Eratani raises US$6.2m to empower smallholder farmers at scale

As startup investment continues to cool across Southeast Asia, Indonesian agritech firm Eratani is bucking the trend. The company has secured US$6.2 million in Series A funding, led by Singapore-based Clay Capital and supported by TNB Aura, SBI Ven Capital, AgFunder, Genting Ventures, and IIX.

Founded in 2021, Eratani is building an ecosystem-first platform to address one of Indonesia's most pressing challenges: modernising rice production without leaving smallholder farmers behind. The company's mission aligns closely with the Indonesian government's push to achieve rice self-sufficiency by 2027—a goal that has only gained urgency in the face of global food insecurity and climate threats.

With operations across Java and Sulawesi, Eratani has already onboarded more than 34,000 farmers, many of whom previously had no access to formal financing. The company's end-to-end platform—spanning credit access, agronomic advisory, inputs, and market connection—has helped improve cultivation across 13,000 hectares of farmland.

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The results are telling: rice yields rose by an average of 29% in 2024, while farmer incomes jumped 25%. More than 112,000 tonnes of rice and grain were produced under Eratani's ecosystem, reinforcing its goal to be an impact-first agritech company.

"At Eratani, we're proving that economic and social impact can go hand-in-hand with environmental sustainability," said Andrew Soeherman, co-founder and CEO of Eratani. "Our focus isn't on rapid expansion but on building a robust foundation that allows us to scale strategically, creating long-term value for farmers and the agricultural ecosystem while supporting Indonesia's food security goals."

Eratani's value proposition lies in its ability to stitch together an otherwise fragmented farming network. Through its digital interface, farmers can access loans, purchase certified inputs, receive agronomic guidance, and sell crops through trusted channels.

"By utilising data-driven insights, we're able to manage risk more effectively and support smarter decisions on the ground. This not only improves operational efficiency but also fosters the development of a more resilient farming ecosystem as we expand into critical districts across the country," said Bambang Cahyo Susilo, co-founder and CFO of Eratani.

That commitment to data isn't just operational—it's philosophical. Eratani believes that farmers armed with information, not just tools, will lead the charge toward agricultural resilience.

Rice feeds more than half the world's population, yet its production contributes up to 2% of global greenhouse gas emissions—roughly the same as the entire aviation industry, Eratani said. Add to that a massive water footprint, and it's clear that innovation in rice cultivation is a climate imperative, not just an agricultural one.

"Eratani is redefining what's possible for smallholder farmers in Indonesia," said Gerard Chia, partner at Clay Capital. "As the connective tissue in a highly fragmented rice farming ecosystem, their farmer-first, integrated model sets them apart from typical agritech platforms. Beyond improving farmer livelihoods and productivity, Eratani has the potential to drive systemic change by introducing sustainable farming practices and creating future opportunities for farmers as carbon markets continue to evolve."

The funding will be used to roll out precision agriculture tools, increase farm mechanisation, and accelerate sustainable cultivation practices. These investments will also serve Indonesia's broader climate agenda, as agrifood systems become increasingly central to environmental policy.

While many startups chase hypergrowth, Eratani is building slow and strong. With partnerships already spanning 600 agri-kiosks and 70 rice milling units, the company aims to lay the groundwork for lasting transformation.

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