Brand Story
Khula! is a Johannesburg-based agritech startup founded in 2016 by Karidas Tshintsholo and Matthew Piper to help smallholder farmers access markets, finance and agricultural inputs.
The name “Khula” means “to grow” in isiZulu, reflecting the company’s mission to enable small farms to compete with commercial agriculture through technology and partnerships.
The platform allows farmers to access thousands of input products, receive smart recommendations, lock in buyers before harvest and access working capital and logistics support.
Khula! has been backed by investors including PepsiCo’s Kgodiso Fund and is recognised as one of South Africa’s leading agritech ventures transforming how smallholders farm and sell.
Why It Exists
Khula! exists to unlock the potential of smallholder farmers in Africa by removing barriers to markets, finance and quality inputs through a digital platform.
The company was created to respond to the reality that millions of small farms struggle to compete with commercial agriculture due to fragmented supply chains, lack of data and limited access to funding.
Through its marketplace, financing partnerships and advisory tools, Khula! helps farmers increase yields, reduce risk and build sustainable, profitable businesses.
To reshape African agriculture by connecting smallholder farmers to markets, funding and expertise so they can grow bigger, earn more and feed the continent.
Founder & Key People
Karidas Tshintsholo
Co-Founder & CEOKaridas Tshintsholo is the co-founder and CEO of Khula!, a Johannesburg-based agritech platform connecting smallholder farmers to markets, inputs and finance.
He has led Khula! from an early-stage startup to a nationally recognised agritech brand backed by investors including PepsiCo’s Kgodiso Fund.
Karidas regularly speaks at industry events such as the Citrus Indaba, advocating for technology-driven solutions to support smallholder farmers and transform African agriculture.
Achievements & Recognition
Khula! has earned recognition for its contribution to South African agriculture, agritech innovation and support for smallholder farmers.
2025 Top Agriculture Brand
Khula! was recognised as the Top Agriculture Brand at the 2025 Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards.
Backed by PepsiCo’s Kgodiso Fund
The company has secured investment from PepsiCo’s Kgodiso Fund and is recognised as a leading agritech startup transforming how smallholder farmers access markets and finance.
What They Do
Khula! operates a digital marketplace that connects smallholder farmers to buyers, input suppliers, funders and logistics partners, while providing data-driven recommendations and advisory support.