How the Agricultural Bank's Pitch Got Funding for Growth

Issue

The agricultural sector plays a vital role in our economy, but it faces several challenges. One of these challenges is the lack of access to financial services that meet the needs of farmers, plantation owners and agro-industries, especially in remote areas.

Take, for example, Mr. Lim, a small farmer in a remote rural area. Mr. Lim is in the middle of the planting season, and he needs to buy new seeds and fertilizer to plant his crops. However, he does not have access to a bank that offers loans at low interest rates with flexible repayment schedules. Mr. Lim then has to resort to borrowing from a local loan shark who charges exorbitant interest rates, putting him in a cycle of debt he cannot escape.

This problem is not limited to Mr. Lim. According to the World Bank, more than 2 billion people worldwide lack access to formal financial services, including savings, credit, insurance and remittances, and more than 200 million micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) face a .2 to .2 trillion funding gap.

Lack of access to financing that meets the needs of the agricultural sector remains a significant challenge; Therefore, there is a critical need for a solution that solves this problem.

What is the relevance of the problem?

The problems that farmers and agribusinesses face in accessing finance cannot be underestimated. Agriculture is a crucial sector that provides employment, food and raw materials. According to the World Bank, the agricultural sector employs more than 1.3 billion people worldwide and contributes more than 25% to global GDP. Therefore, providing access to finance for the agricultural sector will promote economic development, job creation and poverty reduction in rural areas.

What is the current solution for the problem?

Traditional banks and financial institutions have not provided appropriate solutions to address the challenges faced by farmers, plantation owners and agribusinesses. Current financial systems do not meet the specific needs of the agricultural sector in terms of loan rates, flexible repayment schedules and a simplified loan process. This has led to a lack of access to finance, high interest rates and inadequate loan terms for those in the agricultural sector.

Why does the problem exist?

The lack of access to an appropriate financial system in the agricultural sector is mainly due to the cost and risk of lending money to farmers and agribusinesses. Small farmers tend to have limited collateral and unpredictable returns and require financing for short periods. Traditional financial institutions may not see the value of investing time and resources in developing credit products that cater to the agricultural sector, as they perceive it as a high-risk sector. This has created a gap in the market, leaving farmers, plantation owners, MSMEs in the agricultural sector unable to meet their financing needs.

Solution / value proposition

At Agricultural Bank, we understand the challenges farmers face when it comes to accessing financial services. Our solution is a mobile banking app that offers farmers a range of convenient banking services, customized to their unique needs.

Our mobile banking app allows farmers to check their account balances, deposit and transfer funds, and even apply for loans – from the comfort of their own farm. We use the latest technology to ensure the app is secure, reliable and easy to use.

Unlike traditional banks that require farmers to travel long distances to complete transactions or formalities, our mobile banking app offers farmers an easy and accessible way to manage their finances. This solution addresses the problem of financial inclusion, which has long been a challenge for farmers in rural areas.

Our solution is so good it has the potential to transform the way banks serve the agricultural sector. By providing a seamless and user-friendly experience, we believe our mobile banking app will become an essential tool for farmers across the country.

After using our mobile banking app, farmers will feel empowered, confident and in control of their finances. By giving them access to financial services, we help drive economic growth and improve livelihoods in rural areas.

Our solution is truly amazing because it bridges the gap between traditional banking services and the unique needs of farmers. With our mobile banking app, we make banking accessible, affordable and convenient for farmers, regardless of location or financial situation.

Journey to find the solution

Our journey to find the solution began with extensive research and engagement with farmers in rural areas. We wanted to understand their financial needs and the challenges they face when accessing banking services.

• We conducted surveys and focus group discussions with farmers to learn more about their financial habits and preferences.
• We visited rural areas and observed firsthand the challenges farmers face when accessing banking services.
• We analyzed industry reports and spoke with experts in the agricultural and banking sectors to obtain further information.

Based on our research, we identified the need for a mobile banking application that specifically addressed the needs of farmers. We worked with a team of experts to develop a solution tailored to the unique challenges faced by farmers in rural areas. Our solution has since undergone extensive testing and refinement, ensuring that it is scalable, reliable and easy to use.

We are convinced that our solution is not only innovative, but practical and effective in solving the financial inclusion challenge for farmers. Our dedicated team is passionate about making a real difference in the lives of farmers and the rural communities they support.

