Downforce technologies secures $4.2M to enhance soil fertility solutions in Africa

Downforce Technologies, a London-headquartered climate tech startup specializing in soil fertility measurement tools, has secured $4.2 million in funding to develop new products for Africa and expand into additional markets.

Leading the funding round was Equator VC, an African early-stage climate tech-focused venture firm.

Existing shareholders, including Tiverton Agriculture Impact Fund, Dragonfly Enviro Capital, Perivoli Innovations, and the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC), with its investment managed by Virescent Ventures, also participated.

“This funding allows us to democratize access to the technology and empower a wider audience to make data-driven decisions for soil health and climate action,” said Professor Jacquie McGlade, CEO of Downforce Technologies, in a statement.

Founded in 2020, Downforce Technologies offers cost-effective remote sensing software that enables farmers to measure soil health quickly and accurately.

The company also provides tools for planning and executing verified carbon projects, collecting and reporting farm emissions data, and implementing soil health improvement projects.

Africa, which contributes only a small fraction of global food production, faces significant challenges in soil fertility measurement.

In 2021, the continent’s total food exports were just over $60 billion, compared to $177 billion from the U.S.

Despite having vast uncultivated arable land, expensive and error-prone soil measurement methods hinder Africa’s agricultural potential.

Downforce Technologies joins a growing group of climate tech startups—such as AgroCares, SoilSense, Regen Technologies, and EcoPeanut—offering various solutions for soil carbon measurement, farm management, and climate sustainability for African farmers.

“Downforce has successfully introduced a compelling software platform which should act as a catalyst for increased investment in soil organic carbon globally, and particularly in Africa, to ensure food security, promote climate mitigation, and ensure resilience to climate change,” said Nijhad Jamal, Managing Partner at Equator VC.

The new funding will enable Downforce Technologies to enhance its product offerings and reach more farmers across Africa, contributing to improved soil health, food security, and climate resilience on the continent.