RootWave, a UK-based electrical weed management pioneer, has raised $15 million to expand its environmentally friendly, chemical-free electrical weed removal method.
Clay Capital, a specialized food and agriculture venture fund, led the Series B funding round. Agri Investment Fund, vineyard-focused Xinomavro Ventures, former CEO and co-founder of Blue River Technology Jorge Heraud, and returning investors V-Bio Ventures, Rabo Ventures, and PYMWYMIC also participated.
As part of the UK’s Future Economy strategy, Innovate UK offered $3 million in financing facilities for the round.
Using its unique high-frequency electricity, RootWave produces tractor-mounted tools that, according to the company, have demonstrated up to 99 percent kill rates in a single pass in independent field tests.
The company says that the technique, which is compatible with conventional, regenerative, and organic agricultural systems, helps farmers preserve yields and profitability while preserving the environment and public health.
It works well with a variety of crops, including broad-acre, cereals, vegetables, trees, bushes, and vines.
In addition to having commercial sales in the UK, RootWave has partnerships for manufacture and distribution abroad, including one with Garford Farm Machinery, a well-known mechanical weeding company.
In order to increase distribution throughout Europe, the company is also actively testing its products with a number of other agrimachinery manufacturers. After that, it intends to reach the US market.
With the new cash, RootWave said it will “become the new standard for sustainable weed control,” advance its goal of replacing the use of chemical herbicides globally, and speed its regional and international rollout.
“This fundraising allows RootWave to accelerate its growth,” stated Andrew Diprose, chief executive. We look forward to collaborating with the new investors and are appreciative of the support from our clients, partners, and staff. We will work together to develop RootWave into the leading weed control company in the world.