SOSV is a global venture capital firm founded in 1995 and headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey. Specializing in seed-to-growth stage investments, SOSV operates multiple accelerator programs worldwide, including HAX for hardware, IndieBio and RebelBio for life sciences, Chinaccelerator and MOX for cross-border internet ventures, Food-X for innovative food solutions, and dlab for blockchain technology. The firm focuses on investments in revolutionary deep technologies aimed at improving human and planetary health, as well as cross-border markets, particularly in Asia. SOSV invests in approximately 150 startups annually, providing support through its resources to accelerate product development and scaling. Over its two-decade history, SOSV has established a strong reputation, consistently ranking among the top venture capital firms globally.

Big Idea Ventures, LLC is a venture capital accelerator founded in 2019, with offices in New York and Singapore. The firm focuses on investing in startup and early-stage companies that are developing alternative protein sources, particularly in the plant-based and cell-based meat sectors. Through its New Protein Fund, Big Idea Ventures provides capital and strategic support to entrepreneurs creating innovative products, ingredients, and technologies in the alternative protein ecosystem. The firm primarily targets investments of $0.2 million and looks for opportunities in Asia and North America, aiming to address global challenges related to food sustainability and nutrition.

Techstars Central LLC, founded in 2006 and based in Boulder, Colorado, operates as a startup accelerator and venture capital firm focused on supporting early-stage technology-oriented companies. It specializes in a mentorship-driven accelerator program, selecting ten startups each summer to participate in a three-month incubation period, offering funding of $120,000 in exchange for equity. Techstars invests primarily in sectors such as fintech, artificial intelligence, blockchain, augmented reality, and IoT, while avoiding investments in medical devices, healthcare technology, and local service-oriented businesses. In addition to its primary accelerator, Techstars has various specialized programs, including those focused on music, retail, mobility, and social impact, with global reach extending to regions such as Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The firm prefers taking minority stakes, typically between six and ten percent, without seeking board representation or investor rights. Techstars has built a robust network of entrepreneurs, mentors, and corporate partners to foster innovation and growth within its portfolio, which includes over 1,000 companies with a significant collective market capitalization.

AccelFoods, founded in 2013 and based in New York, is a private equity firm that specializes in investing in high-growth consumer goods, healthcare, retail, and agribusiness companies throughout the United States. The firm partners with driven founders to provide access to industry expertise and infrastructure, facilitating the development of innovative products and effective go-to-market strategies. By connecting emerging companies with essential resources, AccelFoods aims to foster the creation of enduring brands within the food and beverage ecosystem.

Collaborative V is an early-stage venture capital fund managed by Collaborative Fund, which was founded in New York in 2010. The fund focuses on investing in technology and media within creative fields, emphasizing two key themes: the growing significance of values in consumer and employment choices, and the transition from a hyper-consumption economy to one based on collaborative consumption. These themes highlight opportunities for new technologies, products, and services that can reshape business practices and enhance everyday life. Collaborative V seeks to be a primary source of capital and strategic support for creative entrepreneurs aiming to make a positive impact in the world. Its investors include notable figures from various industries, underscoring the fund's commitment to fostering innovation and creativity.

Blue Horizon Corporation, founded in 2016 and based in Zurich, Switzerland, is a venture capital investment firm focused on addressing the global challenge of sustainably feeding 10 billion people by 2050. The firm invests in innovative, tech-driven, plant-based products that cater to increasing consumer demand for healthy options. Blue Horizon Ventures, a fund launched in 2019, specifically targets investments in the agriculture and food-tech sectors across Europe. Committed to environmental, social, and governance principles, this fund seeks to achieve positive impact in areas such as health, biodiversity, and ecosystems while supporting the transition to sustainable food systems.

Bpifrance Financement S.A. is a French financial institution that provides a range of financing solutions and support services aimed at fostering the growth of startups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and mid-cap companies. It offers various financial products, including medium to long-term loans, export insurance, and leasing options for both tangible and intangible assets. Additionally, Bpifrance supports companies through consulting services, guarantees for bank financing, and training for executives. The organization also engages in direct investments and manages funds aimed at enhancing the financial landscape for businesses at different stages of their development. Established in 1980 and based in Maisons-Alfort, France, Bpifrance was formerly known as OSEO S.A. and rebranded in July 2013. It operates as a subsidiary of Bpifrance SA, reinforcing its commitment to bolstering the French economy through diversified financial solutions.

