For Entrepreneurs

Grounded Investment Company invests in African food processors who are becoming world leaders in the production of regenerative organically grown food ingredients for global markets.

Investment criteria

Impact alignment

Committed to implementing regenerative agricultural practices and creating fair, honest and transparent value chains.

Business model

Agri-processors that employ or source from local producers (e.g. smallholder farmers) or are producer aggregators in some other way.

Stage

Small to medium sized, with revenue around $500,000 to $1mln and EBITDA positive, or clear potential to be EBITDA positive within 2 years.

Crops/ingredients

High-value, non-perishable ingredients such as spices, tea, coffee, herbs and cacao.

Ticket size

Between €150,000 and €1,000,000 in equity being a significant minority shareholder. With the ability to participate in future rounds.

Geography

Africa (initial focus East Africa and Southern Africa).

Team

Experienced and entrepreneurial team who can work together to deliver financial and impact returns.

Instruments

Equity and debt (for existing portfolio companies).

Why should you partner with us?

  • To make a tangible positive impact on rural economies in Africa while championing regenerative agriculture practices.
  • To partner with an active investor gaining a director-level Grounded Investment Company colleague to work with you to achieve impact and growth objectives.
  • To leverage Grounded Investment Company’s development support structures, including financial management, fundraising, legal, governance, strategic, marketing and sales, regenerative agriculture, operational management, product development and quality, logistics and certifications support.
  • To access working capital and follow-on funding.

What others have to say

Trianon Spices’ partnership with the Grounded Investment Company has built a foundation of comprehensive training programs, fostering strong relationships, enhancing knowledge, and providing recognition to our valued farmers. Not only do we believe in supporting their success, but we also offer financial benefits that contribute to their growth in spice farming.

Omary Tumba, Senior Agronomist, Trianon Spices

We are very happy about our new investing partner GIC. They have been consistently supportive, painstaking and patient. They have visited us several times and really got to know who we are and what we are about as a business, and have already helped us to think more professionally in a number of ways. We are looking forward to working closely with them, and seeing the results in better and more sustainable livelihoods of the families in our community.

Andy Carlton – Zombo Coffee Partners Founder and Managing Director

Apply for funding

Should you be interested in partnering with us and applying for funding, please click the below button to complete our application form.