# Routrek Networks

Startup profile on Capital Atlas: https://capitalatlas.ai/startups/routrek-networks

- Industry: Agribusiness
- Headquarters: Kawasaki, Japan
- Website: http://www.zero-agri.jp
- Total disclosed funding: $7.4M
- Latest round: Series C (Jun 24, 2020)
- Investors on record: 7

## About

Based in Japan, Routrek Networks, Inc. develops advanced agricultural systems that utilize IoT and AI technologies to enhance irrigation and fertilization processes, thereby improving agricultural productivity.Routrek Networks, Inc., founded in 2000 in Kawasaki, Japan, specializes in automated agricultural solutions. The company has undergone no noted pivots in its strategy and operates without subsidiaries. The founder, Shinichi Sasaki, has experience in the agricultural tech sector. As of June 30, 2021, the company raised JPY 380 million in Series C funding led by Kubota Corporation and Toda Corporation, bringing its total amount raised to JPY 380 million and current valuation to JPY 2,761.1 million. The company has successfully completed five deals in total.Zero Agri specializes in automated irrigation and fertilization solutions that leverage IoT and AI technology to enhance agricultural productivity. Their core offerings include three models: Zero Agri Lite, designed for remote irrigation management; Zero Agri Standard, which provides high-precision irrigation and fertilization; and Zero Agri Plus, an advanced model that integrates environmental control for above-ground conditions. These products aim to address common challenges in agriculture, such as improving yield and quality, reducing labor intensity, visualizing agricultural expertise, and minimizing fertilizer and CO2 emissions. The company serves a diverse customer base across Japan, with reported implementations in 46 prefectures and over 400 installations, catering to various crops including strawberries, asparagus, and cucumbers.The revenue structure of Zero Agri is derived from direct sales of their irrigation and fertilization systems, with potential partnerships established through distribution agents. Clients include agricultural businesses seeking to implement smart farming solutions, which typically involve purchasing products directly or through authorized distributors. The company offers tailored solutions to meet specific agricultural needs, thus facilitating transactions that may include service agreements for ongoing support and maintenance. Pricing details for their products are categorized by model, reflecting the complexity and capabilities of each system, although specifics on pricing plans or transaction volumes remain undisclosed.Following the Series C funding raised in June 2021, Routrek Networks plans to enhance the full-scale implementation of its products across various regions and crops based on previous cultivation demonstration results. The company aims to expand further into the Asian monsoon region, offering its soil environmental control systems, which can be introduced without reliance on existing pipe house structures. This strategy is focused on promoting the digitization of agriculture and achieving sustainable practices in agricultural production and environmental maintenance.

## Funding rounds

- Series C, Jun 24, 2020, $2.4M — JA Mitsui Leasing, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Fund Corporation for Innovation, Value-chain and Expansion Japan, OPTiM Corporation
- Series B, Dec 26, 2016, $3.4M — University of Tokyo Edge Capital Partners, Globis Capital Partners, TechAccel Ventures, Oisix ra daichi
- Series A, Jul 20, 2015, $1.6M — University of Tokyo Edge Capital Partners

## Investors

- University of Tokyo Edge Capital Partners (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/university-of-tokyo-edge-capital-partners) — Series A, Series B
- Globis Capital Partners (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/globis-capital-partners) — Series B
- TechAccel Ventures (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/techaccel-ventures) — Series B
- Oisix ra daichi — Series B
- JA Mitsui Leasing — Series C
- Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Fund Corporation for Innovation, Value-chain and Expansion Japan (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/agriculture-forestry-and-fisheries-fund-corporation-for-inno) — Series C
- OPTiM Corporation — Series C