In a world where food waste is a worldwide crisis and cows continue to chow on anything left on the table, one consistent enterprise in Delhi chose to reverse the script. Wastelink is a cleantech start-up (established in 2018) that is converting rejected food into animal feed that is high in quality, and they have recently raised the equivalent of 27 crores (~$3 million) in Series A funding to scale their mission.
It is not an ordinary green startup story. It has got AI, a circular economy vibe, and a product called ECOMIX, which is essentially the protein shake of the livestock world. Now we will venture into the way Wastelink transformed itself from a leftover upcycling business to a formidable competitor in the global market of recycling food waste, worth billions of dollars, which is currently estimated at 119.8 billion.
The Brains Behind the Bins
Waste legend is the brainchild of climate champion and waste-to-win savant Saket Dave and PhD and strategy consultant Krishnan Kasturirangan, who likely spends most of his time thinking in flowcharts. They both created a B2B platform that does not merely recycle food, it reinvents it.
Their third musketeer, Jaggi Nadig, was brought in as Director whose motto was to absorb food waste as a sponge in a buffet line. Wastelink isn’t merely cleaning up; it’s innovating with this combination at the helm.
What Wastelink Really Does (And Why It’s genius)
The following is the elevator pitch: Wastelink picks up excess and rejected food produced by FMCG companies and food producers, upgrades it into an animal feed ingredient named ECOMIX, which in turn is offered to livestock feed manufacturers.
It is DoorDash, but make it green.
The company operates in Sonipat, Lucknow, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, where food waste is converted to nutrition. And it is not only about feeding animals, it is about building a circular economy in which nothing is wasted.
AI Meets Agriculture
Wastelink is not taking away leftovers and putting them in buckets. Their reverse supply chain tracking system is AI-powered to allow the companies within the FMCG sector to trace the usage of surplus and packaging, and feed manufacturers to trace the quality of ingredients.
It is generosic: “Big Data but make it digestible.”
This technology stack is what differentiates Wastelink from your standard recycler. It is not only about doing good, but doing it smart.
The Numbers That Slap
| Metric | Value |
| Food Upcycled | 35,000+ tonnes |
| Pincodes Reached | 5,000+ |
| Animals Fed Annually | 38,500+ |
| Total Funding (Post-Series A) | ₹47 crore |
| Projected Market Size (2034) | $119.8 billion |
These aren’t just stats, they’re proof that Wastelink is making a real impact. And with this new funding, they’re ready to scale like never before.
The ₹27 Crore Funding Moment
Led by Avaana Capital, Wastelink’s Series A round is a big vote of confidence in their model. The funds will be used to:
- Strengthen their AI-driven tech stack
- Expand product lines (because cows deserve variety, too)
- Enter new geographies across India
- Explore export opportunities for ECOMIX
Translation: more facilities, more feed, and maybe a passport for their protein powder.
Why This Matters (Beyond the Cow)
The issue of food waste is huge. We are wasting one-third of all food produced in the world. It is a daily fact in India, whether it’s batches rejected by factories or unsold goods at supermarkets.
The model of Wastelink not only minimizes waste but also recycles it. An environmental win, a farmer win, and an animal win as they eat better.
And, to be frank, when we can make rejected biscuits into bovine superfood, we are doing something right.
What’s in ECOMIX Anyway?
ECOMIX is the proprietary animal food ingredient of Wastelink. It is a by-product of food that has undergone a thorough processing procedure in order to preserve nutritional content and still satisfy safety measures.
Scraps, it isn’t science.
The feed is aimed at enhancing livestock health, lowering the reliance on conventional sources of feed, and providing a more sustainable option. And yes, it’s AI-approved.
The Facilities That Make It Happen
The magic behind Wastelink takes place in Sonipat, Lucknow, Mumbai, and Bengaluru processing units. These plants accept excess food, sort i,t and convert it into ECOMIX.
All of the units are furnished with technology that guarantees quality control, traceability, and efficiency. And it is not a factory, it is a food rescue mission.
The Founders’ Philosophy
Saket Dave is not merely the CEO he is the recycler- in -chief. His vision is based on climate action, principles of the circular economy, and the notion that waste can only be untapped potential.
Krishnan carries the strategy, the spreadsheets, and the PhD-level thinking. They have jointly managed to create a company that is mission-focused as it is market-ready.
And Jaggi? He is the one who ensures that the activities are smoother than a buttered paratha.
What’s Next for Wastelink?
Wastelink is preparing to with fresh funds of 27 crore to:
- Launch new product lines for different livestock categories
- Expand to more cities and rural hubs
- Explore international markets for ECOMIX
- Enhance their AI systems for better tracking and optimization
Essentially, they are a cozy startup for a world food waste crusader.
Final Words: Trash Talk That’s actually Inspirational.
Wastelink is not only cleaning food waste, but they are redefining sustainability. They are showing that leftovers can be a livelihood in a country where waste is mostly overlooked or disposed of.
And the next time you throw away that half-eaten pack of chips, you should bear in mind: somewhere a person is turning it into cow food. And they have simply raised 27 crores, so that they can do it better.
