Norway
22 Nov 2024
Kilter, a pioneering Norwegian agtech startup transforming precision agriculture, has raised NOK 95m (€9m) in a Series A funding round co-led by Pymwymic and Nufarm. Existing shareholder SBG Invest participated alongside new investors Natural Ventures and ProAgInvest. This investment will enable Kilter to enhance its cutting-edge technology, expand into new crops, and scale to new markets, including Australia and New Zealand.
Kilter’s autonomous robot, AX-1, sets a new standard in sustainable weeding with its proprietary Single Drop Technology. The patented system, which functions like an inkjet printer, applies herbicide with single droplets to precisely target weeds while avoiding damage to crops. By mapping fields into a 6x6 mm grid, the AX-1 reduces herbicide use by up to 95%, minimises labour costs, and promotes both crop and soil health. Powered by deep-learning technology, the robot’s vision system can pinpoint and treat weeds growing directly among crops as well as in open spaces between rows.
“We are thrilled to partner with experienced investors who share our vision. This funding allows us to enter new markets, help farmers boost yields, and drive agriculture towards a balance between productivity and sustainability,” said Anders Brevik, CEO of Kilter.
Addressing Global Agricultural Challenges
As global agriculture faces rising herbicide resistance, stricter chemical regulations, and escalating labour costs, Kilter’s AX-1 provides a timely, sustainable solution for weed control. The technology is specifically designed for high-value vegetable crops such as carrots, onions, and swedes, where precision and efficiency are paramount.
From Norwegian Innovation to Global Breakthrough
Kilter’s journey began in 2015 as a robotics project within Adigo Mechatronics, an innovation and design company. Recognising the potential of its nozzle technology, Kilter spun out as an independent company in 2020. With nearly a decade of development behind it, the company has built a strong presence in Norway, Sweden, and Germany and is now ready to expand globally.
“We’re proud to welcome Kilter to our portfolio, they’re pioneering a more precise, sustainable approach to weeding that truly benefits both farmers and the planet.” Rogier Pieterse, Pymwymic Managing Partner.
Through a strategic partnership with Nufarm, the technology will be developed and distributed locally in Australia and New Zealand. This collaboration is a key milestone for Kilter as it scales its impact, paving the way for a more sustainable and equitable future for global agriculture.
“Nufarm has been a pioneer in precision application since we launched our broad acre solution in 2014 through our Croplands business in Australia and New Zealand,” says Rico Christensen, Group Executive, Portfolio Solutions, Nufarm. “With Kilter we are taking precision application robots to the horticultural markets. Farmers will benefit through higher yields, lower cost for crop protection and mitigation of labor shortage and cost.”
Empowering Farmers with Precision Technology
The AX-1 was developed to address the critical need for sustainable farming practices. Its precision targeting reduces chemical inputs and labour costs while enhancing crop health. By minimising herbicide use and improving yields, the AX-1 supports farmers in meeting both economic and environmental goals.
“Kilter is a vital part of our portfolio, tackling key agricultural challenges with precision weeding that cuts herbicide use and boosts both yield and sustainability. We’re proud to support their mission to transform farming globally.” – Paul Rous, Partner, Natural Ventures.
About Kilter
Kilter is a Norwegian technology company developing solutions for precision agriculture. Established in 2020, the company’s AX-1 robot reduces herbicide use by up to 95%, lowers labour costs, and improves crop yields. With a mission to create food production in balance with nature, Kilter is committed to advancing sustainable farming practices globally.
About AX-1
The AX-1 is an autonomous robot using advanced imaging technology and patented precision spraying to target weeds with millimetre accuracy. It significantly reduces chemical use, lowers costs, and supports healthier crops and ecosystems.
The Investors
About Pymwymic
The Healthy Food Systems Impact Fund II focuses on early-stage AgriFood scale-ups that offer pioneering solutions in areas like sustainable farming, food waste reduction, and regenerative agriculture. With six companies already in its portfolio, the fund is well-positioned to invest in innovative companies that are set to drive the future of food. By uniting diverse stakeholders under a shared mission, the fund aims to accelerate the transition toward a food system that is both more sustainable and healthier for people and the planet. The combined efforts of this investor coalition will help bring these innovations to market faster, creating positive, lasting impact.
About Nufarm Ltd
Nufarm is a global agricultural innovator providing crop protection and seed technology solutions to help our customers grow a better tomorrow. Established over 100 years ago, Nufarm is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX:NUF) with its head office in Melbourne, Australia. Nufarm is the first company to develop and commercialise plant-based omega-3 and has developed and commercialized advanced bioenergy feedstock technology.
About ProAgInvest
ProAgInvest is an early-stage investor specialising in innovative solutions within agriculture and technology. The firm focuses on companies driving transformation in the agricultural sector, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and efficiency. With its investment in Kilter, ProAgInvest sees an opportunity to support a technology that significantly reduces chemical usage while increasing productivity in farming.
About Natural Ventures
Natural Ventures is an impact-driven investment firm focused on accelerating the transformation to sustainable water and food systems. The firm is backed by leading institutions and is managed by a team of experienced investors with a deep understanding of the agriculture and water technology sectors. Natural Ventures is committed to investing in companies using technology to create a more sustainable world.
About SBG Invest
SBG Invest is a Norwegian family office founded in 1919, investing in real estate and both mature and new businesses. With a strong strategic focus on sustainability the aim is to invest in new companies that contribute to making the world a better place.
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