PowerPoint Presentation

[Audio] Now, it's time for module 5, "Designing a successful funding campaign/strategy"..

[Audio] On this slide, we're walking through the key steps involved in developing a strong fundraising strategy. First, we need to think about how our fundraising objectives align with our organisation's overall vision, mission, and strategy. Fundraising shouldn't sit separately — it should directly support the impact we aim to create. Next, we develop a clear case for support. This helps us articulate exactly what we are asking for and why it matters. A strong, compelling case makes it much easier to engage supporters. We also need to consider the resources we currently have — our people, equipment, and budget. Understanding these allows us to plan realistically and avoid overstretching. Another important element is monitoring and reviewing progress. Fundraising strategies need regular check-ins so we can see what's working, what isn't, and where adjustments are needed. We should also adopt a whole-organisation approach. The strategy should be discussed and approved at board level and involve other teams and departments. Fundraising works best when it's supported across the organisation. Then, we identify our likely supporter groups and choose the fundraising activities that will help us reach them most effectively. Different groups respond to different approaches, so this step is essential. We also make sure that the right organisational policies are in place to support the delivery of the strategy. This ensures consistency, accountability, and clarity. Finally, we think about our longer-term plans — one, three, or even five years ahead. Many fundraising activities require investment and won't bring immediate financial returns, so long-term thinking is key to sustainability..

[Audio] We start by clarifying our digital agriculture vision. This means clearly defining the core of the digital solution we're offering. We need to be specific about the technology we're deploying — whether it's IoT sensors, AI-driven analytics, satellite imagery, blockchain-based traceability, drones, mobile advisory tools, or robotics. We also need to articulate the exact pain point we are solving. Some common examples include low yields caused by poor or insufficient data, inefficient use of water or other inputs, lack of transparency in market prices, high input costs, or the growing need for better climate-risk management. The outcome of this step is a very clear problem–solution fit — a statement that shows precisely what the challenge is and how our technology addresses it. Once that's defined, we move to validating the market and the demand. Funders in digital agriculture want to see evidence that the solution actually works and that farmers or agribusinesses are willing to use it. So at this stage, we build a set of proof points: case studies, pilot results, early user numbers from farmers, cooperatives, or agribusinesses, letters of intent from potential clients, and tangible results such as improved yields or reduced costs. The goal here is simple: to demonstrate that real users are engaging with the tool and gaining measurable value from it. That is what gives funders confidence to invest..

[Audio] Now we move to the third step: identifying the right funding sources for our digital agriculture solution. It's important that we target funders who specialise in digital transformation, climate-tech, and AgTech, because these are the groups that already understand the sector and the challenges we're addressing. The first category is AgTech and climate-tech venture capital. Here, we focus on VC firms investing in areas such as precision agriculture, agricultural robotics, digital farm management platforms, satellite-based solutions, and ag-marketplace models. These investors typically look for scalable technology and a strong business model. The second category is grants and innovation funding. This is non-dilutive funding, meaning we don't give up equity. Relevant sources include government digital-transformation programmes, climate-resilience funding schemes, and international organisations such as FAO, IFAD, USAID, GIZ, and the World Bank. There are also innovation challenge funds specifically geared toward agriculture, as well as grants for drone, AI, or IoT-based solutions. These opportunities are particularly useful for pilots and early-stage validation. The third category is corporate and industry partnerships. This includes partnerships with input companies like seed, fertiliser, and irrigation firms; food processors and exporters; telecom operators that provide rural connectivity; and satellite or IoT hardware providers. These partnerships can offer both funding and market access, making them strategically valuable. Overall, the goal is to match our solution with funders whose missions, interests, and investment priorities align with what we are building.

