Today we #ZoomIn on Dotto Zubedhah, founder of FarmAll – a comprehensive one stop platform that connect farmers to agricultural tools and resources. Farmall was runner-up of the AWIT 2017 pitch competition and we gifted them 3 months free access to our coworking space. This is what Dotto had to say…
To start, what inspired you to start Farmall?
I saw a problem in farming. I was facing it and people around me were too. Looking for land to start an agricultural project or getting enough knowledge to startup a farming idea is a problem most people face. I thought maybe something could be done that would make everything easy. Get land, get inputs, crop care, finance, market, business partners, all from one place. I searched online and didn’t get something I was trying to look for. Then FarmallKE came to be born. Thought that name came later after struggling with a few.
What does Farmall offer the Kenyan market?
It offers a comprehensive platform that a poor, potential or retired farmer, agricultural lenders and industry partners can easily access agricultural tools and resources. Our vision is to connect Agricultural seekers and Lenders with tools they need to succeed and preserve farming. We are also working on something that we know will be a revolution to farmers.
What has been your proudest moment with Farmall?
The first time we pitched the project at AWIT and we won 2nd runners up and 3 month membership at Nairobi Garage. We also received mentorship from Dorothy Githae, which has been invaluable to us. Lastly, we’ve also been receiving positive feedback from everyone and that makes us strive to bring something better.
If you had one piece of advice to early-stage startups, what would it be?
As you dive into your start-up, first believe in it and never give up. On the lowest point of your start-up, rethink, re-strategize and get back up
What book would you recommend every entrepreneur to read?
Eat that frog by Brian Tracy. As an entrepreneur, I get overwhelmed by tasks from all sides of business operations and management. For me, this little book provides me some of the most effective ways to accomplish tasks.
Who is the one entrepreneur that has been your greatest inspiration?
Jack Ma, Founder of Alibaba. I go by what he once said: “If you don’t give up, you have chance. Giving up is the greatest failure”. As an entrepreneur, or in life, there are ups and downs. You either give up on something or try harder to make it work.
