The Draper Richards Kaplan (DRK) Foundation is looking for innovative social entrepreneurs with scalable solutions that improve the lives of underserved communities. For agri-focused startups, this could mean technologies or services that increase farmer incomes, improve food security, promote climate-smart agriculture, or strengthen supply chains in rural areas.
DRK supports early-stage ventures with a three-pillar model:
What DRK Offers
Capacity: Deep operational and technical support, including board-level mentorship, leadership and organizational development, fundraising strategy, financial sustainability guidance, and scaling support. In-kind support can reach up to $500,000 USD.
Capital: Funding of up to $300,000 USD over three years, either as unrestricted grant funding or investment capital.
Community: Access to DRK’s global network of portfolio organizations and alumni, including in-person and digital connections, one-on-one meetings, and an annual portfolio retreat.
Application & Selection Process
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Submit Application: Complete the online application form to share your venture and impact goals. Initial assessment takes approximately 8-10 weeks.
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Early Interviews: Exploratory conversations to assess alignment with DRK’s impact criteria. Around 20% of applicants reach this stage.
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Formal Diligence: A 2-4 month review involving conversations, document review, and co-creation of a growth plan. Fewer than 10% of candidates from Early Interviews reach this stage.
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Meet the Team: Engage with the DRK investment committee and team members for diverse perspectives.
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Closing Process: Final review and onboarding, including a dedicated DRK board member who will help shape a three-year growth plan.
Why This Opportunity Matters for Agri Startups
For agriculture and food systems innovators, DRK’s combination of capital, mentorship, and global community offers a unique chance to scale impact, strengthen operational capacity, and attract additional funding. Whether your solution targets smallholder farmers, improves supply chain efficiency, or tackles climate resilience in agriculture, DRK can help accelerate your growth and amplify your impact.
Disclaimer:
This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement by Agri-web. Interested applicants are encouraged to visit the official DRK Foundation website for complete program details and verified application instructions. Applicants are also strongly encouraged to exercise due diligence before submitting any personal or sensitive information.
To apply for this job please visit www.drkfoundation.org.