Kikleo, a French FoodTech company specializing in AI-driven solutions to reduce food waste, raised €3.5 million to bolster its international expansion and enhance its technology platform.

Target Information

Kikleo is a French FoodTech company founded in 2019 by two graduates from INSA Lyon. The company specializes in tackling the critical issue of food waste within the food industry by providing AI-driven solutions designed for restaurants and collective catering services. Kikleo’s innovative technology leverages a patented AI system alongside cameras to automatically analyze waste generated during kitchen production and leftovers from diners’ plates. This technology aggregates data to compute both the financial and environmental impact, offering actionable insights and strategic recommendations aimed at empowering kitchen teams to prioritize food quality and enhance customer satisfaction.

The global issue of food waste is substantial, representing a staggering €132 billion economic loss across Europe and contributing to nearly 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Regulatory pressures in France and the wider European Union are amplifying the demand for scalable, measurable solutions to this problem. Kikleo not only addresses this need but also delivers measurable outcomes, where clients typically achieve a 20% reduction in food waste in their first year and can realize up to a 65% reduction over the long term, equating to annual savings of up to €50,000 per site. From 2022 to 2024, Kikleo played a crucial role in saving 240 tons of food—translating to approximately 400,000 meals—while simultaneously preventing the emission of 1,000 tons of CO₂ and conserving 800 million liters of water.

Industry Overview

The FoodTech sector in France has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by a rising awareness of sustainability and innovative food solutions. As environmental concerns gain traction amongst consumers and businesses, the industry is witnessing a surge in investments aimed