Kikleo

Kikleo is a French FoodTech company tackling one of the most pressing challenges in the food industry: food waste. Founded in 2019 by two INSA Lyon graduates, Kikleo develops AI-powered solutions that enable restaurants and collective catering services to measure and significantly reduce food waste.

At the core of its technology lies a patented AI coupled with cameras that automatically analyze both kitchen production waste and leftovers from diners’ plates. The platform aggregates this data, calculating the financial and environmental impact while identifying actionable insights and recommending strategies. By doing so, Kikleo empowers kitchen teams to focus on what truly matters: food quality and customer satisfaction.

Food waste represents a €132 billion annual economic loss in Europe and nearly 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Regulations in France and across the EU are accelerating the need for measurable, scalable solutions. Kikleo delivers tangible results: on average, clients reduce waste by 20% in the first year and up to 65% over the long term, generating annual savings of up to €50,000 per site. Between 2022 and 2024, Kikleo helped save 240 tons of food — the equivalent of 400,000 meals — preventing 1,000 tons of CO₂ emissions and preserving 800 million liters of water.

Today, Kikleo employs 30 people and equips more than 250 restaurants across France, Europe, and the United States. Its clients include schools, universities, corporations, government institutions, and commercial restaurants. With over 5 million meals analyzed, Kikleo is building one of the most comprehensive food waste observatories, offering unique insights into consumer preferences and dietary trends.

In September 2025, Kikleo raised €3.5 million in a round led by Newfund, with the support of historical shareholders, Bpifrance, and Avelana. This funding will accelerate international expansion, strengthen R&D, and enrich the AI platform with advanced impact dashboards and integrations.