// startup autopsy
Kheyti
An Earthshot Prize winner that couldn't escape the fatal tension between impact and profit.
unit economicsZombie Startup
Technically alive but effectively dead, burning cash
| Founded | 2015 |
|---|---|
| Closed | 2024 |
| Country | India |
| Sector | Agriculture |
| Founder | Kaushik Kappagantula, Sathya Raghu |
// the model, blind
Evaluating only Kheyti’s profile at its peak — without knowing the outcome — the model ranked Unit economics as the #1 likely cause. That’s exactly how it died.
Key Events Timeline
FOUNDING
Kaushik Kappagantula and Sathya Raghu founded Kheyti in Hyderabad to provide affordable greenhouses to smallholder farmers.
FUNDING
Won the Prince William Earthshot Prize worth £1M; gained global visibility and impact investor interest.
PRODUCT LAUNCH
Reached 3,000 farmer customers but unit economics remained negative due to subsidized pricing model.
SHUTDOWN
Failed to close Series A after 18 months of attempts; operations reduced to grant-funded pilot only.