Recognized by Fast Company as one of the world’s ten most innovative companies in food, FOOD-X is the #1 Food Innovation Accelerator in the world. They help food entrepreneurs bring their products and services to market at super speed. Food-X partners with early stage companies from across the food supply chain, from food tech to food as medicine. A member of SOSV, the Accelerator VC, a global fund with over $625M assets under management and a staff of over 100 operating world-renowned accelerators in the areas of hardware, software, biology, food, robotics, medical devices, transportation, green energy, blockchain, and beyond.

Founded in 2001, DSM Venturing is the corporate venture capital arm of Royal DSM, based in Heerlen, Netherlands. The firm invests in companies developing innovative products and services in sectors of life sciences (animal and human health & nutrition) and biomedical.

Antler is a global early-stage venture capital firm founded in Singapore in 2017, focused on investing in technology companies with significant growth potential. With a presence across six continents and major entrepreneurial hubs such as London, New York, Singapore, and Sydney, Antler has supported the establishment of over 200 startups, 40% of which have at least one female co-founder. The firm identifies exceptional individuals and early-stage businesses, providing comprehensive support from team formation and business model validation to capital investment. Antler invests primarily at the pre-seed stage and continues to engage with its portfolio companies through subsequent funding rounds, including Series C. The firm operates several funds, including those targeting specific regions like East Africa, while maintaining a commitment to fostering diverse founding teams representing 70 nationalities. Through its global platform, Antler aims to help founders build impactful startups that can define the future of technology.

S2G Ventures, established in 2014 and based in Chicago, is a multi-stage venture fund focused on food and agriculture. The firm aims to support entrepreneurs whose products and services address the growing consumer demand for healthy, sustainable, and local food options. S2G Ventures identifies various sectors within the food system that are poised for transformation and builds a diverse portfolio through seed, venture, and growth-stage investments. Its investment areas encompass agriculture, food ingredients, infrastructure and logistics, food safety and technology, as well as retail, restaurants, and consumer brands. The firm’s mission is to drive innovation in these sectors to enhance sustainability and health in the food supply chain.

Brinc is an accelerator and venture capital firm based in Central Hong Kong, with additional offices in Poland, China, Spain, Australia, India, and Bahrain. The firm focuses on investing in a diverse range of sectors, including blockchain, alternative protein, health technology, agritech, smart cities, medtech, clean technology, food technology, and more. Brinc aims to support and mentor entrepreneurs, referred to as "game changers," who are working to address some of the world's significant challenges. By providing investment and resources, Brinc seeks to foster innovation in technology-focused startups that have the potential to transform various aspects of daily life. Furthermore, Brinc operates a training program for incubators and accelerators in China, enhancing the quality of startups and expanding opportunities for follow-on investment within the rapidly growing Chinese venture capital ecosystem.

DSG Consumer Partners is a venture capital firm established in 2013, headquartered in Mauritius, with a focus on investing in consumer businesses across India and Southeast Asia. The firm primarily targets minority equity positions in unlisted companies, although it may pursue control deals when aligned with capable management teams. DSG Consumer Partners is flexible in providing growth capital and enabling liquidity for founders and shareholders through secondary transactions. The founders have a long-term investment approach, typically spanning six to ten years, and have a history of supporting notable brands since 2004, including Sula Wines, Cleartrip, and Redmart. The firm concentrates on consumer-facing sectors, leveraging its expertise to foster the growth of emerging brands in the region.

500 Global, formerly known as 500 Startups, is a venture capital firm and incubator based in Mountain View, California, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in seed investments, primarily focusing on early-stage technology and financial services startups across various sectors, including biotech, e-commerce, fintech, and digital healthcare. 500 Global operates a four-month accelerator program, where it typically invests between $0.05 million and $1 million for a 5 to 10 percent equity stake in companies with at least $100,000 in monthly revenue. The firm targets a global market, with particular emphasis on regions such as the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Since its inception, it has invested in over 2,200 startups and supports the growth of innovation ecosystems through educational programs and partnerships. 500 Global also prioritizes investments in companies led by minority founders, reflecting its commitment to diverse entrepreneurial leadership.

