Our Story

From Ubuntu Vision to BioTree – Growing a Better World, Together

Connects the origin to the current vision

It began in 2011, with a simple, powerful idea: Ubuntu. A philosophy of interconnectedness, of community, of recognizing our shared humanity which eventually became Zandernatis, the original paradise. For us, it wasn't just a concept; it was a calling. We looked at the world around us – at the political divides, the economic imbalances, the growing disconnect from nature – and we knew there had to be a better way. A way to build a "new earth," not by retreating to the past, but by forging a sustainable future, together.

The Ubuntu Movement - Setting the stage, introducing the initial vision and motivation

As I delved deeper, observing the intricate systems that shape our lives, one truth became undeniably clear: food is at the root of it all. The way we produce and consume food is not only impacting our health, but also dictating our freedom. We've become reliant on opaque food chains, vulnerable to the interests of distant corporations, often losing touch with the very essence of nourishment. In 2012, the seed of BioTree was planted – a vision of vertical farms, not as sterile factories, but as vibrant ecosystems within our urban spaces, multiplying yields and reclaiming our food sovereignty. At the time people looked at it as something redundant, like a toy for a yappie, like a fifth wheel, but we knew better...

Identifying the Food Problem and the Initial Vertical Farm Concept - Highlighting the core issue and the first solution

Initially, the concept leaned towards hydroponics, efficient but somehow… distant from nature. My journey took me deeper into the world of eco-conscious farming, to the principles of Demeter, to the wisdom of soil. I realized we needed a system that honored nature's rhythms, that wasn't about artificiality, but about amplifying natural growth in an urban context. And so, in 2018, BioTree was born. Crafted from sustainable plywood, rising in elegant towers, it was designed to be a living, breathing system. Four branches reaching for the sky, each pot nurtured, monitored by smart electronics, all connected in a harmonious dance orchestrated by nature and technology. Modular, adaptable, beautiful – a vertical farm that felt… alive.

The Evolution to BioTree  - Describing the shift to soil-based, eco-friendly design and the core features

Then, the world changed. The Corona pandemic swept across the globe, pausing our plans, isolating communities. But in that pause, the urgency of our mission only intensified. The fragility of global supply chains, the importance of local resilience – it all became starkly apparent. In 2023, with renewed determination, BioTree was reborn. Our motto became clear: "Feed the World." Because this isn't just about a product; it's about a principle. It's about making sustainable, healthy food accessible to everyone, everywhere. BioTree is designed to be simple, effective, and within reach, empowering individuals and communities to take charge of their nourishment. No fake soil, no fake light and no fake nutrients.

The Pandemic and Revival - Emphasizing the renewed purpose and the "feed the world" motto

Today, BioTree exists in various forms – from tabletop Mini, to the beautiful Maxi – ready to fit into homes, apartments, restaurants, and even larger scale operations. But it’s more than just different sizes. We envision BioTree  as a social platform, to “Plant the future” with a growing community of individuals connected by a shared passion for sustainable living, for homegrown goodness, for a future where food brings us together, not keeps us vulnerable.

BioTree Today and the Vision for the Future - Introducing the product range and the social platform vision

Our journey with BioTree has been driven by a deep-seated belief in the power of community, the wisdom of nature, and the potential of technology to serve humanity. Perhaps you could call it a “Samaritan” vision – a desire to offer a helping hand, to empower individuals to nourish themselves and their communities, to cultivate a more sustainable and secure world for all. This Kickstarter campaign is not just about launching a product; it’s about inviting you to join this mission. To become a part of the BioTree story, to plant the seeds of a better future, together.

The Samaritan Vision and Call to Action - Emphasizing the mission, community, and inviting backers to join the journey