Upaya Social Ventures Invests In Country Chicken Co. To Strengthen Rural Livelihoods And Food Transparency In India

Press Release

Jun 24

Written By Upaya

Bangalore, India | June 25, 2025

Upaya Social Ventures is excited to announce its latest investment in Country Chicken Co., a Hyderabad-based social enterprise reimagining India’s meat and poultry sector through food transparency, farmer empowerment and inclusive growth.

Founded in 2021 by Saikesh Goud, Country Chicken Co. tackles the challenge of widespread food adulteration while creating dignified livelihoods for more than 1,000 smallholder and backyard farmers across rural India. The company sources naturally raised, hormone-free poultry, eggs and meats from its farmer network—including women farmers engaged through self-help groups—offering them stable incomes, fair market access and training in sustainable livestock practices.

Upaya’s investment will support Country Chicken Co. in expanding its network of zero-odor retail stores, known for their clean, hygienic and customer-friendly experience. It will also help scale their omnichannel platform—including a mobile app and online ordering system—while strengthening rural sourcing networks. The funding will further support increased production capacity, launch of new ready-to-cook products and team growth.

“Partnering with Upaya is instrumental in scaling our vision while staying rooted in impact. We take their support to connect, collaborate and empower rural small-hold farmers, especially women, to create sustainable livelihoods for them, proving that social good and business growth can go hand in hand,” said Saikesh Goud, founder of Country Chicken Co.

By offering meat and eggs that are free from steroids, antibiotics and harmful additives, Country Chicken Co. is addressing one of India’s most urgent food safety challenges while building a value chain rooted in trust, health and inclusion. From live bird displays to transparency in sourcing, their model ensures freshness and ethical practices, all while empowering farmers to build resilient, long-term livelihoods.

“Country Chicken Co. is transforming both what we eat and how it's brought to our tables,” said AB Chakravarthy, Co-CEO of Upaya. “Their model uplifts rural farmers, modernizes a critical sector, and champions better norms for what we eat and how rural communities earn. We are excited to support their journey.”

This marks Upaya’s 43rd investment in early-stage enterprises focused on generating dignified jobs for people living in extreme poverty. Through this partnership, Upaya continues its commitment to backing entrepreneurs building inclusive, climate-conscious solutions that offer not just income but pride, agency, and opportunity to those who need it the most.

ABOUT UPAYA SOCIAL VENTURES:

Upaya Social Ventures is building a dignified economy by providing investment and support to early-stage businesses creating sustainable livelihoods for people living in the most extreme poverty.

Upaya’s award-winning impact-first model seeks out and supports oft-overlooked companies creating work that is safe, stable, inclusive, and rewarding—generating a transformative impact on families, communities, and economies.

Since its founding in 2011, Upaya’s portfolio companies have created over 50,000 dignified jobs across India. Please visit upayasv.org for more information.