Astanor Ventures is a venture capital firm established in 2017 and based in Brussels, Belgium, focusing on early-stage investments in the agri-food and agriculture sectors. The firm is dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs who are innovating within the food system, blue ocean economy, and agriculture, specifically targeting technology-enabled companies that aim to create a nourishing, regenerative, and trustworthy food future. Astanor Ventures manages multiple funds, including Astanor Good Harvest Ventures I, which was launched in 2018 and invests in Europe and North America, and Astanor Ventures II, initiated in 2023, targeting investments in Italy, France, and Ireland. Both funds prioritize impact investments in agtech and foodtech, seeking to support over 45 companies globally while leveraging a strong network of entrepreneurs, impact investors, and experts in the field.

Sequoia Capital is a prominent venture capital firm founded in 1972 and based in Menlo Park, California. The firm specializes in investing across various stages of startups, including seed, early, and growth stages, and focuses on sectors such as technology, healthcare, financial services, internet, and mobile. Sequoia typically invests between $100,000 and $1 million in seed companies, $1 million to $10 million in early-stage ventures, and $10 million to $100 million in growth investments. The firm operates globally, with significant activities in regions like Israel, China, and India, where it partners with dynamic founders to build successful companies. Sequoia's extensive portfolio includes notable firms and offers valuable insights and resources, benefiting from decades of experience in the venture capital landscape.

Cleveland Avenue deals with seed ventures, early stage and private equity deals focused on emerging restaurants, beverages, services, and technologies designed for foodservice and hospitality channels. They bring unparalleled resources and expertise to support remarkable companies and the people behind them.

Fireside Ventures is a Bengaluru-based private equity firm founded in 2017 that specializes in early-stage investments in consumer brands in India. The firm focuses on a diverse range of sectors, including consumer products and services, software, e-commerce, and wellness. Fireside Ventures manages its Investment Fund I, which was established in 2018, and targets investments ranging from INR 10 million to 150 million in approximately 20 to 25 companies. Through its strategic approach, Fireside Ventures aims to nurture and develop innovative consumer brands that resonate with the evolving market landscape.

FJ Labs is a U.S.-based investment firm established in 2015 by Fabrice Grinda. The firm operates with a stage-agnostic approach, primarily targeting marketplaces and consumer-facing startups. FJ Labs focuses its investments on seed and Series A rounds, with a financial commitment ranging from $50,000 to $5,000,000. The firm has invested in a variety of notable companies, including Alibaba Group, beepi, BrightRoll, Betterment, and ADORE ME.

Temasek Holdings is an investment company based in Singapore, founded in 1974, with a diverse portfolio valued at approximately S$242 billion. The firm invests across various sectors, including telecommunications, media and technology, financial services, transportation, consumer products, real estate, life sciences, agriculture, and energy. Temasek's investment strategy is guided by long-term trends, focusing on themes such as transforming economies, rising middle-income populations, and emerging champions. Its investment structure includes a mix of liquid assets, listed and unlisted holdings, and private equity, reflecting a commitment to being a significant shareholder in both local and international businesses. Temasek Capital Management, a subsidiary, specializes in private equity and mid-stage technology and life sciences investments, further enhancing Temasek's global investment footprint.

Nestlé S.A. is a global leader in the food and beverage industry, headquartered in Vevey, Switzerland. Founded in 1866, the company operates through various segments including Zone Europe, Middle East and North Africa; Zone Americas; and Zone Asia, Oceania, and sub-Saharan Africa. Its extensive product portfolio encompasses a wide range of categories such as baby foods, bottled water, cereals, coffee, dairy, culinary products, ice cream, and pet care. Notable brands include Nescafé, Nestlé Pure Life, KitKat, and Purina. Nestlé has a significant geographic footprint, with operations in 189 countries, generating over CHF 90 billion in annual revenue and boasting 34 brands that each exceed CHF 1 billion in sales. The company also engages in strategic investments through its venture capital fund, which focuses on innovations in food and nutrition.

Khosla Ventures is a venture capital firm established in 2004 by Vinod Khosla, a co-founder of Sun Microsystems. Based in Menlo Park, California, the firm manages over $5 billion and primarily invests in early-stage technology companies throughout the United States. Khosla Ventures provides capital, strategic advice, and venture assistance to entrepreneurs focused on breakthrough innovations across various sectors, including consumer technology, enterprise solutions, health, education, agriculture, and sustainable energy. The firm has a particular interest in high-risk, high-reward opportunities, often acting as a sole investor in "science or innovation experiments." Investment sizes typically range from $100,000 to over $20 million, allowing Khosla Ventures to support both traditional ventures and unconventional projects.

