KITRO builds devices that fit any trash bin containing a weighing scale and cameras and uses artificial intelligence to identify, track and monitor disposed food. The company has deployed about 80 devices across Switzerland, Germany, Brussels and Australia and has run over 200 measurements to date. KITRO says customers can reduce food waste by up to 60% and recover up to 8% of food profit margins. The startup has recorded over 1 million in revenue and employs 14 people. Proceeds from recent financing will be used to expand the product offering and grow the team to meet rising demand. KITRO plans to strengthen its position in the German market and accelerate market entry in France and Austria, and it has announced a Series A of CHF 3.5 million closing in Q2 2022 to support those plans. KITRO has developed a device that fits onto existing trash cans and automatically measures and tracks the amount of food tossed into them. Managers receive regular reports showing where they can cut food waste and reduce costs. The system was developed by co-founders Anastasia Hofmann and Naomi Mackenzie working with engineers from ETH Zurich and EPFL. The company aims to help reduce food waste in line with global sustainability goals and to support customers in lowering operational costs. KITRO received a CHF50,000 FIT Digital Seed grant to help finance its market launch and growth. The startup, based in Vaud, is also supported by Innovaud via coaching tools and partner networks. KITRO builds a fully automated food-waste measurement system comprising a hardware KITRO box and accompanying software to help restaurants and hotels identify, track and monitor food waste. The startup says its solution can reduce avoidable food waste by up to 60%. KITRO completed 12 pilots with partners such as Mercure hotels and has ongoing pilots with ETH and EPFL. The team is developing 50 upgraded devices that are ready for pre-order, with first shipments planned for May 2019. KITRO completed its first financing round backed by private business angels from Zürich and Geneva; the funds will be used to accelerate development and complete the first 50 units. The company has also received grants from programs including the Climate KIC accelerator and a booking.com grant, and was nominated for a milestone award by hotelrevue.

Total raised

$2M

Funding rounds

3

Latest round

Equity

Latest activity

Dec 2021