Calgary-based Knead Tech has raised $800,000 in pre-seed funding to expand its mission of reducing food waste and improving food access.
The funding round, which values the startup at $3.5 million, will support product development, U.S. expansion, and new partnerships as the startup works to digitally transform the food rescue sector.
Founded by CEO Lourdes Juan, Knead Tech has been described as the “Uber for food rescue,” using technology to connect surplus food donors with non-profits to ensure excess food reaches those in need. “Knead Tech was built to solve two critical issues: food waste and food insecurity,” Juan said. “This funding will enable us to accelerate our mission and digitally transform the food waste sector.”
The funding round included investors ScaleGood, UCEED Social Impact Fund, and BDC Thrive Lab, making Knead Tech the first Alberta company to receive funding from BDC’s impact-focused initiative. The company has also received non-dilutive funding from the Canadian Food Innovation Network and Sustainable Development Technology Canada.
Since its launch in 2022, Knead Tech’s platform has recovered over two million pounds of surplus food, significantly reducing environmental impact and addressing food insecurity.
The company estimates its efforts have prevented 236 metric tons of CO₂ emissions—the equivalent of removing 56 cars from the road for a year—and saved 131 million gallons of water, enough to fill 200 Olympic-sized swimming pools. More than 1.67 million meals have been recovered and distributed to communities facing food insecurity.
Knead Tech was recently selected as a finalist in the AgTech & Food category at the prestigious 17th annual SXSW Pitch competition, set to take place March 8–10, 2025, in Austin, Texas.
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