phase of growth and broader deployment of its technology. As the agritech sector continues to evolve, Croptimus is poised to make a significant impact on agricultural sustainability in Egypt and beyond.