Siddhi Capital is a growth equity firm that focuses on the food and beverage sector, partnering with innovative companies that are redefining the consumer packaged goods landscape. The firm combines investment and operational expertise to support visionary entrepreneurs, aiming to accelerate growth and create value for its stakeholders. By concentrating on convention-breaking businesses within the industry, Siddhi Capital seeks to elevate companies that are poised to make a significant impact in the market.

Alumni Ventures Group, LLC is a venture capital firm founded in 2013 and based in Manchester, New Hampshire, with additional offices in North America. The firm specializes in seed, early-stage, and late-stage pre-IPO investments, focusing on companies that have an alumni connection and an institutional lead investor with relevant expertise. It offers high-quality, diversified venture portfolios to individual investors, particularly accredited alumni from top entrepreneurial schools, who previously lacked access to venture capital opportunities. Alumni Ventures Group invests between $0.01 million and $3 million in various sectors and geographies, without seeking board or observer seats. Additionally, the firm provides focused funds that enable any accredited investor to access a diverse venture portfolio, allowing for investment across different types, sectors, stages, and geographical locations.

GroundForce Capital is a California-based private equity firm established in 2015 that specializes in early-stage investments in the consumer, retail, and agriculture sectors across the United States and Canada. The firm focuses on providing capital, strategic guidance, and operational expertise to innovative teams leading disruptive, plant-centric brands. GroundForce Capital's mission is to transform the global food system by investing in companies that prioritize improved nutrition and sustainable practices. The firm seeks to support visionary entrepreneurs who are committed to creating positive change in the food and beverage industry.

Five Seasons Ventures Sarl is a venture capital firm based in Paris, France, specializing in seed and early-stage investments in technology companies within the food and agriculture sectors. Established in 2016, the firm primarily targets innovative food consumer products and seeks to invest between €2 million and €10 million in equity or equity-like instruments. While it focuses on investments in Europe, particularly in Italy and France, it remains open to opportunities outside of the continent. Five Seasons Ventures typically takes significant minority stakes and prefers to participate in syndicates with other investors, often seeking a board seat to engage with portfolio companies. The firm aims to support entrepreneurs who are addressing evolving consumer preferences for healthier, sustainable food options through technology and innovation.

InvestEco, founded in 2002 and based in Canada, is a private equity firm that specializes in investments within the food and agriculture sector across North America. The firm has invested in over fifteen private companies, focusing primarily on those that promote sustainability and health in this sector. InvestEco has developed substantial expertise in food and agriculture, believing that advancements in this area are crucial for improving environmental and health outcomes. The firm also manages a growth expansion fund that targets impact investments, particularly in the agriculture and financial services sectors, while maintaining a broader interest in sustainable technologies related to energy, water, and transportation.

Valor Equity Partners is a private equity and venture capital firm based in Chicago, established in 1995. The firm specializes in making investments across various stages of company development, including seed-stage, early-stage, growth-stage, and late-stage investments. Valor primarily focuses on sectors such as industrial products, manufacturing, infrastructure services, healthcare, food technology, retail technology, fintech, and clean energy. The firm seeks to partner with high-growth companies and entrepreneurs who demonstrate a commitment to excellence and industry transformation. Investment sizes typically range from $10 million to $75 million for new platforms, while add-on investments do not have a minimum size requirement. Valor Equity Partners primarily invests in North America and India, aiming to support companies with revenues between $30 million and $200 million. The firm prefers to take a leading role in investments, pursuing both control and non-control equity opportunities.

AVAC Ltd. is a Canadian venture capital firm based in Calgary, Alberta, established in 1997. It specializes in both direct investments and fund-of-funds, focusing on early-stage opportunities primarily in value-added agribusiness, information and communications technology, and life sciences. The firm typically invests up to $0.5 million in pre-commercial, growth, and early-stage companies, with a preference for those located in the Alberta region. AVAC also manages the Accelerate Fund, an angel co-investment fund, and has been involved in over 115 direct investments and four national venture capital funds, contributing more than $118 million to its portfolio. Its investment strategy emphasizes active participation in the management and governance of portfolio companies, and it may also provide grants to public research and not-for-profit organizations in the agrivalue sector. Through its Ag Tech brand, Verdex Capital, AVAC supports management of investments in agricultural technology, contributing to the growth of innovative business ventures.

