News
Cinch Markets backed by UM6P Ventures to scale mosaic farms in Kenya and Ghana
Nairobi agritech Cinch Markets has taken investment from UM6P Ventures, the investment arm of Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, ahead of a planned Series A. Amount undisclosed.
By Propel Africa · 2025-11-25
Startup Researcher reported on 25 November that UM6P Ventures has joined Cinch Markets as an investor. UM6P Ventures is the strategic investment arm of Mohammed VI Polytechnic University. The amount was not disclosed.
What the company does
Cinch Markets aggregates fragmented smallholder plots into larger, centrally managed mosaic farms. It takes on agricultural and operational risk, invests in infrastructure and farm management, and secures contracts with large buyers. The company was founded in 2017 and is headquartered in Nairobi. Alexander Fankuchen is co-founder and CEO, and Richard Gadbois is co-founder.
Impact and plans
According to Startup Researcher, smallholder landowners can increase their annual income three to six times through lease payments, salaries and dividends, while keeping ownership of their land and the option to opt out of leases. The company hires a high proportion of women and offers training to smallholders. UM6P Ventures assessed Cinch's business model, operational performance and growth potential before investing. The backing will support geographic expansion, new services and new business lines such as agroforestry, and Cinch is preparing for a future Series A. Its stated ambition is to scale across Africa.
At a glance
- Company: Cinch Markets
- Raised: Not disclosed
- Investor: UM6P Ventures
- Founded: 2017
- Founders: Alexander Fankuchen, Richard Gadbois
- Based in: Nairobi, Kenya
- Markets: Kenya, Ghana
- Key number: Three to six times smallholder income uplift