Nestle is a multinational food and beverage company renowned for its extensive product portfolio, which includes well-known brands such as Nestle, Nescafe, Perrier, Pure Life, and Purina. With annual revenues exceeding CHF 90 billion, Nestle operates in 189 countries and boasts 34 brands that each generate over CHF 1 billion in sales. In addition to its core business, the company engages in initiatives focused on nutrition education, research, and charitable efforts, including food donations and financial support for various causes. Nestle also holds a significant stake in the French cosmetics firm L'Oréal, reflecting its diverse interests beyond food and beverages.

The Hershey Company is a prominent global confectionery manufacturer based in Hershey, Pennsylvania, known for its wide range of chocolates, sweets, and snacks. Founded in 1894, the company features over 80 well-known brands, including Hershey's, Reese's, Kit Kat, Jolly Rancher, and Ice Breakers. Hershey holds a significant share of the U.S. chocolate market, controlling approximately 36% of the domestic space. Its products are available in around 80 countries, though a majority of its sales originate from the United States. In addition to its core confectionery offerings, Hershey is actively seeking to diversify its portfolio by expanding into new snack categories, as seen with its acquisition of Amplify Snack Brands, which includes the popular Skinny Pop brand. The company continues to focus on increasing its presence in key international markets while enhancing its competitive edge in North America.

Barry Callebaut Group is a prominent manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products, specializing in the entire process from sourcing and processing cocoa beans to producing a wide range of chocolate items, including fillings, decorations, and compounds. The company serves a diverse clientele within the food industry, encompassing industrial food manufacturers as well as artisanal and professional users, such as chocolatiers, pastry chefs, bakers, hotels, restaurants, and caterers. Employing over 13,000 individuals, Barry Callebaut is vertically integrated, managing the procurement of raw materials and chocolate manufacture, though it does not own any cocoa farms. The company produces approximately 40% of the world's industrial chocolate and its products are utilized in around 20% of the global chocolate and cocoa goods. Barry Callebaut is also committed to sustainability, reflecting its dedication to responsible sourcing and environmental stewardship.

SOSV, established in 1995 and headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey, is a global venture capital firm specializing in early-stage investments. It focuses on deep tech innovations in the health and environmental sectors, supporting founders with breakthrough technologies through its HAX and IndieBio startup development programs. SOSV provides resources, facilities, and lab equipment to accelerate product development and scale, with a track record of helping its portfolio companies secure subsequent funding rounds led by top-tier investors.

Natra, S.A. is a Spanish multinational company specializing in the production and distribution of chocolate and cocoa products primarily for private label brands and food companies across Europe, North America, and Asia. Founded in 1950 and headquartered in Madrid, Natra operates through two main divisions: Consumer Goods and Industrial. The Consumer Goods division manufactures a variety of chocolate products, including tablets, countlines, spreads, and Belgian chocolates, focusing on key markets such as Germany, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, and the United Kingdom. The Industrial division supplies cocoa-derived ingredients, including cocoa mass, butter, powder, and chocolate coatings, to the global food industry. Natra is committed to expanding its market presence, with an emphasis on North America and China, and operates six specialized production centers in Spain, Belgium, France, and Canada. Additionally, the company holds a controlling stake in Natraceutical, which focuses on natural nutritional supplements in Europe.

Mars is a prominent manufacturer specializing in pet food, confectionery, and various food products. The company produces a wide range of items, including chocolates, gums, mints, candies, and pet foods, alongside products such as rice, pre-cooked wheat items, recipe bases, marinades, sauces, pasta meals, whole-grain mixes, thickeners, and soups. With a focus on long-term vision, Mars emphasizes collaboration with its associates, partners, and suppliers to innovate and enhance business practices. This commitment to transformation reflects the company's goal of evolving the industry in a sustainable manner.

