Rootrix, a startup focused on digitizing tree data collection and distribution, has secured 1.2 billion KRW (approximately 900,000 USD) in a pre-Series A funding round. Leading the investment were SpringCamp, GS Construction’s CVC arm XPLOR Investment, and Smilegate Investment. This follows Rootrix’s 2022 seed funding from FuturePlay and SOPOONG Ventures, bringing its total funding to 1.6 billion KRW (around 1.2 million USD).

Founded in November 2021, Rootrix aggregates and digitizes tree data from over 600 fragmented tree farms across South Korea, making it easier and more affordable for customers to purchase trees. The company provides price quotes for multiple tree species within 24 hours and facilitates direct transactions with minimal fees, ensuring customers get quality trees at competitive prices.

Despite the conservative nature of the construction industry, Rootrix successfully entered the market through consistent communication and a strong network. The company is expected to exceed 9.4 billion KRW (around 7 million USD) in quotes by the first half of 2024, with revenue growing fivefold in the first half of this year compared to the same period last year.

Founder and CEO Ahn Jung-rok, who holds a Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture from Harvard Graduate School of Design, launched Rootrix with the mission to drive sustainable growth in the landscaping industry, believing that inspiring the public with nature’s beauty is key to tackling the climate crisis.

With this new funding, Rootrix aims to increase tree distribution volume, automate its supply system, and establish pricing standards through demand and production forecasting, thereby fueling growth in the landscaping sector. The company also plans to use this research to help landscaping businesses involved in tree planting benefit from carbon offset programs and ESG initiatives.

CEO Ahn stated, “Our goal is to drive innovation by solving information asymmetry and promoting transparent tree transactions. Through the digital transformation of the highly analog landscaping industry, we aim to create a more efficient distribution system and share the beauty of nature with a broader audience.”