Vancouver-based AVA Technologies has raised $2.6 million in a seed round meant to support the launch of its smart garden product. The round was led by Vanedge Capital.
This year, AVA plans to launch AVA Byte, which the company calls a “Nespresso machine for gardening.” AVA Byte uses biodegradable soil-less pods filled with seeds, and automatically adapts water and lighting based on the plant. Users can track the progress of plants on their phone.
AVA Byte initially launched on Indiegogo in June 2017, and pre-sold over $130,000 worth of gardens.
“As a leading Canadian venture capital firm with a number of successful exits, Vanedge is an ideal partner as we scale AVA Byte worldwide,” says Valerie Song, CEO and co-founder of AVA Technologies. “We’re extremely humbled and excited to have Vanedge as our partner not only to provide us with growth capital and strategic connections, but also as proud supporters of the diverse Canadian tech ecosystem.”
AVA Byte can grow tomatoes, herbs, and vegetables, and the company plans to release new crops and product extensions next year.
“AVA Byte is one of the most beautiful, innovative, and attractive solutions we’ve seen for this rapidly growing market for indoor growing,” said Vanedge Capital in a statement. “With more than 650 units pre-sold through their Indiegogo campaign and strong retail interest, what Valerie and the team have accomplished is extremely impressive. While consumer hardware is typically not an investment area of ours, AVA is an outlier with recurring sales, proven demand, with a passionate and diverse founding team.”