Pankaj Pandey (Pehle Jaisa): 10 Key Things You Must Know

Overview

Pankaj Pandey is a notable entrepreneur and co-founder of the agritech startup Pehle Jaisa, established in 2022 in Gurugram, India. The venture is dedicated to transforming rural waste into valuable resources, particularly organic fertilizers, aligning with sustainable agriculture practices. With the increasing emphasis on sustainability, Pankaj Pandey's work with Pehle Jaisa has gained significant attention. The startup has quickly made strides in promoting a circular economy within rural India, setting a benchmark for innovation in waste management and agricultural productivity. Here are some intriguing aspects of Pankaj Pandey and Pehle Jaisa.

1. Founding of Pehle Jaisa

Pankaj Pandey co-founded Pehle Jaisa in 2022 with the vision of revolutionizing how rural waste is handled. The startup focuses on integrating waste management with agricultural production by converting organic waste into fertilizers. This innovation is aimed at enhancing soil health and productivity in Indian villages.

2. Contribution to Sustainable Agriculture

The main goal of Pehle Jaisa is to support sustainable agriculture by providing organic fertilizers that improve soil health. The company produces bio-stimulants and soil conditioners, which are tailored to meet the unique agricultural needs of India's diverse regions.

3. Impact on Rural Economies

By decentralizing fertilizer production and processing waste locally, Pehle Jaisa aims to create self-reliant rural economies. This model reduces transport costs, lowers carbon footprints, and enables villages to generate their own energy and fertilizers, fostering economic independence and resilience.

4. Funding Achievements

In a demonstration of its promising business model, Pehle Jaisa raised $169K in seed funding, followed by a $300K pre-Series A funding round led by Pantnagar Capital and Climate Angels. These funds are pivotal for scaling operations and expanding the startup's reach.

5. Revenue Growth and Market Presence

The startup’s innovative waste-to-fertilizer system achieved significant traction within months of launch. By the fiscal year 2025, Pehle Jaisa had sold over 1,500 metric tonnes of fertilizers, generating revenues exceeding ₹2.5 crore. It aims to achieve ₹100 crore in revenue in the coming years.

6. Technological Innovations

Pehle Jaisa's approach involves integrating fertilizer production directly with waste centers, eliminating the 'first mile' in manufacturing. This advancement not only reduces costs but also supports the local production of high-quality fertilizers.

7. Competitive Landscape

Despite being a young company, Pehle Jaisa competes with established players like Toopi Organics and Heritage Soil. Its focus on locally produced, competitively priced fertilizers gives it a unique edge.

8. Educational Background of Pankaj Pandey

Pankaj Pandey graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from the College of Technology at G.B. Pant University. His educational foundation has perhaps contributed crucially to his innovative thinking and approach in business.

9. Vision for Circular Economy

The startup envisions every village in India as capable of supporting its energy and agricultural needs through a circular economy approach. This model is designed to be replicable and scalable, showcasing a future where rural India thrives sustainably.

10. Recognition and Future Prospects

Pankaj Pandey and Pehle Jaisa have received attention for their impactful work in agritech, positioning themselves as leaders in sustainable entrepreneurship. As climate change continues to affect agriculture globally, their role is crucial in providing eco-friendly solutions.

Conclusion

Pankaj Pandey's leadership at Pehle Jaisa illustrates the dynamic potential of innovative agritech solutions in fostering sustainable development. The startup's success story is a testament to the transformative power of integrating technology with traditional agricultural practices. As Pehle Jaisa continues to expand, it represents a beacon of hope for rural economies, with promises of resilience and sustainability. The journey of Pehle Jaisa under Pankaj Pandey's leadership not only provides a progressive business model but also inspires broader conversations about rural empowerment and environmental stewardship.