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§ Private Profile · Milwaukee, WI, USA
Social enterprise providing zero-electricity dehydrators to rural farmers, upcycling agricultural waste into ethical CPG brands.
Agricycle Global has raised $2.4M across 1 funding round.
Key people at Agricycle Global.
Agricycle Global has raised $2.4M in total across 1 funding round.
Based in Shorewood, Wisconsin, Agricycle Global is a food manufacturing enterprise that provides zero-electricity passive solar dehydrators to rural farmers to upcycle agricultural waste into ethical consumer products. The company operates a vertically integrated supply chain that currently supports a global network of over 35,000 smallholder farmers across Sub-Saharan Africa, Central America, and the Caribbean. Agricycle purchases preserved produce directly from these farmers to manufacture globally distributed consumer packaged goods, including fruit flour, dried fruit, and sustainable charcoal under owned brands like Jali Fruit Co. and Tropicoal Ignition. Operating with a workforce of 21 to 50 employees, the enterprise has raised $2.4 million in seed funding from lead investors such as MaC Venture Capital and CSA Partners, while collaborating with organizations like SMEP Microfinance. Agricycle Global was founded in 2018 by founder and CEO Josh Shefner.
Key people at Agricycle Global.
Agricycle Global has raised $2.4M across 1 funding round. Most recently, it raised $2.4M Agricycle - Seed in September 2021.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 10, 2021 | $2.4M Seed | CSA Partners, MAX Duckworth | BrightStar Wisconsin Foundation, Connetic Ventures, Evergreen Climate Innovations, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Investment Partners | Announced |
Agricycle Global has raised $2.4M in total across 1 funding round.
Agricycle Global's investors include CSA Partners, Max Duckworth, BrightStar Wisconsin Foundation, Connetic Ventures, Evergreen Climate Innovations, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Investment Partners.
Agricycle Global is a vertically integrated food tech company that operates an upcycled ingredient marketplace connecting over 35,000 smallholder farmers worldwide with global food manufacturers. It designs and sells low-barrier, zero-electricity technologies to rural farmers to reduce postharvest loss and waste, enabling them to produce all-natural, sustainable ingredients. Agricycle then incorporates these ingredients into on-trend consumer brands focused on natural foods, sustainability, and transparency. The company addresses supply chain inefficiencies by cutting out middlemen, improving farmer incomes, and promoting ethical sourcing, while partnering with major global brands. Its growth is marked by expanding farmer networks in East and West Africa and the Caribbean, with plans to add thousands more farmers and enter new markets by 2025[1][2][3][5].
Founded in 2017 (formerly known as Blue Mangoes) and headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Agricycle Global was created by founders with a background in ethical brand creation and sustainability. The idea emerged from the need to tackle food waste and empower rural farmers by providing accessible technology and direct market access. Early traction came from developing a tech-enabled supply chain and securing partnerships with accelerators and investors such as BrightStar Wisconsin Foundation and Gener8tor Illinois AgTech Accelerator. The company has raised approximately $2.87 million in funding and continues to evolve its impact-driven model[3][4][6].
Agricycle Global rides the growing global trend toward sustainable food systems, zero waste, and ethical supply chains. The timing is critical as consumers and manufacturers increasingly demand transparency, sustainability, and social impact in food sourcing. Market forces such as climate change, food insecurity, and the need for inclusive economic development favor Agricycle’s model. By leveraging technology to democratize access to global markets for smallholder farmers, Agricycle influences the broader ecosystem by promoting circular economy principles and empowering rural communities. Its approach also mitigates risks from political and environmental instability by diversifying supply across regions and adapting locally[1][5][7].
Agricycle Global is poised for significant growth as it scales its farmer network and expands into new geographic markets, including Liberia, Haiti, and Jamaica. Future trends shaping its journey include increased global focus on food system resilience, climate-smart agriculture, and consumer demand for traceable, sustainable products. The company’s influence is likely to deepen as it continues to integrate technology, impact measurement, and brand storytelling, potentially becoming a leading player in ethical food supply chains. Its success will depend on navigating geopolitical challenges and maintaining strong local partnerships while scaling operations globally[5][6].
Agricycle Global exemplifies how technology and sustainability can converge to transform food supply chains, empower smallholder farmers, and meet the rising demand for ethical, zero-waste food products.