Mondelez International is a prominent snack manufacturing company that specializes in producing and marketing a wide range of food and beverage products. Since its separation from Kraft Foods in October 2012, Mondelez has established itself as a leader in the global snack industry, with a diverse portfolio that includes popular brands such as Oreo, Chips Ahoy, Halls, and Cadbury. As of the end of fiscal 2023, the company generates its sales primarily from biscuits (49%), chocolate (30%), gum and candy (12%), beverages (3%), and cheese and grocery items (6%). Mondelez's revenue is derived from various markets, with approximately one third coming from developing regions, just over one third from Europe, and the remainder from North America.

DSG Consumer Partners, established in 2012 and headquartered in Singapore, is an investment company specializing in the consumer sector in India and Southeast Asia. It primarily takes minority equity positions in unlisted consumer businesses, with a flexible approach that includes growth capital and secondary transactions. The company has a long-term investment horizon of 6 to 10 years and has backed several leading consumer brands since 2004, such as Sula Wines, Saffronart, and Mswipe Technologies.

Saama Capital, established in 2006, is a Bengaluru-based venture capital firm with a presence in Palo Alto, California. It focuses on early-stage investments in India, primarily in technology, fintech, and consumer-oriented sectors. The firm's strategy, unchanged since its inception as SVB India Capital Partners, involves a collaborative, partner-driven approach, diversifying investments across stages and sectors. Saama Capital typically invests between USD 0.5 to USD 5 million per round, with a preference for USD 1 to USD 3 million.

IndieBio, established in 2014, is a San Francisco-based accelerator firm specializing in Synthetic Biology. It runs intensive four-month programs for early-stage companies and teams with innovative biological concepts. IndieBio invests in seed and early-stage startups globally, focusing on those that use biology as their core technology to solve real-world problems. The firm typically invests $250k, with an initial cash investment of $50k in exchange for an 8% equity stake. It prefers teams with at least two co-founders. IndieBio was the world's first accelerator dedicated to biology-based startups, aiming to address global challenges through innovative biotechnology.

Puratos is an international group that specializes in producing and supplying a wide array of bakery ingredients tailored for artisans, industrial manufacturers, supermarkets, and food service companies. The company's diverse product range includes bread improvers, active bakery ingredients, mixes for cakes and sponges, fillings, glazes, non-dairy toppings, and chocolate compounds. Puratos focuses on providing innovative products and raw materials, along with application expertise, to assist clients in creating nutritious and flavorful food for their communities.

AccelFoods is a New York-based company founded in 2013 that focuses on partnering with high-growth early-stage food and beverage companies. It provides driven founders with access to industry expertise and infrastructure necessary to develop unique products and effective go-to-market strategies. By connecting emerging companies with valuable resources, AccelFoods aims to foster the creation of the next generation of enduring brands within the food and beverage ecosystem.

Cloetta AB is a leading confectionery manufacturer based in Northern Europe, specializing in a wide range of products including sugar confectionery, chocolate, pastilles, and chewing gum. The company serves both local and international markets, with a presence in over fifty countries, particularly focusing on Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands, Germany, and the UK. Cloetta's diverse brand portfolio features well-known names such as Lakerol, CandyKing, Jenkki, Kexchoklad, Malaco, Sportlife, and Red Band. The company operates approximately seven production units across five countries, enabling it to efficiently produce and distribute its confectionery offerings.

Eatable Adventures is a Madrid-based accelerator and incubator founded in 2015 that specializes in supporting innovative food startups across Europe. The company focuses on nurturing businesses within the food and beverages sector, providing them with the necessary resources and expertise to thrive in the global market. By identifying and investing in promising ventures, Eatable Adventures aims to foster growth and innovation within the industry, helping startups navigate challenges and succeed on an international scale.

