Key Takeaways
- UK-based RootWave raised $15 million to scale its chemical-free, electrical weed control technology.
- The funding round was led by Clay Capital, with participation from Agri Investment Fund, Xinomavro Ventures, and several industry veterans.
- RootWave’s system targets herbicide-resistant weeds using high-frequency electricity, achieving up to 99% kill rates in field trials.
- The company has commercial operations in the UK and is expanding distribution across Europe, with U.S. entry planned.
- Funding includes $3M in debt facilities from Innovate UK, under the UK’s Future Economy initiative.
RootWave Raises Growth Capital Amid Herbicide Industry Challenges
RootWave, a company developing electric weed control technologies, has secured $15 million in new funding to expand its operations. The company’s patented system uses high-frequency electricity to eliminate weeds, including herbicide-resistant varieties, offering an alternative to chemical herbicides.
The financing round was led by Clay Capital and supported by Agri Investment Fund, Xinomavro Ventures, Caygan Capital’s Naruhisa Nakagawa, Blue River Technology co-founder Jorge Heraud, and existing backers V-Bio Ventures, Rabo Ventures, and PYMWYMIC. An additional $3 million in debt financing was provided by Innovate UK under its Future Economy initiative.
Technology Targets Efficacy and Sustainability
RootWave’s platform enables targeted weeding with electric pulses that destroy weeds to the root without harming surrounding crops or soil. The company reports up to 99% effectiveness in field trials, with compatibility across a range of crop systems including tree, bush, vine, vegetable, broad-acre, and cereal farming.
Current commercial activity is focused in the UK, with manufacturing and distribution partnerships—including one with Garford Farm Machinery—positioning the company for wider European expansion. RootWave is also conducting trials with additional machinery manufacturers and preparing for future entry into the U.S. market.
Investor Perspectives on RootWave’s Market Potential
The investment comes at a time when the global herbicide industry faces increasing regulatory pressure and challenges from resistant weeds. In comments accompanying the announcement, Clay Capital’s Darren Leong emphasized RootWave’s market fit, describing the solution as “affordable, effective, and safe.”
Andrew Diprose, CEO of RootWave, noted that the funding will accelerate growth and support the company’s broader mission: “Together, we will grow RootWave to become the dominant global player in weed control.”
Patrik Haesen, CEO of Agri Investment Fund, highlighted the technology’s relevance in addressing rising weed pressures: “Providing a non-chemical and sustainable solution that destroys weeds down to the roots is a true gamechanger for agriculture.”