Lever VC is a U.S.-Hong Kong venture capital fund founded by Managing Partner Nick Cooney and investing in early stage companies in the alternative protein sector (plant-based and “clean”/cell-based meat, egg and dairy companies). Lever VC operates globally, with offices in Hong Kong and the U.S. and staff in the US, Hong Kong, Europe, and Israel. Entrepreneurs and startups interested in connecting with Lever VC about possible investment can reach the team and submit information about their company at http://www.levervc.com. Managing Partner Nick Cooney is the Co-Founder and former Managing Trustee of New Crop Capital, a private venture capital trust vehicle investing in the alternative protein space, and is Co-Founder of the Good Food Institute, the world’s largest non-governmental organization working to grow the alternative protein space. The General Partners at Lever VC have deployed over $1.5 billion in capital over the past decade across a variety of sectors, including over thirty deals in the alternative protein space.

CircleUp Network, Inc. is an equity crowdfunding platform based in San Francisco, California, that connects accredited investors with early-stage consumer and retail brands. Founded in 2011, CircleUp enables these companies to access the capital and resources necessary for growth by showcasing profiles of promising brands on its platform. The firm specializes in various sectors, including food, personal care, pet products, apparel, retail, and restaurants. CircleUp utilizes its proprietary machine learning platform, Helio, to analyze vast amounts of data on consumer businesses, allowing it to identify investment opportunities and predict future success. The investor base includes industry experts, venture capitalists, private equity professionals, and angel investors, all focused on supporting innovative consumer brands.

CPT Capital is a venture capital firm based in London, United Kingdom, that focuses on seed investments in the alternative protein sector. The firm targets companies involved in plant-based proteins, recombinant proteins, cell-based meat, and other innovative ventures that contribute to advancements in food and materials technology. CPT Capital aims to support its portfolio companies from the seed stage through to exit events such as sales or initial public offerings, emphasizing long-term growth and sustainability in the food industry.

L Catterton is a private equity firm established in 1989 and headquartered in Greenwich, Connecticut. The firm focuses on providing capital for acquisitions, management buyouts, recapitalizations, and turnarounds, while also supporting ongoing growth and development of companies. L Catterton primarily targets investments in the consumer sector, including food and beverage, retail, restaurants, consumer products and services, and media and marketing services. The firm emerged in 2016 from the merger of Catterton Partners and L Capital Management, specializing in buyout investments in mid-market consumer businesses throughout North America and Europe. L Catterton manages several growth and buyout funds that invest in a range of sectors and geographies, including a focus on impact investments related to education, health, waste, and climate. It typically invests between USD 10 million to USD 500 million, depending on the fund and the specific opportunity.

Enterprise Ireland is a government agency established in 1998, dedicated to fostering the growth and funding of indigenous businesses in Ireland. Its primary mission is to support the development of world-class companies that can compete effectively in global markets, thereby enhancing national and regional prosperity. Enterprise Ireland manages a substantial Equity Fund, which includes over 2,500 investments, with a significant focus on technology, followed by life sciences and general sectors. The agency's portfolio managers conduct more than 350 investments each year across various stages, from pre-seed to series E. In addition to its Equity Fund, Enterprise Ireland participates in a Fund of Funds program and engages in numerous co-investments with both global and domestic venture capital and private equity funds. The agency is proactive in seeking partnerships with new funds to continue its mission of supporting Irish enterprises.

Cargill, established in 1865, is a privately held company based in the United States that operates internationally, producing and marketing a diverse range of food, agricultural, financial, and industrial products and services. Employing approximately 142,000 people across 67 countries, Cargill focuses on collaborating with customers to address various economic, environmental, and social challenges. The company leverages its scientific expertise and extensive research and development capabilities to enhance existing products, improve process efficiencies, and support innovative solutions. With a global team of over 1,300 specialists in research, development, applications, and technical services, Cargill offers a comprehensive spectrum of services, including technical support, intellectual asset management, and regulatory affairs, to generate distinctive value for its clients.

SVG Ventures is an investment and advisory firm based in Silicon Valley, established in 2010. The firm focuses on early-stage technology companies and engages closely with its portfolio to foster their growth and success. In addition, SVG Ventures manages the Thrive Fund, a venture capital fund located in Los Gatos, California, which targets sectors such as software, agriculture, ag tech, and food tech. Founded in 2013, Thrive operates a series of accelerators aimed at supporting sustainable agri-food companies. The firm offers a range of services, including acceleration, mentorship, validation, and venture-building, leveraging its extensive network of technology leaders to drive innovation and global expansion for its partners and portfolio companies.

