# Back to the Roots

Startup profile on Capital Atlas: https://capitalatlas.ai/startups/back-to-the-roots

- Industry: Agribusiness
- Headquarters: Oakland, US
- Website: www.backtotheroots.com
- Total disclosed funding: $34M
- Latest round: Series D (Nov 23, 2021)
- Investors on record: 11

## About

Back to the Roots, Inc. is dedicated to inspiring home gardening through organic products that promote sustainable living. Their offerings enable individuals to grow their own food easily and effectively, fostering a connection with nature.Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Oakland, US, Back to the Roots, Inc. specializes in organic gardening solutions. The company was founded by Alejandro Ramírez, Alejandro Velez, Nikhil Arora, Olachukwu Offor, and Olivia Tanner. Alejandro Velez serves as CEO. Back to the Roots has raised a total of USD 15.00 mn in Series D funding as of November 23, 2021, with participation from investors such as Acre Venture Partners, Echo Capital, Fenwick Brands, Loft Growth Partners, and S2G Ventures. This latest funding round marks the company's ninth deal, bringing their overall valuation to USD 70.40 mn.Back to the Roots specializes in offering a comprehensive range of organic gardening products designed to facilitate home gardening and food growth. Their core product offerings include grow kits, heirloom seeds, peat-free soils, plant food, and raised beds, catering to both indoor and outdoor gardening needs. These products are tailored for customers looking to reconnect with nature and grow their own food, effectively addressing the increasing demand for sustainable living solutions. The company serves a diverse clientele, including individual consumers, educational institutions, and retailers, with products available in over 10,000 retail locations across the United States. The geographical market for Back to the Roots extends nationwide, ensuring accessibility to urban and suburban gardeners aiming to cultivate fresh produce in various environments.Back to the Roots generates revenue through direct-to-consumer sales as well as partnerships with retailers and wholesalers. Transactions typically occur through both online sales via their official website and in-store purchases at various retail partners. The company offers a range of pricing plans for their products, which include flagship items such as organic grow kits and plant food. Pricing for individual products varies but is structured to appeal to both novice and experienced gardeners, allowing customers to select from single items or bulk purchases. Revenue is supported by seasonal promotions, such as discounts for spring gardening, which incentivize purchases and encourage repeat business among consumers interested in gardening and sustainable practices.In November 2021, Back to the Roots, Inc. raised USD 15 million in Series D funding to accelerate product innovation and support new distribution growth. The company plans to expand its product line by developing new gardening kits and tools aimed at enhancing user experience, with an anticipated release in the upcoming gardening season. Additionally, Back to the Roots is targeting expansion into new geographic regions, focusing on urban areas with high interest in sustainable living and gardening practices by the end of 2023. The recent funding will be pivotal in facilitating these initiatives, allowing for increased investment in product development and market outreach.

## Funding rounds

- Series D, Nov 23, 2021, $15M — Loft Growth Partners, S2G Ventures, Acre Venture Partners, Fenwick Brands, Junchuang Fund
- Series C, Feb 21, 2019, $3M — Central Garden & Pet Company, Blue Scorpion Investments
- Series C, Nov 27, 2018, $2.3M — Central Garden & Pet Company, Blue Scorpion Investments
- Series B, May 11, 2018, $2.6M — Revolution Ventures
- Series A, May 23, 2016, $7.1M — Red Sea Ventures, S2G Ventures, Acre Venture Partners
- Seed, Jan 30, 2016, $2.2M — CircleUp
- Seed, Jun 9, 2015, $2M — ICA Fund Good Jobs

## Investors

- ICA Fund Good Jobs (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/ica-fund-good-jobs) — Seed
- CircleUp (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/circleup) — Seed
- Red Sea Ventures (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/red-sea-ventures) — Series A
- S2G Ventures (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/s2g-ventures) — Series A, Series D
- Acre Venture Partners (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/acre-venture-partners) — Series A, Series D
- Revolution Ventures (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/revolution-ventures) — Series B
- Central Garden & Pet Company — Series C
- Blue Scorpion Investments (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/blue-scorpion-investments) — Series C
- Loft Growth Partners (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/loft-growth-partners) — Series D
- Fenwick Brands (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/fenwick-brands) — Series D
- Junchuang Fund (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/junchuang-fund) — Series D