[Audio] Continuing with our funding landscape, we now look at two additional categories: development agencies and community-based funding sources. Development agencies are particularly strong partners for projects operating in emerging markets. Many of their programmes are designed to support smallholder digital inclusion, climate-smart agriculture, and rural digitalisation. These agencies understand the structural challenges in agricultural markets and often provide multi-year funding that supports both technology deployment and capacity building. For solutions aimed at underserved farming communities, this category can be especially important. The next category is crowdfunding and community sources. These are useful when we're building early MVPs or when we need to demonstrate broad public support. Crowdfunding also enables us to pre-sell subscriptions or early access, which not only helps raise initial capital but also shows funders that real users are willing to pay for the product. Together, these two categories broaden our funding options beyond private investment, giving us pathways to support early development, community engagement, and impact-focused projects..

[Audio] Now, let's dive into what really excites funders: the technology behind your solution and its potential to scale. Funders want clarity on how your innovation works, why it's better than what's out there, and how it can grow efficiently. Start by explaining your technology stack. What tools, platforms, or frameworks power your solution? Make it clear that you've chosen them thoughtfully and strategically. Next, highlight why your technology is superior to current solutions. Is it faster, cheaper, more reliable, or easier to integrate? Funders need to see that your solution isn't just incremental—it's transformative. Scalability is key. Can this solution expand regionally or even nationwide? Show that you've thought about growth and the operational considerations needed to scale. Then, talk about unit economics. How does each customer or transaction contribute to revenue and margin? This demonstrates that your model isn't just innovative but financially sustainable. Finally, mention any data assets you're building. Data is a powerful differentiator. Whether it's predictive analytics, unique user insights, or machine learning models, show that your technology generates value that compounds over time. In short, this slide is about convincing funders that your technology is not just good—it's scalable, defensible, and financially compelling. Next, let's focus on what really convinces funders to invest: evidence of impact and return on investment. In digital agriculture, every funding decision is justified by measurable outcomes, so this is where you show that your solution delivers real, tangible results. Start with yield increases. Show the percentage improvement your technology delivers—funders love seeing concrete numbers that reflect productivity gains. Then, highlight input savings. How much fertilizer, water, or other inputs are farmers saving? This not only improves profitability for farmers but also demonstrates efficiency and sustainability. Speaking of profitability, illustrate how your solution impacts farm income. Clear, quantifiable improvements in farmer earnings resonate strongly with both VCs and grant providers. Don't forget environmental impact. If your solution helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, make sure to quantify it. Sustainability metrics are increasingly critical for funders. Finally, include digital engagement metrics. Daily or monthly active users (DAU/MAU) show adoption and retention—key indicators that your technology is not just innovative but actually used and valued. Remember: numbers tell a story. The more concrete and quantifiable your evidence, the more funders will see your solution as a credible, scalable, and impactful investment..

[Audio] Now that we've clarified your technology and proven impact, the next step is to package everything into professional, persuasive funding materials. This is what funders will actually review, so it needs to be clear, concise, and compelling. Start with your pitch deck. Aim for 12 to 15 slides that tell a complete story—from the problem and solution to traction, technology, and impact. Each slide should be visually engaging but not cluttered, and it should flow logically to guide the funder through your vision. Next, prepare a detailed business plan. This provides a deeper dive into your strategy, operations, and financial model—funders will refer to it for the details behind the high-level story in your deck. Include a technology roadmap. Show how your solution will evolve, scale, and stay ahead of competitors over time. Funders want to see that your technology is future-proof. Don't forget pilot or project results. If you have real-world data, case studies, or testimonials, highlight them—proof of concept goes a long way. An impact framework is also critical. Align your outcomes with broader goals like the SDGs or carbon reduction targets to demonstrate societal value. Finally, be explicit about your ask. State the amount of funding you need and provide a clear budget showing how it will be allocated. Transparency here builds trust and confidence. In short, this slide is about creating a complete, professional package that shows you are prepared, credible, and ready to execute. Now, let's talk about partnerships—one of the most critical elements for success in digital agriculture. Your technology doesn't operate in isolation; it thrives within a strong ecosystem. Early partnerships can accelerate growth, reduce risk, and add credibility. Start with telecom operators. They provide the connectivity your solution depends on, especially in rural areas where infrastructure may be limited. Next, consider hardware manufacturers. Sensors, drones, and other equipment are often integral to your solution. Partnering early ensures you have reliable technology and support. Farmer cooperatives are another key partner. They help with customer acquisition and provide access to trusted networks of end-users, which is crucial for adoption. Agribusinesses can open distribution channels and help scale your solution quickly. Think beyond just sales—they can integrate your solution into their existing operations. Universities or research institutions bring R&D credibility. Collaborative projects can strengthen your evidence base and signal innovation to funders. Finally, governments can provide policy support, subsidies, or large-scale deployment opportunities. Early engagement can pave the way for smoother regulatory approval and wider adoption. In short, funders want to see that you're not going it alone—that you have a strong ecosystem that will help your solution scale and succeed.

