As part of the technical assistance activities of the project Advancing Digital Innovation for Smallholder Farmers in Latin America, funded by IDB Lab and the Smallholder Sustainability Upscaling Programme (SSNUP, coordinated by ADA), and implemented by Incofin Foundation, the training program for the portfolio of 14 organizations developing digital agriculture (agtech) solutions has been completed. The training focused on investment readiness, data-driven business development, talent management, and gender inclusion.
The objective of these modules was to strengthen organizations’ capacity to use data strategically to design and scale their business models, while building inclusive and resilient organizations. The sessions were led by Michael Hayes (Venture Partner, The Yield Lab Latam), Daiana Cardozo Costaganna (Financial Advisor & Startup Mentor), María José Agostino (People Strategy & Talent Consultant), and Belem Saucedo (Gender and Sustainability Specialist).
Michael Hayes introduced the concept of the Impact Investment Thesis, a tool that helps startups align financial performance with environmental and social outcomes. Through case studies from the agtech sector, he explained how data can validate business hypotheses, identify scalable impact models, and foster hybrid strategies that balance profitability and sustainability. Participants explored how impact metrics—such as water savings, carbon sequestration, and smallholder income growth—can strengthen their investment narratives and attract purpose-driven investors.
Complementing this, Daiana Cardozo guided startups on business modeling, financial metrics, and investor relations. Participants analyzed various business models—SaaS, marketplaces, usage-based systems, and hardtech—evaluating their pros and cons for scalability in agtech. The sessions provided practical frameworks for understanding key performance indicators (KPIs) such as MRR, CAC, LTV, and payback period, along with impact indicators related to productivity, water efficiency, and CO₂ reduction. Participants also learned about financial models for planning and translating data into actionable insights and investor-ready reports.
A final learning module addressed the human and cultural dimensions of business growth, exploring how organizational culture, leadership, and inclusion drive innovation and sustainability in startups. María José Agostino focused on how to intentionally design organizational cultures that support collaboration, emphasizing how founders play a key role in modeling trust, transparency, and purpose-driven leadership.
On the other hand, Belem Saucedo introduced the business case for gender inclusion in agtech, highlighting that closing gender gaps in access to land, technology, and finance can significantly improve productivity and attract socially responsible investment. Participants learned practical approaches to integrate gender equity into their culture, supply chains, and product design, and identified specific KPIs to monitor progress aligned with international frameworks such as 2X Challenge, IRIS+, and GRI 405.
A final activity, organized by The Yield Lab Latam and Nesters, will take place on November 26 with a Demo Day, where participating startups will present their business models to potential investors, generating new opportunities for collaboration and impact across the region.
Prepared by:
Luis R. Hernández, Agtech Project Coordinator, Incofin Foundation.
Romina Cevallos, Private Equity Trainee, Incofin IM.
The authors take full responsibility for the contents of this report. The opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the view of IDB Lab, Incofin Foundation, SSNUP, the Donors, ADA, Incofin IM and any of the members of their Board of Directors.