Coca-Cola FEMSA, established in 1979, is a leading beverage company and the largest franchise bottler of Coca-Cola products by volume. It purchases beverage concentrates and syrup from The Coca-Cola Company, processes and packages them, and distributes through various channels, including modern trade, traditional trade, and on-premises. Its portfolio comprises popular brands like Coca-Cola, Sprite, Powerade, and bottled water under Viva and Wilkins. With a strong presence in Mexico and Brazil, accounting for 80% of total sales, the company also operates in other Central and South American countries. It is a subsidiary of Femsa, with The Coca-Cola Company and Femsa holding significant economic and voting interests.

Development Bank of Wales is an independent venture capital firm established in 2001, headquartered in Cardiff, with additional offices across Europe. The organization focuses on providing commercial funding to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Wales, investing both private and public funds, including EU resources. It specializes in various forms of financing, such as bridge financing, succession funding, project finance, and micro loans, catering to a diverse range of sectors including technology, healthcare, manufacturing, and services. The firm aims to support startups and established businesses alike, offering investments from £0.001 million to £2 million, with potential follow-on funding up to £5 million. Development Bank of Wales targets companies with a turnover of up to €50 million and a workforce of no more than 250 employees, fostering growth and innovation within the Welsh economy.

Whole Foods Market is an American grocery chain specializing in natural and organic food products. Founded in 1980, the company operates under the belief that the origin and cultivation of food are crucial to its quality. Whole Foods emphasizes high standards for its products, ensuring they are free from artificial preservatives, colors, flavors, sweeteners, and hydrogenated fats. The retailer offers a diverse selection of items, including meat, cheese, chocolates, dried fruit, nuts, and dairy products. With over 450 stores located in North America and the United Kingdom, Whole Foods also provides convenient services such as free delivery and pick-up, making it easier for customers to access plant-based and high-quality grocery options.

Werners Gourmetservice AB, founded in 1990 and based in Skara, Sweden, is a supplier and importer of gourmet food products. The company offers a diverse selection of items, including truffles, caviar, Valrhona chocolate, illy espresso, desserts, spices, oils, and vinegar. Catering primarily to restaurants, confectioners, and professional chefs, Werners Gourmetservice aims to enhance culinary experiences with high-quality products. Additionally, the company provides culinary education services, further supporting its clientele in achieving excellence in their offerings. As of May 2018, Werners Gourmetservice operates as a subsidiary of Kåkå AB.

Punch Edibles manufactures and supplies a variety of flavorful medicinal-CBD gummies, chocolate, rolls, fruit snacks, extracts, and vapes.

Chenguang Biotech Group Co., Ltd. specializes in the processing of agricultural products and natural extracts, producing over 80 types of products across four main categories: natural pigments, natural spice extracts and essential oils, natural nutrients and drug-use extracts, and grease and protein. The company is recognized for its leadership in the production and sales of natural pigments in China, with capsanthin being the top product globally and chili extract accounting for over 85% of domestic volume. Chenguang also manufactures a variety of spice extracts and essential oils, including paprika oleoresin, ginger oil, and turmeric oil, among others. As a national high-tech enterprise, it has established various research and development platforms and holds numerous patents, reflecting its commitment to innovation and quality in the agricultural industrialization sector.

IRCA Group is an Italian manufacturer specializing in semi-finished products for the professional baking and pastry market. With a diverse portfolio of approximately 1,800 SKUs, IRCA caters to industrial clients, internal bakeries of hypermarkets, and pastry shops across Italy and Europe. Its product range includes chocolates, powder mixes, creams, jams, and other items, providing customers with multiple options to choose from.

Scottish EDGE is a competition designed to identify and support innovative entrepreneurs in Scotland with high-growth potential. It focuses on nurturing start-ups and recognizes that ongoing support is essential for long-term success. The initiative offers prize funding of up to £150,000 to assist these emerging businesses, fostering a sustainable environment for entrepreneurial development. Through its comprehensive approach, Scottish EDGE aims to cultivate Scotland's entrepreneurial talent and contribute to the growth of the local economy.

