Traditional in-ground sprinkler systems haven’t changed in decades and they’re wasting billions of gallons of water each day. Irrigreen was born out of the realisation that a combination of intelligent hardware and software could dramatically reduce waste and expense, especially as climate change intensifies drought conditions across the US.
The Edina-based startup, known for its cutting-edge robotic irrigation systems, has secured nearly $19 million in Series A financing, bringing its total funding to almost $34 million. The round was led by a mix of new and returning investors, including Natural Ventures, Burnt Island Ventures, Ulu Ventures, MFV Partners, Tamiami, and Sum Ventures. This infusion of capital will enable Irrigreen to accelerate R&D, scale operations, and enhance customer experience with smarter, greener solutions.
The company is scaling rapidly. It is expanding its national installer network, investing in R&D for new smart products, and continuing to grow its AI-powered software tools for homeowners, such as its newly released AI-powered quoting tool to tell you exactly how much water you may be wasting on landscaping.
The inspiration behind the idea
Founded in 2014 in Edina, Minnesota in 2014, Irrigreen was created not only to help people everywhere grow greener lawns, but to do it in a greener way. It was co-founded by Shane Dyer (CEO) and Gary Klinefelter (CTO).
The idea originated from Gary’s wife, who noticed the inefficiency of their sprinkler system, which constantly oversprayed into the driveway while leaving brown spots in other areas. Gary Klinefelter came from the inkjet printing industry and holds over 35 patents in precision spray technology. He utilised his knowledge of precision and inkjet spraying to create the first Irrigreen prototype.
Meanwhile, smart home expert Shane Dyer had a passion for bringing accessible climate solutions to consumers. Shane brings expertise in Iot and smart home devices. Before Irrigreen, he founded and led a successful Iot platform, Arrayent, which was acquired by Prodea in 2016. When he met Irrigreen’s founder, Gary Klinefelter, an inventor with a background in robotics and printing, he knew he had found the perfect counterpart to disrupt residential irrigation, a wildly inefficient industry that wastes billions of gallons of water per year.
Instant quotes with satellite imagery
In a major tech-forward leap, Irrigreen has launched an AI-powered quoting tool. By entering an address, homeowners can instantly receive a custom irrigation layout and see projected water bill savings. The tool uses satellite imagery to assess lawn area and design the most efficient configuration, turning a traditionally complex purchase decision into a seamless digital experience.
At the heart of Irrigreen’s innovation is its robotic sprinkler head, which replaces up to eight conventional heads by digitally mapping the lawn and watering with pinpoint precision. Using real-time weather data, it only waters what’s needed, when it’s needed.
The system is controlled entirely through a mobile app, and a recent upgrade, the Smart Controller 3, has won the 2025 Green GOOD DESIGN Sustainability Award. This latest version enhances automation, provides in-depth insights into water usage, and integrates seamlessly with smart home ecosystems.
Future outlook
With over 300 installation partners across nearly every US state, Irrigreen is primed for national growth. The new funding will support in-depth product development, strategic partnerships, and educational campaigns to help homeowners understand the financial and environmental benefits of smarter irrigation.
Looking ahead, Irrigreen aims to refine its AI and automation capabilities further and expand its suite of sustainable landscape technologies. As the climate crisis worsens and water conservation becomes urgent, Irrigreen positions itself not just as a product but as a solution for smarter living.
By using up to 50% less water, cutting outdoor water bills in half, and simplifying installation, Irrigreen demonstrates that high-tech sustainability can be both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. With fresh capital and momentum, it’s poised to transform America’s lawns, one smart sprinkler at a time.
“No more sidewalk spray, dead patches in the yard, harmful chemical runoff down the drain, or dodging the sprinkler on the way to work,” said Shane Dyer, CEO of Irrigreen. “By following the unique contours of your yard, Irrigreen delivers a healthier, greener lawn with dramatically less water. We’re not just upgrading sprinklers—we’re redefining what outdoor smart tech can do. It’s the lawn you’ve dreamed about, without the waste or the worry.”
“The world needs more innovative solutions like Irrigreen that address environmental challenges, lower costs, and simplify daily life,” said Tom Ferguson, Founder and Managing Partner at Burnt Island Ventures. “We’re thrilled to support them in this exciting growth stage as they modernise a critical aspect of water usage and waste. This is only the beginning of what promises to be a transformative journey in the future of irrigation.”
