Divert, Inc. Company Profile

Background

Overview

Divert, Inc. is a U.S.-based impact technology company dedicated to preventing food waste through innovative technologies and sustainable infrastructure. Founded in 2007 by Ryan Begin and Nick Whitman, the company has grown to become a leader in transforming unsold food into renewable energy and providing edible food to communities in need. Headquartered in West Concord, Massachusetts, Divert operates nationwide, serving a diverse clientele across the United States.

Mission and Vision

Divert's mission is to "Protect the Value of Food™" by creating a circular economy that minimizes food waste, reduces environmental impact, and supports communities. The company's vision is to establish a sustainable infrastructure that processes unsold food products into renewable energy and soil amendments, thereby contributing to environmental conservation and social well-being.

Primary Area of Focus

The company's primary focus is on developing and operating facilities that convert unsold and non-donatable food into renewable energy and soil amendments. This process not only prevents food waste but also generates sustainable energy and enriches local soils, aligning with Divert's commitment to environmental sustainability and community support.

Industry Significance

Divert plays a pivotal role in the environmental services industry by addressing the significant issue of food waste. In the U.S., over 100 million tons of food waste are generated annually, with more than 50% ending up in landfills or incinerators. By providing solutions that divert food waste from landfills, Divert contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting a more sustainable food system.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Waste Prevention: Implement technologies and processes that minimize food waste at the source.

Edible Food Recovery: Facilitate the donation of edible food to communities in need.

Renewable Energy Generation: Convert unsold food into renewable energy and soil amendments.

Specific Areas of Specialization

Anaerobic Digestion Facilities: Design and operate facilities that process food waste into renewable energy.

Data Analytics: Utilize data to track and optimize food waste reduction efforts.

Sustainability Consulting: Provide guidance to retailers and manufacturers on achieving sustainability goals.

Key Technologies Utilized

Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID): Employ RFID technology to monitor and manage food waste in real-time.

Anaerobic Digestion: Use anaerobic digestion processes to convert food waste into biogas and nutrient-rich soil amendments.

Primary Markets Targeted

Retailers: Supermarkets and grocery stores seeking to reduce food waste and enhance sustainability.

Food Manufacturers: Companies aiming to manage byproducts and waste efficiently.

Distributors: Logistics companies looking to implement sustainable practices in their operations.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

2021: Acquired by Ara Partners, a global private equity firm specializing in industrial decarbonization investments. The acquisition included $100 million in growth equity, led by Ara Partners in conjunction with Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund, GIC, and Ontario Power Generation.

2023: Secured an additional $100 million in equity funding, comprising $80 million from Enbridge and $20 million from Ara Partners. This funding is intended to accelerate growth and expand operations.

2026: Received over $90 million from Nuveen Energy Infrastructure Credit to fund the development of an Integrated Diversion & Energy Facility in Lexington, North Carolina.

Total Funds Raised

As of early 2026, Divert has raised over $290 million in funding to support its expansion and operational initiatives.

Notable Investors

Ara Partners: A private equity firm specializing in industrial decarbonization investments.

Enbridge: A Canadian energy company providing significant growth equity.

Nuveen Energy Infrastructure Credit: A financial planning firm investing in sustainable infrastructure projects.

Intended Utilization of Capital

The capital raised is allocated towards:

Infrastructure Development: Building and operating new anaerobic digestion facilities across the U.S.

Technology Enhancement: Advancing data analytics and monitoring systems for waste management.

Operational Expansion: Scaling operations to serve a broader customer base and geographic regions.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

Integrated Diversion & Energy Facilities: Facilities designed to process unsold food into renewable energy and soil amendments.

Stages of Development

Turlock, California Facility: Operational since 2024, processing 100,000 tons of food waste annually.

Longview, Washington Facility: Operational since 2024, with similar processing capacity.

Lexington, North Carolina Facility: Under development, with funding secured in 2025.

Target Conditions

Unsold and Non-Donatable Food: Focusing on food that cannot be sold or donated, converting it into renewable energy and soil amendments.

Anticipated Milestones

2024: Completion and operation of Turlock and Longview facilities.

2025: Completion and operation of Lexington facility.

2026: Expansion into additional facilities in the Northeast and Southeast regions.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

Depackaging Systems: Technologies that remove packaging from food waste, facilitating efficient processing.

Anaerobic Digesters: Systems that convert food waste into biogas and nutrient-rich soil amendments.

Significant Scientific Methods

Data Analytics: Utilizing data to track food waste patterns and optimize diversion strategies.

Sustainability Reporting: Providing clients with reports on waste reduction and environmental impact.

Leadership Team

Executive Profiles

Ryan Begin: Co-founder and CEO since 2007, leading the company's strategic direction and growth.

Nick Whitman: Co-founder and COO until 2025, transitioned to a strategic advisory role on the board of directors.

Andrew Johnston: Vice President of Industrials, joined in 2024, bringing over 15 years of experience in commercial and technical roles.

Derek Spillane: Vice President of IT, joined in 2024, with over 26 years of IT industry leadership.

Frenchie Audette: Vice President of Food Service, joined in 2024, with nearly two decades of food service industry expertise.

Lee DeVasier: Vice President of Transportation and Supply Chain, joined in 2024, with nearly three decades of leadership in strategic engineering.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The market for food waste management and renewable energy generation is expanding rapidly, driven by increasing environmental awareness and regulatory pressures. Divert's focus on anaerobic digestion and sustainable infrastructure positions it as a leader in this growing sector.

Competitor Analysis

Waste Management (WM): A leading waste services company offering comprehensive waste management solutions.

Republic Services (RSG): Provides waste collection, recycling, and disposal services across the U.S.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Enbridge: Partnered to develop a nationwide network of anaerobic digesters, with a $1 billion infrastructure development agreement.

Ara Partners: Invested $100 million in growth equity to support Divert's expansion and technological advancements.

Operational Insights

Divert's strategic focus on anaerobic digestion and its partnerships with major energy and investment firms provide a competitive edge in scaling operations and enhancing technological capabilities.