Nigerian-based foodtech platform, Foodpreneurs Hub, has announced the successful completion of its $500,000 pre-seed funding round. Founded by Olushola Oladejo (CEO) and Yosola Oke (COO), the startup aims to address food insecurity across Africa by empowering local food entrepreneurs with the resources they need to succeed. This capital injection marks a crucial step in scaling the company’s initiatives focused on sustainable food systems and the reduction of post-harvest food waste.

Mission and Vision

Foodpreneurs Hub was established with a mission to democratize food processing and provide African food innovators with the tools and knowledge to scale their businesses. The platform offers coaching, mentorship, and access to strategic partnerships, helping entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of the food processing industry. By focusing on the post-harvest stage of the supply chain, Foodpreneurs Hub tackles a major pain point in African agriculture—over 40% of food is lost during this phase, according to industry estimates.

“Our mission is to democratize food processing,” said Yosola Oke in a recent interview. “We are building a community that empowers aspiring entrepreneurs to innovate, create jobs, and contribute to food security across the continent.”

Key Initiatives and Programs

One of the platform’s flagship initiatives, the “FoodStars Business Scale-Up” program, is designed to provide entrepreneurs with access to capital, mentorship, and opportunities to pitch their ventures for funding. The six-week program allows food entrepreneurs to compete for funding of up to $1,000, helping them bring their ideas to market and scale their operations.

The company also offers tailored coaching in product development, business planning, and market research to help food innovators build sustainable businesses. This comprehensive approach ensures that entrepreneurs are well-equipped to overcome the practical challenges they face in a highly competitive industry.

Tackling Food Insecurity

The central aim of Foodpreneurs Hub is to address the root causes of food insecurity in Africa. By bridging the gap between food production and food processing, the platform helps reduce post-harvest losses and increases food availability. With food insecurity remaining a critical issue in many parts of Africa, the Hub’s initiatives could have a far-reaching impact on local communities and economies.

According to Olushola Oladejo, “We’re not just addressing the symptoms of food insecurity; we are tackling the root causes by equipping the next generation of food innovators.” This holistic approach has earned the company recognition as a key player in Africa’s burgeoning foodtech space.

Previous Investments and Future Prospects

The $500,000 raised in this pre-seed round follows a significant $5 million investment in May 2024 from Fusen Funds, led by American billionaire Chris Klaus. That earlier funding enabled Foodpreneurs Hub to expand its operations and support a larger number of food entrepreneurs across the continent.

With the new capital, the company is well-positioned to scale its impact even further. The funds will be used to accelerate the platform’s efforts in empowering food entrepreneurs and addressing food security challenges in Africa.

Foodpreneurs Hub’s latest pre-seed funding represents a significant milestone in its journey to revolutionize the food processing industry in Africa. Through its innovative programs, strategic partnerships, and unwavering commitment to food security, the company is setting the stage for sustainable development across the continent. As the platform continues to expand, it remains focused on equipping the next generation of food entrepreneurs to create lasting change in the fight against food insecurity.