AAK AB, based in Sweden, is a leading producer of refined vegetable oils primarily serving the food processing sector. The company operates through three main business segments: Food Ingredients, Chocolate & Confectionery Fats, and Technical Products & Feed. The Food Ingredients segment offers specialized solutions for industries such as bakery, dairy, nutrition, and food service, including products like baking fats and dairy fat alternatives. The Chocolate & Confectionery Fats segment caters to manufacturers of chocolate and confectionery, providing products that enhance sensory qualities and improve shelf life. Meanwhile, the Technical Products & Feed segment focuses on supplying specialized solutions such as fatty acids, glycerin, and animal feed, addressing the growing demand for natural ingredients and sustainability. AAK operates globally, leveraging its expertise to meet diverse customer needs across various markets.

New Age India Fund, headquartered in Mumbai, is a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage companies across sectors such as fintech, agritech, consumer tech, envirotech, and healthtech. It offers a mix of debt and equity financing to support the growth of emerging and young businesses.

The Company manufactures, markets and distributes a diverse line of brand name candies, cookies, chocolates and other food products. The Company's principal products are Cows butter toffee candies, demitasse(R) biscuits, Ruger(R) wafers and Elana(R) Belgian chocolates. The Company also markets Soup Du Jour soups, Sour Fruit Burst fruit-filled hard candies, as well as certain holiday specialty products, such as Pirate's Gold Coins milk chocolates for Christmas and Tokens of Love milk chocolates for Valentine's Day. The Company's marketing strategy, including its packaging of products designed to maximize freshness, taste and visual appeal, emphasizes highly distinctive, premium quality products that are sold at prices that compare favorably to those of competitive products.

Sunny Sky Products, LLC is a manufacturer specializing in premium dispensed beverages. The company provides a diverse range of beverage solutions, including hot, cold, and frozen options, as well as beverage enhancers. Its product lineup features specialty coffee, hot chocolate, fountain drinks, sweeteners, smoothies, and energy drinks. Sunny Sky Products caters to various sectors such as convenience stores, food service, healthcare, education, concessions, and supermarkets, ensuring a comprehensive offering for different consumer needs.

Nestlé S.A., headquartered in Vevey, Switzerland, is the world's largest food and beverage company, with annual revenues exceeding CHF 90 billion. It operates through four zones: Europe, Middle East, and North Africa; Americas; Asia, Oceania, and sub-Saharan Africa; and Nestlé Waters. The company's extensive portfolio comprises over 2,000 brands, with more than 30 generating annual sales exceeding CHF 1 billion each. These include global icons like Nestlé, Nescafé, Perrier, Pure Life, and Purina, catering to diverse consumer needs across 190 countries. Nestlé employs around 275,000 people worldwide, offering a wide range of products from baby foods and bottled water to coffee, cereals, chocolate, pet care, and healthcare nutrition.

Edita Food Industries is a prominent consumer goods company based in Egypt, specializing in the manufacture, packaging, marketing, and distribution of a wide variety of food and snack products. The company's offerings include confectionery items such as cakes, biscuits, wafers, rusks, and candy, with notable brands like Molto, TODO, Bake Rolz, and Twinkies. Edita operates across six key segments, with the cakes segment accounting for a significant portion of its sales. The company boasts an extensive distribution network that serves wholesalers and retailers throughout the Middle East and North Africa, reaching over seventeen regional markets. In addition to its core operations, Edita has the flexibility to engage in alternative activities and pursue ownership stakes in other companies, in compliance with local laws and regulations.

