Bringing Pests, Invasive Species and Biological Risks under control
A $423B problem that’s accelerating in our changing world
Not all climate risks are floods and fires
UpRoot is a VC Fund formed to bring Pests, Invasive Species and Biological (PIB) risks under control.
We’re passionate building a portfolio of pre-seed/seed companies leveraging technology to support their customers detect and remediate these PIB risks that are escalating like never before…
Why the focus on PIB risk?
A calamitous cocktail of changes in land use, globalisation, increased resistances, and a warming world have catalysed PIB risks to grow by 702% over recent decades. We need to UpRoot these risks now before it becomes any worse….
Climate induced biosecurity risks, from the devastating invasive Spotted Lanternfly (left) to emerging pathogenic microorganisms, are as costly as more headline grabbing hazards (wind, wildfires, flooding, etc) and are only escalating.
Our framing of PIB risk encompasses three climate-changed-induced biosecurity risks:
Pests (native species populations exploding),
Invasive species (non-natives breaching geographic barriers)
Biological risks (expanding pathogens, resistant disease vectors and threats like harmful algal blooms).
Sector focus
Our portfolio companies will service six key sectors facing escalating PIB Risk:
Agribusiness
Industry & Infrastructure
Conservation
Public Health & Safety
Public Health & Safety
Hospitality & Tourism
Transport & Logistics
Angel Syndicate
We don’t want to miss the incredible founders already building solutions for PIB risks, therefore, we’ve built the first angel syndicate to exclusively back early stage companies tackling this realm.
We’re investing alongside industry veterans in better, cheaper and faster solutions for escalating biological risks.
Testing our thesis and building a track record before raising a fund in 2026.
Technology Focus
Early identification tools that help customers stay ahead of PIB risks
Prediction & Detection
Control & Remediation
What We Look For
We back companies with validated customer demand, technical differentiation, and clear paths to scale. Founders must be customer-obsessed, understand their market deeply, and navigate regulatory requirements effectively.
Solutions that help customers control and eliminate PIB risks more effectively
Tools
Investing in a multifaceted toolbox. Portfolio companies are leveraging a combination of: Robotics, AI, Software, Hardware and Chembio solutions.