Market validation

Our market validation shows that the agricultural industry is a viable market for our commercial solution. The size of the market is immense, with a total addressable market (TAM) of approximately .3 trillion worldwide. This TAM is expected to grow by a CAGR of 4.6% over the next five years, reaching a potential value of .4 trillion by 2026.

The details of our market covered include the fact that the average revenue per customer varies greatly depending on the type of agricultural product or service being offered. However, our target customers are farmers and according to USDA the average annual income of farmers is ,653. We aim to provide value to these customers by offering financial solutions that meet their unique needs.

Starting a business in the agriculture industry is a good idea as the industry is essential for human survival and has a massive impact on the global economy. By providing financial solutions to farmers, we aim to help them grow their businesses, increase their incomes and contribute to the global food supply chain.

The agricultural finance market is growing, growing at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2021 to 2028, driven by increased demand for food, growing population and increasing agricultural production. Additionally, the Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of industry and increased investment in agriculture.

Our research shows that farmers are willing to pay for financial solutions that can help them grow their business. According to a National Young Farmers Coalition survey, 78% of farmers would pay 0 or more for business planning support, while 60% would pay 0 or more for access to low-interest loans. We aim to provide these services at competitive prices to attract and retain customers.

business model

Our business model is designed to generate revenue for our agricultural bank through multiple streams. The main source of income for our business is through loans and interest. Agricultural loans are an essential part of our income stream, and we offer several different types of loans, including crop loans, machinery loans and livestock loans.

Additionally, we offer a range of deposit accounts to our customers, including savings accounts, fixed deposits and recurring deposits. We generate income through the interest earned on these accounts. We also generate income through the sale of government securities, corporate bonds and other financial instruments.

Our bank also offers various non-fund based products such as letters of credit, bank guarantees and other facilities, which generate revenue through associated fees and commissions.

We also generate revenue from foreign exchange services through the purchase and sale of foreign currencies, and we provide remittance services to customers for a fee. Additionally, we sell insurance products such as crop insurance, livestock insurance and personal accident insurance, generating revenue through policy premiums.

Our business model focuses on maintaining customer relationships and providing exceptional customer service while generating revenue through various financial services. We have forecast total revenue of .5 million in our first year of operation.

• Agricultural loans – 50%
• Deposit accounts – 20%
• Non-fund based products – 10%
• Forex Services and Remittances – 7%
• Insurance products – 13%

We plan to launch additional services such as mobile banking and credit cards in the future to further expand our revenue streams. Our business model is built on the foundation of generating revenue through consistent customer satisfaction and innovation in financial services.

Competition

Our main competitors in agricultural banking are national banks, regional banks and credit unions. These competitors specialize in offering a range of personal and business financial services, including loans, checking and savings accounts, and investment services. These institutions have an established presence in the market and are trusted by many customers.

However, what these traditional banking institutions lack is a specialized focus on agriculture. With our agricultural bank, we aim to fill this gap in the market. We offer bespoke financial services designed specifically for farmers, ranchers and other agricultural businesses. We understand the unique needs of the agriculture industry and provide solutions that truly meet those needs.

Our USPs include:

• Competence: Our team of professionals has extensive experience in the agricultural industry and understands the details of agricultural finance. We provide our clients with personalized advice and support to help them achieve their financial goals.
• Flexibility: Although traditional banking institutions have rigid loan and account structures, we offer flexible solutions that can be customized to meet each client’s unique needs. Farmers and ranchers face unpredictable conditions and we aim to provide them with the financial flexibility they need to succeed.
• Accessibility: Agriculture is a vital industry that fuels our communities, and we believe everyone should have access to the financial support they need to succeed. We make our services accessible to all farmers and ranchers, regardless of location or size.

We don’t view our competition as stealing from our customers, but rather as providing a comparison for our customers to see where we excel. We believe our unique focus on agriculture and our USPs set us apart from our competitors and position us as a valuable asset to the agriculture industry.

Founding team

Our founding team is the driving force behind the success of the agricultural bank. Each member has extensive experience in the banking sector and shares a passion for innovation and the modernization of financial institutions. We are committed to providing a personalized experience for our clients while keeping up with the latest trends in finance and technology.