Vakko is a Turkey fashion house and luxury goods brand, that started out as a small hat shop called Şen Şapka (Merry Hats). Founded by Vitali Hakko in 1934, Şen Şapka soon became the Vakko brand, producing scarves made of Turkish silk based on the latest fashions. These scarves reflected the company’s decision to make only the very best for customers who demanded the very best. Inspired by the mood of development and innovation in the country at the time, Vakko recognized the need to expand beyond hats, scarves, and printed fabrics and ventured into the ready-to-wear industry, where the company has been a sector leader ever since. As a fashion house, Vakko’s primary goal was to create collections that interpreted the latest fashions, while offering superior quality, exquisite craftsmanship, and excellent service. Consequently, as reflected in the Vakko motto, “Fashion is Vakko”. Today, Vakko specializes in high-fashion luxury goods through its numerous collections and stores: Vakko Scarves, Vakko Men and Vakko Women, Vakko Couture, V2K Designers, Vakko Wedding, Vakkorama concept stores, W Collection Menswear and Vakko Home. Vakko also brings its high quality to the gourmet food sector with Vakko Chocolate, Vakko Tea Atelier, Vakko Coffee Atelier, as well as the high-end patisserie concept Vakko Patisserie Petit Four, and French restaurant Vakko Bistrot. Vakko Espace ensures that the Vakko quality can also be experienced at event organizations. Committed to supporting the future of the industry, Vakko has established two pioneering initiatives: the Vakko ESMOD Fashion Academy and the Vitali Hakko Creative Industries Library. The Vakko HQ Building in Istanbul and the Vakko Fashion Center were designed by the renowned New York architecture firm, Office REX. The Vakko Fashion Center was named “Best Workspace” by Wallpaper magazine.

Industrial Growth Partners, established in 1997, is a San Francisco-based private equity firm that focuses exclusively on the manufacturing sector. The company specializes in investing in and building global, market-leading businesses, with a particular emphasis on engineered products. It targets entrepreneur/family-owned recapitalizations, corporate divestitures, and cooperative divestitures, seeking majority stakes in companies with revenues ranging from $25 million to $200 million. IGP partners with experienced management teams to create long-term equity returns, operating across various sub-sectors including aerospace, healthcare, energy, and industrial components.

Portillo's offers classic Chicago-style street food like hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, and chocolate cake. Portillo's prides itself on its ingredients and service.

Vintage Wine Estates is a privately held wine company comprised of a consortium of vintner families with extensive experience in the wine industry. The company owns a diverse collection of winery estates and brands, including Clos Pegase Winery, Cosentino Winery, Girard Winery, B.R. Cohn Winery, Swanson Vineyards, Viansa Sonoma, Windsor Vineyards, Cameron Hughes, Firesteed, and several others. Vintage Wine Estates is dedicated to producing high-quality wines and providing exceptional customer experiences across its wineries located in Napa, Sonoma, California's Central Coast, Oregon, and Washington State. The brand portfolio also features exclusive labels such as Middle Sister, Tall Dark Stranger, Pro-mis-Q-ous, Monogamy, Girl & Dragon, and Purple Cowboy, reflecting a commitment to craftsmanship and innovation in winemaking.

Investindustrial, established in 1990, is a London-based private equity firm with a focus on investing in mid-market companies across Southern Europe, particularly in Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Switzerland. The firm targets investments in various sectors, including consumer & leisure, healthcare & services, industrial manufacturing, and technology. Investindustrial provides capital and industrial solutions to support the growth and expansion of its portfolio companies, typically investing between EUR 10 million to EUR 50 million.

Venture Catalysts is recognized as Asia's largest integrated incubator, established in 2016, which offers investments ranging from $500,000 to $2 million per startup, along with incubation support for 18 to 24 months. It has successfully incubated notable companies such as BharatPe, Fynd, and Innov8, which have emerged as leaders in their respective categories. With a robust network of over 4,500 angel investors across 36 cities in six countries, including India, Hong Kong, and the UAE, Venture Catalysts has attracted participation from prominent global investors like YCombinator and Greenoaks. The organization focuses on nurturing the startup ecosystem in Tier II and III cities in India, conducting incubation programs in locations such as Ahmedabad, Lucknow, and Surat, as well as major metros. In addition to providing seed and Series A funding, Venture Catalysts excels in startup development, strategic guidance, and investor education, ensuring substantial returns for its investors. Its leadership in the early-stage investment landscape is underscored by the successful fundraising of over ten incubatees in a challenging market environment, solidifying its reputation as a top early-stage investor in India.

