
Smartway, founded in 2012, is dedicated to reducing food waste through its innovative Food Waste Management System (FWMS) and Fresh Operating System. These AI-driven platforms help retailers manage perishable goods efficiently, saving costs and enhancing profitability. With over 350 million products saved and 2,000 engaged stores, Smartway positions itself as a leader in sustainable retail solutions, addressing the growing consumer demand for fresh produce while minimizing waste.

Smartway, founded in 2012, is dedicated to reducing food waste through its innovative Food Waste Management System (FWMS) and Fresh Operating System. These AI-driven platforms help retailers manage perishable goods efficiently, saving costs and enhancing profitability. With over 350 million products saved and 2,000 engaged stores, Smartway positions itself as a leader in sustainable retail solutions, addressing the growing consumer demand for fresh produce while minimizing waste.
Founded: 2012 — Saint-Herblain, France
Product: AI-driven Food Waste Management System and Fresh Operating System for grocery retailers
Impact: Reports ~420M products saved and $175M+ additional profit for retailers
Funding: €10M Series A led by Supernova Invest; also secured a €1.4M i‑Nov grant/advance
Founders: Paul-Adrien Menez; Christophe Menez (Dealroom also lists Nicolas Pieuchot)
Food waste and perishables management in grocery/retail (near-expiry product detection, decisioning, donation and fresh ordering).
2012
Retail technology
€10,000,000
Round led by Supernova Invest with participation from Evolem Start, Holnest, IDIA Capital Investissement and UNEXO (Crédit Agricole group); announced alongside rebrand from Zéro-Gâchis to Smartway.
€1,400,000
Award through the i‑Nov Innovation Competition under France 2030 (split between grant and repayable advance; non-dilutive).
“Series A led by Supernova Invest with participation from French investor groups including Evolem Start, Holnest, IDIA Capital Investissement and UNEXO (Crédit Agricole group).”