UK-based agritech company RootWave has secured $15 million in funding to advance its innovative high-frequency electrical weed control technology. The investment round was led by Clay Capital, with participation from a diverse group of investors including Agri Investment Fund, Xinomavro Ventures, Caygan Capital founder Naruhisa Nakagawa, and Blue River Technology founder Jorge Heraud, who also sits on RootWave’s board. Existing investors such as V-Bio Ventures, Rabo Ventures, and PYMWYMIC also contributed to the round, which includes $3 million in debt facilities from Innovate UK as part of the UK’s Future Economy initiative.
RootWave’s technology employs electrical currents to eliminate weeds, achieving an impressive kill rate of up to 99% in a single pass, as verified by independent field trials. Currently operational in the UK’s permanent tree crop sector, the company plans to use the new funding to expand internationally, targeting continental Europe and the US market. According to RootWave founder Andrew Diprose, the company is transitioning from the R&D phase to full commercialization, with plans to establish a global distribution network through local dealers and distributors.
Beyond geographical expansion, RootWave is also diversifying its applications through strategic partnerships with agricultural machinery companies. A notable collaboration is with Garford Farm Machinery, a UK-based company renowned for its mechanical weed control products. Together, they are developing new products for vegetables, cereals, and row crops, with concepts for 3m and 6m-wide machines already in the pipeline. This partnership not only enhances RootWave’s product offerings but also leverages Garford’s extensive distribution network, which spans 30 countries.
The significance of RootWave’s technology lies in its potential to address the growing challenge of herbicide-resistant weeds. As Darren Leong, principal at Clay Capital, points out, decades of herbicide overuse have led to resistant weeds becoming a major agricultural issue. RootWave’s solution offers an affordable, effective, and safe alternative to traditional chemical herbicides. Diprose asserts that RootWave’s technology surpasses the international efficacy threshold for herbicides, which stands at 80% kill rate. Moreover, RootWave’s solution is competitive in terms of operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness, making it an attractive option for farmers seeking sustainable weed control methods.
The implications of RootWave’s advancements are far-reaching. By providing a viable alternative to chemical herbicides, the company is poised to play a crucial role in promoting sustainable agriculture. Its technology not only addresses the immediate problem of weed resistance but also aligns with broader environmental goals by reducing the reliance on chemical inputs. As RootWave continues to expand and innovate, it stands to make a significant impact on the agricultural industry, offering farmers a safer and more effective tool for weed management.