As the pandemic highlights massive problems in the global food system, investors start looking into vegan-focused ventures.

Zurich-based VC, Blue Horizon Ventures, has closed a €183 million fund to invest in foodtech startups focusing on sustainability. The fund brought in more than 100 investors, including the European Investment Fund (EIF), that exceeded the initial target of €100 million. 

Working on the notion that the current food system is broken, from industrialised agriculture to delivery, Blue Horizon Ventures aims to support and promote a positive global impact on the environment, human health and animal welfare. Thus, principal investments will target the areas of alternative proteins, synthetic biology, cell-based food, smart packaging and food waste. 

Blue Horizon Ventures plans to launch a second fund in the fourth quarter, with the target slightly higher than the first.

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The newly launched NTN – Food Ecosystems Innovation Booster provides direct funding to selected innovation teams for the development and testing of innovation ideas.

Learn more about the NTN Innovation booster and how you can get involved in one of their upcoming introduction webinars 

Upcoming dates:

• 08. Feb. 2021, 17-17:30 (FR)
• 15. Feb. 2021, 17-17:30 (EN)
• 18. Feb. 2021, 17-17:30 (FR)
• 04. March 2021, 11:45 -12:15 (EN)

CONTACT

Suisse Agro Food Leadinghouse
Passage du Cardinal 11
1700 Fribourg

innoboost@swissfoodecosystems.ch

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Kickstart Switzerland is an annual innovation program that partners later-stage startups with corporations, foundations, universities and cities to promote deep tech innovation.

Taking place in Zurich from September to November, Kickstart helps Swiss startups collaborate with industry partners on pilot projects, commercial partnerships and other innovation opportunities. Since 2015, it has cultivated more than 170 partnerships and supported over 190 startups to grow in Switzerland and Europe through its program.

To ensure both startups and partners get tailored opportunities, Kickstart operates within the following focus areas:

• Circular Economy
• Smart City & Technology
• Edtech & New Work
• FinTech & InsurTech
• HealthTech
• Food & Retail Tech

Typical investment size: $10k.

For interested startups, send your applications here.

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Accelerate the impact of your business through MassChallenge Switzerland 2021 by sending your applications starting today, January 20.

MassChallenge Switzerland is a leader in helping startups across Europe expand their businesses by partnering them with corporations and renowned mentors in the field. Since 2016, they have promoted about 400 startups from different industries, raised over CHF 196M in funding, and created 157,000 jobs. 

Accelerator Benefits

• Unrivaled access to 15+ global corporate partners including Nestlé, Bühler, Givaudan, Barry Callebaut, General Mills, and Südzucker – totalling to over CHF 250 billion in revenue
• World-class mentoring from 550+ experts and a tailored program curriculum provided with no equity taken in return
• The opportunity to compete for up to CHF 1M in non-dilutive cash prizes and other in-kind awards
• Switzerland-specific advice on regulations and tax, easy access to the EU market, and strong trade links
• A proven model that has helped more than 65% of finalists to raise funds during or immediately after the program

Sustainable Food Systems Industry Track

In this core program, select early-stage startups will receive additional specialized support and resources. The goal of this track is to accelerate the impact of startups in production, distribution, packaging, and food disposal through a collaboration of the largest multinational food corporations, world-class mentorship from food experts, and tailored curriculum focused on sustainability, food, and packaging. 

Sustainable Food Systems Challenge

Here, startups or scale-ups are matched with one of MassChallenge’s partners to accelerate innovation in the food sector. They will work directly with key stakeholders within a global food corporation and get access to co-development opportunities, product validation, customer connections, strategic investments, or advisor introductions.

Eligibility Criteria 

• Early Stage: Startups with no more than $1Mio of capital raised or $2M of Sales 
• Impactful: Our judges are looking for the startup to define the impact. Successful applicants show how they create value for themselves and society. 
• Viable: Teams, advisors, and plans are to be assessed to ensure their idea is executed.

For interested and eligible startups, apply here.

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