Fermopolis is an app where farmers sell Product or Investment Futures, allowing consumers to grow high-quality farm products and earn income from a percentage of sales after the products are sold.
Current Status
We conducted a pilot launch in 2020 using a turkey farm to validate our concept. In one year, 213 participants purchased Investment Futures, earning 20% ROI per cycle, while 135 purchased Product Futures, receiving turkey meat 1.5–2 times cheaper. The pilot produced 8.3 tons of turkey meat and demonstrated strong demand for both models. Due to the pandemic, the project was paused. Over the past year, my team developed an enhanced product version, improving features and scalability. We’re now ready for a full-scale launch within the next month, leveraging our proven model and lessons learned.
Problem or Opportunity
Fermopolis addresses critical problems in agriculture. Farmers struggle with limited access to financing, reliance on intermediaries that reduce profits and challenges in scaling their operations. Consumers face difficulty finding fresh, high-quality and traceable farm products while lacking connection to food origins. Investors encounter barriers to small-scale investments, as traditional models require significant capital and lack engagement. Fermopolis tackles these issues by creating a platform that connects farmers, consumers, and investors, solving their individual and shared challenges.
Solution (product or service)
Fermopolis solves key challenges for farmers, consumers and investors by creating a platform that connects them. Farmers gain direct access to financing and distribution channels through Futures contracts: Product Futures ensure sales, while Investment Futures provide funds for scaling. Consumers get fresh, traceable farm products directly from producers and can grow their purchases in a gamified experience, adding emotional value. For investors, Fermopolis offers accessible agricultural investments with transparent returns and engaging gamification.
Business model
Our business model generates revenue through multiple streams. We earn a 13% commission on the purchase of Product Futures and a 2% commission on Investment Futures. Additionally, farmers can opt for promotion within the app at a flat rate of $30 per week, with custom advertising plans available for enhanced visibility in the application and game. This approach ensures steady income while providing value to farmers through increased exposure and sales opportunities, creating a scalable and sustainable ecosystem for all participants.
