Ghana - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

FARMERCY Coldstores & Logistics retrofits domestic air conditioners with proprietary technology to create decentralized, solar-powered coldrooms for smallholder farmers, reducing costs by 70%.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

FARMERCY Coldstores & Logistics innovates by retrofitting domestic air conditioners with our proprietary Farmercy Cold Controller, creating affordable and efficient coldrooms tailored for smallholder farmers and traders in major markets. Our decentralized, solar-powered coldrooms and tailored logistics services ensure that farmers can store their produce safely, reducing post-harvest losses and increasing profitability. Additionally, we provide an inventory management app to streamline operations, making our solution both practical and technologically advanced.

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

We aim to tackle the significant issue of post-harvest losses in Africa, where up to 50% of produce is lost due to inadequate storage and inefficient logistics. This not only undermines food security but also drastically reduces the income of smallholder farmers. By providing affordable and efficient cold storage solutions, we help preserve the quality of agricultural produce, ensuring it reaches the market in optimal condition, thereby supporting food security and increasing farmers’ incomes.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your startup provides (at least 3).

1. Cost-Effective Storage: Our retrofitted coldrooms are 70% cheaper to build and operate, making them accessible to smallholder farmers. 2. Decentralized and Solar-Powered: Our coldrooms are decentralized and powered by solar energy, ensuring they are environmentally friendly and can be set up in remote locations. 3. Integrated Logistics and Management: We offer tailored logistics services and an inventory management app, streamlining the process from farm to market and ensuring efficiency.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your startup’s product/service is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

Our primary beneficiaries are smallholder farmers and traders in major local markets across Africa. These groups often struggle with post-harvest losses due to inadequate storage facilities and inefficient logistics. By providing decentralized, affordable, and efficient cold storage solutions, we help them preserve their produce, reduce losses, and increase their profitability. Additionally, consumers benefit from fresher and safer food products, enhancing overall food security.

01.05 When was your company established?

2023-02-17

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

No

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

4

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

1

01.09 Please describe the profile of the other owners within your startup (skills, experience, etc.)

• Fred Owusu Achia, Chief Executive Officer: Fred has three years of experience in embedded systems and project management, driving the strategic vision of the company. • Agnes Nyilyar Tobyarmo, Chief Operating Officer: Agnes has two years of experience in greenhouse production and storage management, ensuring operational efficiency. • William Dadzie-Rhule, Chief Technical Officer: William brings two years of expertise in logistics, supply chain management, and software development, overseeing our technological innovations. • Gabriel Arhin, Chief Marketing Officer: Gabriel has three years of marketing experience, leading our efforts in market penetration and customer engagement.

01.10 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link(s) here:

https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/farmercy-coldstores-and-logistics/

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

c) Industry (equipment, commercial, logistical and professional services, transport)

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

FARMERCY Coldstores & Logistics helps reduce post-harvest losses by providing affordable and efficient cold storage solutions to smallholder farmers. By preserving the quality of their produce, farmers can sell more of their harvest, increasing their income and lifting themselves out of poverty. Our tailored logistics services also help farmers access broader markets, further enhancing their economic stability.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

Our core mission is to reduce food waste and ensure that more agricultural produce reaches the market. By providing advanced cold storage facilities, we prevent spoilage and loss of perishable goods, directly contributing to increased food availability. This helps to combat hunger and improve food security for communities across Africa. By supporting smallholder farmers, we ensure a more stable and resilient food supply chain.

02.03.01 My startup contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

6

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification for my startup

By preserving the freshness and quality of food, FARMERCY Coldstores & Logistics ensures that consumers have access to nutritious and safe food products. Our efficient logistics reduce the risk of contamination and spoilage, promoting better health outcomes. Additionally, by improving the economic conditions of farmers, we indirectly contribute to their well-being and that of their families.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

4

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

Our operations create numerous job opportunities, from the construction and maintenance of coldrooms to the logistics and management roles. By improving the profitability of smallholder farming, we stimulate local economies and promote sustainable economic growth. Our innovative approach also provides decent work conditions and fair wages, contributing to economic development in rural areas.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

FARMERCY Coldstores & Logistics is at the forefront of industry innovation with our proprietary technology that retrofits domestic air conditioners to create cost-effective coldrooms. This innovation significantly reduces the cost of cold storage infrastructure, making it accessible to smallholder farmers. Our decentralized, solar-powered coldrooms represent a significant advancement in agricultural infrastructure, fostering further innovation in the industry.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

By reducing post-harvest losses and ensuring that more food reaches the market, we promote responsible consumption and production practices. Our cold storage solutions minimize waste and make the agricultural supply chain more efficient and sustainable. Additionally, our use of solar power and eco-friendly technologies further aligns with responsible production goals.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

Our solar-powered coldrooms and logistics solutions significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with traditional cold storage methods. By preventing food spoilage and waste, we also reduce the methane emissions from decomposing organic matter. Our innovative approach to cold storage helps mitigate the impact of climate change, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient agricultural system.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

02.16.01 My startup contributes to the Peace Justice and Strong Institutions goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

06.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

5

06.02 The product/service represents an entirely new type of product/service.

5

06.03 The product/service could be described as a new technology.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.04 The product/service is an improvement on an existing product or service.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.05 The product/service could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

5

06.06 The product/service responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.07 The product/service is a new version of an old product/service.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.08 Justification for my startup

### Justification for FARMERCY Coldstores & Logistics FARMERCY Coldstores & Logistics stands out as a unique and innovative project for several reasons: 1. **Proprietary Cold Storage Technology:** Our innovative approach involves retrofitting domestic air conditioners with the proprietary Farmercy Cold Controller. This technology significantly reduces the cost of building and maintaining coldrooms, making them 70% cheaper than conventional options. This affordability makes cold storage accessible to smallholder farmers, a group that typically cannot afford traditional cold storage solutions. 2. **Decentralized and Solar-Powered Coldrooms:** Unlike centralized cold storage facilities, our solution is decentralized and powered by solar energy. This decentralization means that coldrooms can be installed closer to where farmers are located, reducing transportation costs and time. The use of solar power makes our coldrooms sustainable and operational even in off-grid areas, support

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Main Competitors: 1.Akofresh: Provides solar-powered cold storage solutions but at a higher cost compared to our retrofitted units. 2.Freshline: Offers portable cold storage but lacks integrated logistics and inventory management. 3.Freezelink: Specializes in solar-powered cold storage but primarily targets larger farms and cooperatives. What Makes Us Stand Out: 1. Cost-Effective Technology: Our proprietary Farmercy Cold Controller retrofits domestic air conditioners, making our coldrooms 70% cheaper than competitors, making it accessible to smallholder farmers. 2. Integrated Solutions: Unlike competitors, we offer a comprehensive service that includes AI-driven inventory management and tailored logistics, ensuring efficiency from farm to market. 3. Decentralized Approach: Our decentralized, solar-powered coldrooms can be installed closer to farmers, reducing transportation costs and time, and are sustainable, operational even in off-grid areas.

11.05 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

We embrace diversity and it’s a compulsory act to have 50/50 gender share in all activities else more females. An example is our policy of having and maintaining equal number of females on executive roles in my startup as well as females being site managers at every facility we put up