Berlin-based startup Root, focused on creating a climate-focused operating system for the food and beverage industry, has successfully raised €8 million in a seed funding round. The round was led by Christoph Janz at Point Nine, with participation from Project A, HelloWorld, Arc Investors, and experienced startup operators.
Founded by Eric Oancea and Maurice Hensl, Root is dedicated to helping companies within the food system achieve net-zero emissions. The company’s platform, Root OS, assists food and beverage companies in managing and reducing their greenhouse gas emissions. Since its launch in October 2023, the company has onboarded major European food players, including the largest dairy plant in Europe and the world’s largest fast-food chain.
Scaling Impact Across the Industry
Root’s strategy focuses on targeting specific food product categories, helping companies measure and reduce emissions, particularly within their supply chains. The platform has enabled companies to manage and reduce millions of tons of CO2e, working with over 10,000 farmers across Europe. The co-founders emphasize that climate performance is now a critical business metric, with companies increasingly mandated to disclose their environmental impact and set net-zero targets.
With this funding, the startup plans to accelerate its growth, expand its team, and continue developing its platform to help more companies reduce their environmental impact. The company aims to set a new standard in the €400 billion food industry by providing accurate, efficient, and scalable solutions for managing climate performance.