Founders Group of Food Companies Inc., based in Vancouver, Canada, is a private equity firm that specializes in investing in mature, middle-market companies, particularly in the food and consumer packaged goods sectors. Founded in 2014, the firm is family-owned and utilizes its own capital to seek opportunities in businesses where growth has plateaued or management systems need enhancement. The firm primarily invests in protein harvesters, processors, and distributors, as well as other consumer durables, beverages, and household products. It focuses its investments in the Western and Eastern United States, the Midwest, and Canada, targeting companies with recurring EBITDA between $3 million and $10 million and real estate net operating income ranging from $0.5 million to $4 million. Founders Group typically invests between $3 million and $20 million, aiming for a majority stake and board involvement, with a commitment to hold investments for a minimum of five years, potentially extending beyond 15 years.

Moriah Asset, established in 2019, is a venture capital firm headquartered in São Paulo, Brazil. The company invests in early-stage businesses operating in sectors such as B2B, media, energy, healthcare, information technology, and advertisement technology, with a particular focus on SaaS and lohas & wellness industries.

Rockstart is an accelerator based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2011. It specializes in early-stage investments in startups across various sectors, including energy, health, agrifood, and emerging technologies. With a strong focus on supporting purpose-driven founders, Rockstart not only provides capital but also offers coaching, mentorship, and access to markets, expertise, and a community of co-investors and partners. The company has invested in over 350 startups, achieving an alumni valuation exceeding $1.7 billion. Rockstart operates additional offices in Copenhagen, Denmark, and Bogotá, Colombia, and emphasizes impact-driven initiatives, including programs designed to assist entrepreneurs in Nepal. The firm's notable exits include companies like Wercker, Bouw7, and 3D Hubs, reflecting its commitment to fostering scalable innovations that drive positive change globally.

Nordic FoodTech VC, established in 2018 and headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, is a pioneering venture capital firm focused on investing in early-stage companies within the Nordic food technology sector. The firm supports innovative startups across Denmark, Faroe Islands, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, contributing to the region's burgeoning food tech ecosystem.

Denmark's Export and Investment Fund (EIFO) serves as a single point of contact for Danish firms seeking risk-tolerant government finance. We aspire to help successful enterprises that can expand the Danish economy and green the world on a daily basis, guided by professionalism and an international perspective.

Reshape Ventures, established in 2015, is a New York-based venture capital firm that invests in early-stage technology-enabled companies. These companies typically operate in sectors such as prop-tech, fintech, retail & e-commerce, and healthcare. The firm focuses on providing growth capital to support these businesses as they scale and require real estate to expand their operations.

Horizons Ventures, established in 2002, is a Hong Kong-based venture capital firm specializing in seed, early-stage, and late-stage investments. It focuses on disruptive and technology-driven startups, particularly in the areas of artificial intelligence and machine learning, fintech, healthcare technology, and SaaS. The firm has a track record of successful exits, including notable companies like Skype, Siri, Facebook, Summly, and Waze.

International Finance Corporation (IFC), established in 1956, is a member of the World Bank Group dedicated to fostering private sector development in emerging markets. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., with global offices, IFC provides financial and advisory services to support economic activities across various sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing, and financial services. It invests in both direct equity and debt, as well as fund investments, with a focus on projects that promote sustainable development and inclusive growth. IFC's investment range typically spans from $1 million to $100 million, with a minority equity stake, often up to 20%. It also offers debt financing, with loan sizes up to 25% of total project costs or 50% for expansion projects. IFC's portfolio includes a mix of asset-backed securities, corporate debt securities, government obligations, equity investments, and derivative assets. It aims to exit investments through domestic stock markets, arrangements with project sponsors, or public listings within 7 to 15 years.

