Food waste in commercial kitchens is a quiet but massive problem. Up to 30% of food never makes it to a plate. It’s overproduced, left uneaten, or simply tossed. Altogether, that waste costs businesses over $382 billion every year. But a startup named Metafoodx believes AI can turn the tide.
The company just raised $9.4 million to scale its solution. Led by Trustbridge Partners—with support from BlueRun Ventures and ScalableVision Capital—the round will help bring its AI-powered kitchen scanner into more hands.
At the heart of Metafoodx is a patented 3D scanner built for real-time kitchen use. It captures the weight, temperature, and condition of every dish or tray in two seconds. This means kitchens can track exactly what’s prepared, what’s eaten, and what ends up in the bin. The result? Less guesswork, better planning, and far less waste.
This isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about visibility. The scanner connects each item to the menu, logs it for compliance, and gives staff instant feedback. Kitchens can finally understand what’s happening in real time. That data drives smarter prep, tighter ordering, and meaningful cost savings.
With this tool, Metafoodx says operators can cut food waste by up to 50%. The company also claims a 200% return on investment in just weeks. That’s a big deal for food services under pressure to cut costs and meet sustainability goals.
Universities and national food service providers are already using the platform. Their results show how powerful AI can be when used in fast-paced kitchen environments. The system doesn’t interrupt staff—it fits right into the flow.
Metafoodx’s impact hasn’t gone unnoticed. The company recently received a 2025 Kitchen Innovations Award from the National Restaurant Association. Judges included leaders from Disney, the U.S. Air Force, and Aramark. That recognition highlights how urgently the industry needs solutions like this.
CEO and co-founder Fengmin Gong puts it simply: “We make it easy for kitchens to use their own data to improve how they order, prep, and serve food. The result is less waste, fewer mistakes, and better outcomes.”
With new funding secured, Metafoodx plans to expand its reach. The team believes that tomorrow’s smart kitchens won’t just feed people efficiently—they’ll do it with less waste, more insight, and better tech.
