AgTech Founders Story

Highlights:
• smaXtec introduces OwnX, a pioneering employee ownership program supported by KKR, Highland Europe, and Sophora Unternehmerkapital.
• Approximately 250 employees across the U.S., Europe, and New Zealand will benefit from the new global equity initiative.
• The program fosters fairness, shared growth, and innovation within the global dairy-tech industry.

Madison, WI – September 2025 — smaXtec, a global leader in dairy technology, has unveiled OwnX, an innovative employee ownership program designed to empower its workforce with a stake in the company’s success. Backed by KKR, Highland Europe, and Sophora Unternehmerkapital, the initiative will extend ownership to nearly 250 employees worldwide, from the U.S. to Europe and New Zealand.

The program underscores smaXtec’s commitment to inclusivity, fairness, and sustainable growth while setting a new benchmark for employee engagement in the ag-tech sector.

“With OwnX, we’re giving our employees the opportunity to directly share in smaXtec’s success. Our growth is only possible because of their dedication – which is why it’s natural for us to roll out this program to make every team member an owner,” said Stefan Scherer, CEO of smaXtec. “OwnX is a strong signal of smaXtec’s innovative culture and of our ambition to drive lasting change in the dairy industry.”

Global investors support inclusive ownership
Marta Szczerba, Director at KKR’s Tech Growth team, commented: “OwnX shows that management and leadership truly see, hear, and value employees. It is a milestone in our collaboration, and we look forward to the next stage of our shared journey with smaXtec.”

While equity schemes are often reserved for a select few, smaXtec’s OwnX program makes ownership accessible to all employees—an approach aligned with KKR’s long-standing principles of broad-based ownership and shared prosperity across its portfolio companies.

Employee enthusiasm and engagement
The introduction of OwnX has generated notable excitement among smaXtec’s global teams. One employee shared, “What makes me happiest is being able to truly share in the company’s growth – it makes me feel more valued in my role.”

Many employees see the program as recognition of their contributions and a symbol of smaXtec’s progressive workplace culture — one that empowers innovation, passion, and collective success.

Beyond financial participation, OwnX is designed to inspire motivation, create opportunities for personal growth, and strengthen organizational engagement. It reflects smaXtec’s belief that long-term innovation is built on shared purpose and inclusion.

About smaXtec
smaXtec develops pioneering bolus-based sensor technology that provides real-time insights into the health, fertility, and nutrition of dairy cows. The company’s cutting-edge solutions are transforming herd management and efficiency for farmers globally.

Backed by KKR, Highland Europe, and Sophora Unternehmerkapital, smaXtec continues to expand its presence in the U.S., Europe, and New Zealand, positioning itself as a driving force in precision dairy technology and sustainable agri-innovation.