SHASHANK KUMAR STORY | FOUNDER OF DEHAAT

Shashank Kumar Story is a journey with Dehaat is a testament to innovation, rural empowerment, and agricultural transformation. Founded in 2012, Dehaat is a platform designed to provide tech-driven solutions to farmers, helping them access agricultural products, services, and information. Shashank, hailing from a small village, saw firsthand the struggles of farmers in rural India. His mission was to bridge the gap between technology and agriculture, making farming more efficient and profitable. Dehaat now serves over 2 million farmers, transforming agriculture by simplifying access to resources and market linkages.

Basic Details

PERSONAL STORY: SHASHANK KUMAR

Shashank Kumar, hailing from Bihar, was deeply influenced by the challenges faced by farmers in his region. His academic journey at IIT Delhi equipped him with technical skills, but it was his personal experiences and observations of the agricultural sector’s struggles that inspired him to venture into agritech. Determined to make a difference, he founded DeHaat to bridge the gap between farmers and essential agricultural services. His vision was to create a platform that not only provided quality inputs but also offered comprehensive support to farmers, ensuring they had the resources and knowledge to thrive.​

FOUNDING STORY: DEHAAT

In 2012, Shashank Kumar established DeHaat with the mission to transform the agricultural landscape in India. Recognizing the fragmented supply chain and lack of access to quality services, he aimed to create a unified platform that addressed these issues. The initial phase involved building a network of local entrepreneurs who could serve as intermediaries between DeHaat and the farmers. This model not only ensured last-mile connectivity but also empowered local communities. Over the years, DeHaat expanded its offerings to include farm advisory, financial services, and market linkages, solidifying its position as a comprehensive agritech platform.​

COMPANY PROFILE: DEHAAT

Dehaat is an AgriTech platform that connects farmers with agricultural resources, services, and knowledge to improve productivity and profitability. It offers a range of services that cater to all stages of the farming lifecycle, including input supply, farm advisory, market linkages, and financial services.

Services / Products Offered

• Input Supply: Seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and agricultural equipment.
  
• Farm Advisory: Crop advisory, weather forecasting, pest management.
  
• Market Linkages: Connects farmers with buyers to sell their produce at fair prices.
  
• Digital Platforms: Mobile app for easy access to services, information, and updates.
  
• Financial Services: Provides access to loans and insurance tailored to farmers.
  

Business Model
Dehaat operates on a B2B2C (Business to Business to Consumer) model. The platform connects agricultural brands and businesses to farmers, providing them with necessary resources and services.

Revenue Model
Dehaat earns revenue through:

• Commissions on product sales (seeds, fertilizers, etc.).
  
• Advisory services to farmers.
  
• Partnerships with financial institutions for loans and insurance services.
  
• Transaction fees for connecting farmers with buyers.
  

Market Landscape
Dehaat operates in a rapidly growing AgriTech sector in India. With the agricultural industry contributing significantly to India’s GDP, there is a rising demand for solutions that improve productivity and sustainability. Dehaat competes with several players in the market, including AgroStar, Ninjacart, and BigHaat, but stands out with its holistic approach to farming solutions.

As of 2025, Dehaat is serving over 2 million farmers across 15 states in India and continues to grow its footprint.

USP (Unique Selling Proposition)
Dehaat’s unique selling proposition lies in its comprehensive approach to farming. Unlike other platforms that focus only on input supply or advisory, Dehaat offers a one-stop solution for farmers, combining product sales, expert advice, and market linkages, all in a user-friendly digital interface.

Funding and Investment
Dehaat has raised funding from several prominent investors, including:

• 2018: Series A funding led by AgFunder.
  
• 2020: Series B funding by Sequoia India and Accel Partners.
  
• 2023: Series C funding round raised $50 million.
  

Growth Highlights

• 2012: Dehaat launched with a focus on agricultural input supply.
  
• 2015: Introduced farm advisory and digital services.
  
• 2017: Expanded to provide market linkages and financial services.
  
• 2020: Reached over 1 million farmers.
  
• 2025: Serves over 2 million farmers and operates across 15 states in India.
  

Team Size & Culture
Dehaat has a team of over 500 employees, with a culture focused on innovation, rural empowerment, and continuous learning. The team includes experts in agriculture, technology, and business development.

Awards and Achievements

• Recognized as one of India’s top AgriTech startups by Forbes.
  
• Awarded the Best AgriTech Startup at the Indian Innovation Awards 2024.
  
• Featured in the Economic Times for contributions to rural development.

Future Plans:

• Geographical Expansion: DeHaat plans to extend its reach to more states, focusing on underserved rural areas.​
  
• Technology Upgrades: The company will continue to enhance its digital platform with AI and machine learning, offering personalized crop advice, weather forecasts, and market insights.​
  
• Financial Services: DeHaat will expand its offerings to include microloans and insurance, improving access to financial resources for farmers.
  
• Sustainable Farming: Promoting eco-friendly farming practices, DeHaat plans to introduce sustainable farming solutions and organic products.​
  
• Supply Chain Improvements: The company will develop better logistics and cold chain systems, ensuring fresh produce reaches markets efficiently, helping farmers improve profits.​
  
• Agri-Tech Collaborations: DeHaat aims to partner with global agri-tech startups to bring innovations in research, sustainability, and supply chain management.​
  
• Product Expansion: The platform will introduce new services, including crop insurance, farm mechanization, and precision farming tools, to become a one-stop shop for farmers.ering an environment where employees can thrive and contribute to the company’s growth.

FOUNDER GUIDE

“Technology can be the bridge that brings progress to our villages. By empowering farmers, we can transform the agricultural landscape of India.”
— Shashank Kumar, Founder & CEO, Dehaat

Founder’s Advice for Entrepreneurs

• Start with a Problem: “Build solutions that address real challenges. If it solves a problem, success will follow.”
  
• Stay Grounded: “The journey will be tough, but never lose sight of the people you’re building for—whether it’s farmers or consumers.”
  

Persist: “Every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow. Keep pushing forward.”

What We Learn From The Story

Shashank Kumar Story with Dehaat is a powerful example of how technology can revolutionize traditional industries. By understanding the pain points of farmers and leveraging technology, Dehaat has become a vital tool in empowering India’s agricultural community. Shashank story is a reminder that the greatest opportunities often lie in solving the most pressing problems.