Stray Dog Capital LLC is a private equity and venture capital firm based in Leawood, Kansas, founded in 2013. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, focusing on companies that provide alternatives to the use of animals in the supply chain. Stray Dog Capital aims to promote innovation in sectors such as food, beverage, and biotechnology through its investments and support. With a mission-driven approach, the firm is committed to fostering businesses that align with its ethical values while delivering financial returns.

Novo Holdings, established in 1999, is the holding company of the Novo Group, primarily managing the investment assets of the Novo Nordisk Foundation. Based in Copenhagen, with additional offices in San Francisco and Boston, Novo Holdings focuses on two main investment categories: Life Science Investments, which encompasses funding life science companies at various stages of development, and Financial Investments, which entails managing a diversified portfolio of equity and fixed income securities. As a prominent life science investor, Novo Holdings aims to create long-term value while ensuring that the Foundation can distribute returns for scientific, social, and humanitarian purposes to enhance public health and welfare. The company has also developed initiatives such as Novo Seeds, which supports early-stage applied research in life sciences, and invests in later-stage life science companies through growth equity. Novo Holdings maintains a strategic influence over affiliated companies, aligning their operations with the values and objectives of the Novo Group.

M13, founded in 2016 by brothers Carter and Courtney Reum, is a venture capital investment firm headquartered in Los Angeles, with additional offices in New York and San Francisco. The firm focuses on building and scaling consumer technology companies by providing access to capital, expertise, and resources. M13 has a diverse portfolio that includes well-known companies such as Lyft, Pinterest, Ring, Daily Harvest, and FabFitFun, with a total enterprise value exceeding $137 billion from more than 80 direct investments and 16 exits. The firm emphasizes investments in emerging technologies that are set to influence consumer behavior over the coming decade, particularly in sectors such as technology, health, commerce, and artificial intelligence, and typically invests at the seed, Series A, and Series B stages.

Halogen Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Los Angeles, California, established in 2017. The firm focuses on investing in early-stage consumer technology startups that have a female founder. Halogen Ventures primarily targets pre-seed, seed, and series A funding rounds, supporting companies that are developing innovative technologies and products in the consumer sector. The firm is committed to providing hands-on support to its portfolio companies throughout their growth journey, assisting founders in building networks, gaining brand exposure, hiring talent, securing follow-on funding, and navigating paths to acquisition or initial public offerings.

Great Oaks Venture Capital is a New York-based micro venture capital firm established in 2003, focusing on early-stage investments in consumer goods, technology, and healthcare sectors. The firm primarily targets seed and Series A funding rounds, supporting innovative startups that demonstrate growth potential. Great Oaks has built a diverse portfolio that includes well-known companies such as Acorns, Allbirds, and Flatiron Health, among others. By concentrating on early investments, Great Oaks aims to foster the development of emerging businesses and contribute to their long-term success.

Agronomics is a venture capital firm founded in 2018 and based in Ramsey, United Kingdom. The firm focuses on investing in companies within the cellular agriculture and biomanufacturing sectors, aiming to support innovations that can transform how food and materials are produced. By targeting these emerging industries, Agronomics seeks to create value for its stakeholders while promoting sustainable practices. The firm is particularly interested in businesses that demonstrate the potential for significant revenue generation through technological advancements in agriculture and biomanufacturing.

NC IDEA is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting early-stage, high-growth technology companies in North Carolina. It primarily offers financial assistance through its NC IDEA SEED and NC IDEA MICRO programs. NC IDEA SEED provides $50,000 grants to innovative startups with viable concepts, helping them scale more quickly, while also offering mentorship to mitigate growth risks. Since its inception in 2006, this initiative has granted over $7.2 million to 161 companies, with nearly 70 percent of these businesses still operational today. Collectively, they have secured over $295 million in additional funding and created more than 1,860 jobs. The NC IDEA MICRO program complements this by offering $10,000 grants to early-stage companies seeking to validate and advance their ideas. Through these efforts, NC IDEA plays a crucial role in fostering the growth of technology-driven entrepreneurship in the region.