Branded Hospitality, established in 2017, is a New York-based venture capital firm specializing in investments within the hospitality and technology sectors. The company focuses on seed, early, and later-stage companies, preferring minority stakes in its portfolio. Branded Hospitality operates through three key business lines: Venture Investments, Solutions, and Media. Through Venture Investments, the firm backs innovative technologies and emerging brands transforming the food service and hospitality landscape. The Solutions division collaborates with leading corporate partners to develop tailored solutions enhancing operational efficiency and brand visibility. As a media leader, Branded Hospitality creates and distributes compelling content, engaging key decision-makers and thought leaders in the industry.

Zintinus is a venture capital firm located in Berlin, Germany, specializing in investments in food technology companies across Europe. The firm focuses on identifying and supporting innovative food-related enterprises that are poised to drive advancements in the industry. By leveraging its expertise in food tech innovation, Zintinus aims to foster the growth of companies that contribute to the evolution of the food sector, enhancing sustainability and efficiency.

Dmg ventures is the corporate venture capital arm of Daily Mail and General Trust plc, established in 2015 and based in London, United Kingdom. The firm focuses on investing in early-stage businesses across various sectors, including e-commerce, property technology, publishing technology, and media. By leveraging the extensive reach of its parent company’s media properties and industry networks, dmg ventures aims to enhance the growth and market presence of these start-ups. The firm is committed to providing not only capital but also time and resources to support the development of its portfolio companies into mature, independent businesses.

Hamilton Lane, established in 1991, is a global private markets investment firm headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It serves institutional and private wealth investors worldwide, offering adaptable investment programs across various private market strategies, sectors, and geographies. As of December 31, 2022, the firm managed and supervised $831.9 billion in assets, with $107.5 billion under discretionary management.

Praesidium is a private equity firm based in Luxembourg, established in 2016. The firm specializes in investing in venture capital, mid-market, healthcare, and agri-food technology sectors. Praesidium focuses on companies across the entire value chain, with an emphasis on technologies that aim to revolutionize industries and enhance quality of life and environmental sustainability. While it primarily targets earlier-stage investments, Praesidium is also open to funding more advanced companies, leveraging its extensive network to support accelerated growth. The firm’s investments are managed by an experienced executive management team dedicated to driving innovation and positive impact in their portfolio companies.

SnackFutures Ventures, established in 2018, is the corporate venture capital arm of Mondelēz International, located in Chicago, Illinois. The firm focuses on identifying and investing in startups within the food sector, particularly those that present innovative snacking solutions and emerging trends. By harnessing entrepreneurial talent and cutting-edge technologies, SnackFutures aims to build and scale small brands that demonstrate significant growth potential. The initiative is designed to explore and capitalize on new snacking opportunities worldwide, thereby expanding Mondelēz's portfolio in the competitive food market.

Connecticut Innovations, founded in 1989 and based in New Haven, Connecticut, is a venture capital investment firm focused on high-tech industries, including energy, biotechnology, information technology, and photonics. The firm provides strategic capital and operational insight to companies at various stages of development, from seed to later stages. Its investment strategy encompasses a wide range of sectors, such as SaaS, manufacturing, life sciences, clean tech, oncology, cybersecurity, infrastructure, big data, e-commerce, and other technology-based fields. Connecticut Innovations aims to be the primary source of financing and support for innovative companies in Connecticut, offering flexible financing solutions, strategic guidance, and valuable connections to help businesses succeed and grow.

Desert Bloom is a venture capital firm founded in 2019, with a focus on supporting innovative businesses within the food and beverage industry. Based in New York, it provides consultation services aimed at fostering growth and development in this sector. The firm is dedicated to identifying promising opportunities and assisting companies in navigating the complexities of the food industry, thereby contributing to their success and sustainability.