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Prince Khaled’s KBW Ventures invests in US-based organic seed startup

Back to the Roots to use funding to scale up distribution, marketing, for seed packet line

by David Ndichu

October 25, 2020

KBW Ventures, led by Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud, has joined the latest funding round for US-based organic gardening company, Back to the Roots.

The capital will be used to scale up national distribution and marketing for Back to the Roots’ seed packet line, as well as support the continued growth of its small-space gardening kits, the company said.

Current investors S2G Ventures and Acre Venture Partners led the funding round, with participation from John Foraker, Fund Good Jobs and KBW Ventures.

Prince Khaled has emerged as one of the most prominent global investors in the sustainable food movement, with recent investments in Memphis Meats, Rebellyous Foods, and BlueNalu.

Read: New $60m fund to invest in 120 MENA-based startups amid Covid-19 tech rally

Back to the Roots, which aims to make gardening accessible to growers of all experience levels and in all types of living environments, first launched a pilot version of its seed packet program this past spring in 100 The Home Depot stores. This coming spring, the program is branching out to The Home Depot stores across the U.S. and launching nationwide in Albertsons and H-E-B supermarkets.

The seed line is 100 per cent U.S.-grown, a designation that’s especially valuable following Amazon’s recent ban on the sale of foreign seeds into the United States. The spring 2020 pilot seed program included 92 varieties of fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers, all of which are organic and non-GMO.

“Our investors aren’t just investing in Back to the Roots, they’re investing in a future of gardening where every kid can experience the magic of growing their own food and learning about where it comes from,” said co-founder and co-CEO Nikhil Arora. “We are building the garden brand for a new generation and we’re grateful for our investor’s continued support as we work to bring our products and mission into every home and classroom in the country.”

Read: Prince Khaled’s KBW Ventures invests in ethical pet food brand