[Audio] Finally, let's look at fundraising as a journey, not a one-time event. Mapping out a phased approach shows funders that you have a clear plan for growth and capital needs over time. Start with Seed or Pre-Seed funding. This stage is typically for MVP development and early pilots. Here, angel investors and small innovation grants can provide the initial capital to test your solution and prove the concept. Next comes Series A. At this point, your focus shifts to scaling the technology and expanding to more farmers. Venture capital and corporate investors are appropriate here because they are looking for solutions with proven traction and clear growth potential. Then, Series B and beyond focuses on regional expansion and platform diversification. You might also form partnerships with large agribusinesses to broaden your reach and impact. Impact and climate-focused funds can play a critical role at this stage, especially if your solution demonstrates environmental benefits. The key takeaway is that fundraising is strategic. Each stage should align with specific milestones and clearly show how the capital will accelerate growth. This phased approach reassures funders that you have a roadmap for both financial sustainability and meaningful impact..

[Audio] Our final slide focuses on scaling—because funders want to see that your solution can grow sustainably and profitably. This isn't just about reaching more farmers; it's about having a repeatable, efficient model that delivers consistent results. Start with a repeatable sales model. Funders need to see that acquiring customers isn't ad hoc—it's systematic, scalable, and cost-effective. Next, outline your farmer onboarding strategy. How will you bring new users onto your platform smoothly and keep them engaged? Adoption strategies and support mechanisms are crucial here. Consider data monetization options. As you scale, the data generated by your solution becomes a valuable asset. Show that you've thought about leveraging it responsibly to create additional revenue streams or insights. Integration is also key. Can your platform connect with existing agricultural systems, cooperatives, or supply chains? Interoperability signals that your solution can fit into the broader ecosystem and scale faster. Finally, demonstrate a clear path to profitability. Funders are looking for solutions that are not only impactful but financially sustainable. Show the economics of growth and how scaling leads to meaningful returns. In short, this slide is about proving that your solution isn't just innovative—it's repeatable, integrable, and profitable at scale. That's what funders invest in. Finally, let's talk about storytelling—the glue that ties everything together. Funders don't just invest in technology or numbers; they invest in a vision they can understand, believe in, and get excited about. Your narrative should seamlessly connect four key elements: technology, agriculture, climate resilience, and the economic uplift of farmers. Show how your solution leverages innovation to make farming more productive, sustainable, and profitable. Paint a picture that combines measurable impact with human stories. Funders remember stories that illustrate real-world benefits—how a farmer's yield improved, how communities are thriving, or how climate-smart practices are taking root. A strong story sets you apart in the competitive AgTech funding landscape. It turns your slides, metrics, and projections into a coherent, inspiring vision. Remember: numbers capture attention, but a compelling story captures hearts—and ultimately, funding. So, as you finalize your pitch, make sure every element—from your technology stack to your impact metrics—is woven into a narrative that funders can see themselves supporting..

thank you!. TALLHEDA has received funding from the European Union's Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under Grant Agreement No. 101136578. Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them..