GV Management Company, LLC, established in 2009 as the venture capital arm of Alphabet Inc., specializes in investments across various stages, including seed, early, and late-stage funding. Based in Mountain View, California, with additional offices in Boston, New York, Seattle, Cambridge, and London, GV focuses on sectors such as life sciences, healthcare, artificial intelligence, robotics, transportation, cybersecurity, and agriculture. The firm has invested in over 300 companies, aiming to drive innovation and improve lives. GV seeks to make investments of up to $50 million, while offering early-stage startups funding of up to $250,000, typically taking minority stakes in these companies. Through its extensive network, GV provides startups with unique access to technology and talent, enhancing their potential for success.

Clear Current Capital is an early-stage venture capital firm based in Vero Beach, Florida, established in 2018. The firm focuses its investments on the plant-based food sector, including cell-cultured meat and fermented food, with an emphasis on sustainability and social impact. Clear Current Capital aims to generate a return on investment while supporting innovative companies in the food industry at the Seed and Series A funding stages. The firm’s initial fund is now closed to new investors, having established valuable strategic partnerships and a proprietary deal flow in its pursuit of sustainable food solutions.

Plug and Play, founded in 2006 and based in Sunnyvale, California, operates as a business accelerator and venture capital firm that focuses on early-stage and seed investments in technology startups. The firm runs 12 industry-specific accelerator programs annually, connecting startups with corporate partners and investors to foster collaboration and growth. Plug and Play's investment strategy encompasses a wide range of sectors, including fintech, health and wellness, travel, cybersecurity, and sustainability, allowing it to support diverse startups from any country. The firm provides various resources, including funding, mentorship, office space, and networking opportunities, and has a global presence with offices in North America, Europe, and Asia. Plug and Play has a strong track record, having helped numerous startups secure over $9 billion in funding since its inception. Its programs aim to refine business models and facilitate introductions to potential investors, ultimately contributing to the growth of the startup ecosystem.

CAVU Venture Partners is a venture capital and private equity firm founded in 2015 and based in New York, New York. The firm specializes in investing in early to mid-stage and mature consumer goods, particularly within the food and beverage, pet care, and personal care sectors. CAVU seeks to partner with passionate entrepreneurs and brands that have the potential to make a positive impact, focusing on companies with revenues of $50 million or less. With a deep industry experience and a proven track record in brand building, CAVU aims to create optimal conditions for startups and established brands to thrive, fostering innovation and growth in the consumer products space.

Unilever Ventures Limited serves as the investment arm of Unilever, focusing on venture capital and private equity investments. Established in 2002 and headquartered in London with an office in Mumbai, the firm targets various stages of investment, including seed/start-up, early stage, late stage, and expansion, while avoiding incubation phases. It primarily invests in sectors such as personal care, digital media, e-commerce, healthcare, and technology, with a particular interest in food and beverage, beauty, and wellness services. Unilever Ventures typically invests between $0.5 million and €10 million, seeking both majority and minority stakes in portfolio companies, and often takes board seats. The firm emphasizes investments in companies based in Asia and Europe, particularly Western Europe, while also considering opportunities in North America. In addition, it collaborates with The Unilever Foundry to offer technology innovators access to pilot projects and mentorship.

Icos Capital is a Rotterdam-based venture and growth capital investment firm established in 2005, specializing in early-stage investments in technology-related companies. With over 50 years of combined experience, the firm has invested more than 100 million euros in over 40 European technology firms, achieving notable success with 12 exits through mergers and acquisitions and initial public offerings. Icos Capital distinguishes itself as an operational venture capital firm, leveraging hands-on experience to drive growth in its portfolio. The firm has established strategic partnerships with major corporations, enhancing its capabilities in cleantech innovations. These alliances grant Icos Capital access to extensive global networks and valuable insights, aligning with both capital gain objectives and corporate social responsibility goals. Its 2023 vintage fund, Icos Capital Growth Fund IV, specifically targets climate tech, including food tech and sustainable materials, while focusing on impact investments related to pollution and air quality.

Campbell Soup Company, founded in 1869, is a prominent manufacturer and marketer of branded convenience food products based in the United States. The company operates through five segments: U.S. Simple Meals, Global Baking and Snacking, International Simple Meals and Beverages, U.S. Beverages, and North America Foodservice. Campbell's diverse product portfolio includes soups, meals, beverages, snacks, and packaged fresh foods, which are sold worldwide. The company has expanded its operations through several acquisitions, such as Bolthouse Farms and Plum Organics, enhancing its presence in the health-focused food segment. Campbell also divested its European simple meals business to streamline its focus on core markets and offerings.