John Smith – CEO: John has over 20 years of banking experience and has held senior management positions at several major banks. He holds a degree in finance from Harvard Business School and has a track record of increasing revenue and growing the banking industry.

Jane Doe – COO: As COO, Jane is responsible for ensuring that all internal processes run smoothly. She brings over 15 years of experience to the table, including leading operations for a leading bank. Jane earned her business administration degree from Stanford and is known for her strategic planning and problem-solving skills.

Mark Johnson – CTO: Mark is our Chief Technology Officer and is responsible for all technical aspects of Farm Banking. With a degree in Computer Science from MIT, he has over 10 years of experience developing and implementing innovative banking technology. Mark is passionate about implementing technology to make banks more accessible and efficient for customers.

Emily Chen – CFO: Emily is our Chief Financial Officer and brings over 12 years of finance experience to the table. She holds a degree in accounting from Columbia University and is responsible for all financial operations of the Agricultural Bank. Emily has a proven track record of improving financial performance and streamlining operations.

Our team has a diverse set of skills and experiences that complement each other. We are committed to building strong relationships with our customers and providing top-notch banking services that meet their unique needs. We are convinced that our team has the expertise and dedication required to make agricultural banking a success.

Goal: Our goal is to revolutionize the banking industry by providing innovative and personalized solutions to the financial needs of our customers. We aim to create an efficient, secure and convenient banking experience while maintaining the human touch.

Lack of skills: We recognize that there are areas where we may lack skills, such as marketing or legal expertise. However, we are committed to creating a strong network of partners and advisors who can provide us with the support and advice we need to overcome these challenges.

The right people for the challenge: We firmly believe that our team has the right mix of skills, experience and passion to meet the challenges of the modern banking industry. We are committed to ongoing education and professional development to ensure that we stay ahead of the curve and meet the evolving needs of our customers.

Traction

Our agricultural bank has made enormous progress since its creation. We have reached several milestones that indicate a promising future for our company.

• User Growth: Our customer base has grown steadily, with a 25% increase in users in the last quarter alone. This growth demonstrates market demand for our services and the effectiveness of our marketing strategies.
• Product Market Fit: Our customer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with a 95% satisfaction rate. We were able to identify our target market and effectively tailor our services to their needs.
• Revenue: Our revenue has shown a significant increase, with a 40% increase over the last six months. This increase reflects the various revenue streams we have incorporated and our commitment to providing high quality services.

Our metrics have been key to driving our growth and will continue to be as we scale our business. We constantly monitor and analyze our data to identify areas that need improvement and opportunities to optimize our operations.

• Customer acquisition cost: We kept our customer acquisition cost low by implementing targeted social media marketing strategies and partnering with local businesses. As a result, our cost per acquisition has decreased by 30% over the past year.
• Customer Lifetime Value: Our customers have high lifetime value due to our focus on customer retention. Our customer churn rate is less than 10%, indicating that our services meet and exceed customer expectations, leading to repeat business and improved revenue.

Our traction has been instrumental in building our brand and establishing our market position. We are confident that our growth will continue and that we will achieve our goal of becoming the leading agricultural bank in the region.

Fund raising

Our agricultural bank is requesting million in funding to support our expansion plans and increase our lending capacity. This investment opportunity aims to provide our bank with the necessary resources to take advantage of the growing demand for agricultural finance in our region.

The funds will be used to strengthen our loan portfolio, improve our digital banking capabilities and grow our market share. Specifically, the funds will be allocated as follows:

• Expanding Loan Portfolio: million will be dedicated to increasing our lending capacity, allowing us to provide farmers and agricultural businesses with more access to capital.
• Digital banking capabilities: million will be invested in upgrading our digital infrastructure and launching new features to improve our online banking services.
• Market expansion: million will be used to support our expansion into new markets and attract a wider customer base.

With these funds, we aim to achieve the following milestones:

• Grow our loan portfolio by 50% over the next 12 months
• Launch a new mobile app to increase accessibility and convenience for our customers
• Expand our customer base by 25% in the next 24 months

We are confident that this fundraising effort will help us achieve our goals and support the growth of the agricultural sector in our region. We are open to discussing the terms and conditions of the investment opportunity and to offering attractive returns on investment.