Nile
Overview
Nile is a prominent agri-tech startup founded in 2021 by Louis de Kock, Eugene Roodt, and Rick Kleynhans. Based in South Africa, the company focuses on transforming the agricultural sector through digital solutions. Nile has successfully raised significant capital, including a recent funding round of ZAR200 million (approximately US$11.3 million), led by Cathay AfricInvest Innovation Fund and co-invested by FMO, the Dutch entrepreneurial development bank.
Recent Developments
- June 2025: Nile secured ZAR200 million in funding led by Cathay AfricInvest Innovation Fund, with participation from FMO and existing investor Platform Investment Partners. The funding is aimed at expanding Nile's agricultural inputs marketplace and launching innovative financing solutions in collaboration with banks to improve farmer access to markets and capital. TechAfrica News
- February 2025: The company's Q3 results showed a YoY profit decline of 14.41%, with profits at ₹10.16 crore and revenue at ₹232.51 crore. Despite the challenges, Nile demonstrated resilience in operating income, suggesting efficient management of core operations. LiveMint
- May 2025: Nile deployed the world’s largest Campus Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) implementation at LEAP 2025, a global technology conference in Saudi Arabia, supporting over 200,000 attendees with cutting-edge AI-powered and zero trust security technologies. Business Wire
Company Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | 2021 |
| Headquarters | South Africa |
| Founders | Louis de Kock, Eugene Roodt, Rick Kleynhans |
| Revenue | ₹232.51 crore (Q3 2025) |
| Profits | ₹10.16 crore (Q3 2025) |
| Key Investors | Cathay AfricInvest Innovation Fund, FMO, Platform Investment Partners |
| Industry | Agri-Tech |
| Number of Employees | Not specified |
Early History
Founded in 2021, Nile was established to address the critical challenges in the food trading sector by leveraging digital technology. The company was co-founded by Louis de Kock, Eugene Roodt, and Rick Kleynhans who envisioned transforming the agricultural supply chain by enhancing price transparency, improving quality verification, and ensuring faster payments. Nile's unique approach quickly gained traction, attracting initial investments from prominent stakeholders in the industry. The company's innovative platform focused on reducing food waste and ensuring traceability, which positioned Nile as a key player in digital agriculture solutions.
Company Profile and Achievements
Nile operates within the agri-tech industry, utilizing digital platforms to revolutionize farming and food trading by providing essential services like quality control, price transparency, and payment systems.
- Business Model: Nile provides a digital ecosystem designed to improve efficiency and sustainability in agriculture.
- Achievements:
- Secured a major funding round of ZAR200 million in June 2025.
- Launched innovative financing solutions in partnership with banks to support farmers.
- Expanded its marketplace to increase reach and impact across Southern Africa.
- Recognition as a leader in transforming agricultural practices with a strong digital approach.
Current Operations and Market Position
Nile continues to enhance its market position by focusing on expanding its digital marketplace and partnering with financial institutions to provide comprehensive services to farmers. The company aims to empower farmers through increased access to markets, tools, and capital, thereby positioning itself as a pivotal player in the agri-tech sector in Southern Africa. Its recent investments indicate a strong commitment to digital transformation and an expansion strategy that leverages technological advancements in agriculture.
Conclusion
Nile's innovative approach to solving agricultural challenges through digital technology has significantly impacted the agri-tech industry in Southern Africa. With robust financial backing and strategic initiatives aimed at expanding its influence and reach, Nile holds a promising trajectory for growth and development. Through continued expansion and technological integration, Nile is poised to set new benchmarks for efficiency and sustainability in the agricultural sector.