E-FARM

E-FARM operates as a digital marketplace for used agricultural machinery, addressing inefficiencies in the traditional second-hand market. Founded in 2015 by Dr. Nicolas Lohr and Franz von Consbruch, the Hamburg-based company was established to counter issues like non-transparent pricing, limited market access, and potential fraud in machinery transactions. Lohr, an economist, identified this market gap during his time as a management consultant, recognizing the absence of a centralized, trustworthy platform for used farm equipment, similar to what he had seen in the trucking industry. Von Consbruch brought experience from the tractor manufacturer Claas, which later became a strategic investor in E-FARM in 2019.

The company's business model centers on providing a comprehensive, cross-border transaction platform for farmers and dealers. E-FARM serves as an intermediary, facilitating secure end-to-end transactions on a global scale. The platform consolidates machinery offerings from a network of over 850 partner dealers across Europe. Key services include independent machine inspections, secure payment processing, transport and logistics, and warranty options, which together build a layer of trust and transparency previously absent in the market. The company also developed the SmartTrade app to streamline transactions for sellers.

Financially, E-FARM has demonstrated consistent growth, securing multiple funding rounds. A significant milestone was a Series A round of €4.5 million (approximately $5.3 million) in 2020, with participation from investors like byWiT and Claas. This was followed by a Series B financing round of €11 million in 2023, with investors including Swedish firm byWiT and Munich-based Amathaon Capital. The company now employs over 60 people and generates annual sales in the mid-double-digit million range.

Keywords: agricultural machinery, used equipment, digital marketplace, AgTech, e-commerce, farm equipment, B2B platform, cross-border trade, equipment inspection, machinery financing