DOB Equity Invests in FarmWorks to Strengthen Market Access and Reduce Food Losses for Smallholder Farmers in Kenya

Nairobi, Kenya – 26 March 2025 

DOB Equity, a Dutch family-backed impact investor, is pleased to announce its investment in FarmWorks, a Kenya-based agribusiness focused on providing smallholder farmers with consistent, off-take channels for their produce. This investment will help FarmWorks expand its sourcing network, enhance its technology platform, and broaden its product offerings, with the goal of becoming one of Africa’s leading agribusinesses. 

Founded in 2020, FarmWorks is a rapidly growing aggregator and distributor of fresh produce such as tomatoes, onions, and potatoes, sourced directly from smallholder farmers. The company operates 23 branches across Nairobi and its environs and serves over 12,000 customers monthly, including informal market vendors, retail outlets, and HORECA clients. By providing farmers with a stable, reliable market for their produce, FarmWorks is addressing one of the key challenges facing smallholder farmers—market access—while improving livelihoods and driving profitability. 

“We are excited to support FarmWorks in its mission to improve market access and income stability for smallholder farmers,” said Karen Serem Waithaka, CEO of DOB Equity. “By leveraging technology to enhance operational efficiency, FarmWorks is addressing key gaps in Africa’s agricultural value chain. I am particularly excited that FarmWorks is led by a strong female CEO and Co-founder, Yi Li. We look forward to supporting its growth and long-term impact on sustainable food systems in the region.” 

Anthony Mahira, Investment Manager at DOB Equity and FarmWorks lead, added, “FarmWorks is addressing one of the key challenges facing smallholder farmers in Kenya—access to consistent markets for their produce. Their reliable offtake model and technology-driven supply-demand matching not only reduces food loss but also strengthens food systems by minimising waste across the agricultural value chain. We believe in FarmWorks’ potential to drive significant impact, and we’re excited to support them as they scale their operations.” 

FarmWorks’ model focuses on improving market access, empowering women and youth in rural communities, and driving climate resilience through sustainable agricultural practices. Its proprietary tech platform reduces waste and will soon offer financial services such as farmer credit and insurance. 

“We are thrilled to partner with DOB Equity,” said Yi Li, CEO and Co-founder of FarmWorks. “DOB’s expertise in East Africa and focus on sustainable food systems aligns perfectly with our mission. With this investment, we are poised to scale our impact and expand our reach.” 

This investment supports DOB’s strategy of backing entrepreneurs who drive inclusive economic growth and climate resilience in East Africa, empowering agribusinesses to scale sustainably.