Synnefa
Overview
Synnefa is a Kenyan agritech company that specializes in providing innovative farming solutions with a focus on IoT technology. The company was founded by Taita Ngetich and his partner in 2013 and is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya. Synnefa's objective is to revolutionize agriculture by making complex farming processes simpler and more efficient, thus contributing to increased productivity for farmers. The company has been successful in raising funds from various investors to support its initiatives in developing smart farming technologies.
Recent Developments
- November 6, 2025: Synnefa secured a $300,000 grant to deploy IoT-powered solar dryers across Kenya. The grant was awarded by the World Resources Institute’s P4G initiative through a partnership with Solidaridad. The solar dryers aim to assist over 800 smallholder farmers in Makueni County by reducing post-harvest losses and cutting drying times significantly. (Disrupt Africa).
- November 1, 2025: Synnefa raised an additional $300,000 in a recent funding round aimed at further expanding its reach and developing affordable tools for African farmers. The funds are part of a strategy to eliminate agricultural risks and improve incomes for farmers across Sub-Saharan Africa. (Leads on Trees).
- October 31, 2025: The company received a $300,000 grant from the World Resources Institute for its project to deploy IoT solar dryers, a joint effort with Solidaridad to enhance agriculture sustainability. The initiative is projected to prevent over 50,000 metric tons of food loss and cut CO2 emissions from wasted harvests. (Weetracker).
- October 28, 2025: As part of the P4G climate startup initiative, Synnefa was awarded $3.8 million alongside 14 other climate startups. This funding aims to enhance IoT-enabled smart solar dryers in Kenya to increase drying efficiency by 54%. (Techmoran).
Company Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | 2013 |
| Headquarters | Nairobi, Kenya |
| Founders | Taita Ngetich, unnamed partner |
| Revenue | $5.9 million (2024) |
| Profits | Not specified |
| Key Investors | USADF, ASME, Innovate UK, Founders Factory Africa, P4G, Solidaridad |
| Industry | Agritech |
| Number of Employees | 17 |
Early History
Synnefa was established in 2013 by Taita Ngetich and one of his university colleagues. What began as an effort to overcome personal financial struggles turned into a groundbreaking agri-tech venture. Initially called Illuminum Greenhouses, the company focused on engineering inexpensive smart farming tools. By using Arduino and Raspberry Pi boards, the founders created technologies to aid farmers and quickly earned recognition. In 2014, Synnefa deployed its first prototype at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro. By 2015, the company had grown to employ its tenth worker and secured its first significant external funding from notable institutions like AAAS and Google.
Company Profile and Achievements
Synnefa operates on an integrated model blending hardware sales, subscription-based software, and flexible financing options. The company's suite of innovations includes Smart Greenhouses, FarmShield IoT systems, Smart Solar Dryers, and FarmCloud software, each designed to tackle specific farming challenges.
- Smart Greenhouses: Equipped with IoT sensors that monitor soil moisture, temperature, and nutrients to automate farming activities.
- FarmCloud platform: Offers a digital ecosystem combining data synchronization, farm management tools, and compliance features. It provides invaluable insights, inventory monitoring, and market access.
- Grants and Investments: Synnefa has received substantial funding, including $856,000 from Innovate UK and various grants from USADF and P4G. It also rebranded to Synnefa in 2021, attracting investments from Founders Factory Africa and Achieving for Food and Water Access initiatives.
Current Operations and Market Position
Currently, Synnefa is at the forefront of agricultural innovation in Kenya and neighboring regions. Its market impact arises from an effective combination of smart technology and sustainable practices. Synnefa's tools have reached over 60,000 farmers, with ongoing plans to expand to 150,000 by 2026. Their competitive advantage lies in localized solutions that resonate with African smallholder farmers.
Conclusion
Synnefa stands out as an influential player in the agritech industry, blending technology with agriculture to create a positive impact on farming practices in Africa. Its solutions empower farmers with real-time data, significant cost savings, and increased yield. The company continues to secure funding for expansion and innovation, paving the way for a future where digital technology transforms agriculture across Africa.