Agritech Startup WayCool Raises ₹210 Crore from Lightrock India to Strengthen Farm-to-Fork Supply Chain

India’s agritech ecosystem continues to draw investor interest as startups work to modernize the country’s complex agricultural supply chains. Chennai-based agritech platform WayCool has raised ₹210 crore (around $22.7 million) in fresh funding from Lightrock India, according to recent regulatory filings and media reports.

The investment was structured as a rights issue, meaning the capital came from an existing investor, increasing its stake in the company. The funding reflects continued investor confidence in WayCool’s technology-driven approach to transforming food distribution and agricultural supply chains in India.

A Tech-Enabled ‘Soil-to-Sale’ Platform

Founded in 2015 by Karthik Jayaraman and Sanjay Dasari, WayCool operates a technology-enabled platform designed to simplify how agricultural produce moves from farms to consumers. The company focuses on building a full-stack supply chain that connects farmers, food producers, retailers, and consumers through digital tools and logistics infrastructure.

Through its farmer engagement platform Outgrow, WayCool claims to work with more than 85,000 farmers, helping them access markets, data insights, and supply chain support. The company also sells food products under multiple consumer brands, including Madhuram, KitchenJi, L’exotique, and Freshey’s, covering categories such as fresh produce, staples, dairy, and ready-to-cook products.

Building a More Efficient Food Supply Chain

India’s agriculture sector faces long-standing challenges such as fragmented supply chains, post-harvest losses, and inefficient distribution systems. WayCool aims to address these issues through technology — using data analytics, demand forecasting, and logistics optimization to improve efficiency and reduce waste across the value chain.

The company’s platform leverages AI-driven demand prediction and inventory management to match supply with demand better, helping farmers get fairer prices while ensuring consistent quality for buyers.

A Challenging Yet Promising Agritech Landscape

The fresh capital comes at a time when agritech startups are navigating both growth opportunities and operational challenges. India’s agritech sector is projected to grow significantly over the next decade, driven by increasing technology adoption in farming and supply chain management.

Industry estimates suggest the country’s agritech market could expand from around $9 billion in 2025 to nearly $28 billion by 2030, highlighting the massive potential for digital platforms to transform the sector.

WayCool itself has raised hundreds of millions of dollars from investors over the years as it works toward building a large-scale agricultural commerce ecosystem.

Looking Ahead

With the new funding from Lightrock India, WayCool is expected to focus on strengthening its technology infrastructure, improving supply chain efficiency, and expanding its network of farmers and distribution partners.

As India continues to modernize its agriculture sector, companies like WayCool are trying to play a crucial role in building a more transparent, efficient, and technology-driven food supply chain — one that benefits both farmers and consumers.

Disclaimer

This article is based on publicly available media reports and industry sources. Kalpway does not independently verify financial or operational claims mentioned in third-party reports. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice.