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.

IndieBio is an accelerator firm established in 2014 and based in San Francisco, California, with an additional office in New York. It specializes in startups that utilize synthetic biology to address significant global challenges. IndieBio runs four-month accelerator programs aimed at both companies and teams with innovative ideas, focusing on seed-stage and early-stage investments. The firm typically invests $250,000, providing $50,000 in exchange for eight percent equity in biotech startups, with the possibility of an additional $25,000 as a convertible loan note. IndieBio prioritizes investments in businesses that leverage biology as the core of their technology, particularly in life sciences, biotechnology, and related fields. The firm favors teams with a minimum of two co-founders and is open to investing in startups from various geographical locations.

MassChallenge is a non-equity startup accelerator headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, with additional locations in Israel, Mexico, Switzerland, Texas, and the UK. Founded in 2009, it focuses on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship by supporting high-potential startups across various industries globally. MassChallenge provides expert mentorship, a tailored curriculum, and access to corporate partners without taking any equity from the startups. Its programs, including specialized initiatives like MassChallenge FinTech and MassChallenge HealthTech, aim to facilitate partnerships between startups and established companies to drive innovation and growth. To date, MassChallenge has helped over 1,200 alumni raise more than $2 billion in funding and create over 65,000 jobs, demonstrating its significant impact on the global innovation ecosystem.

Big Idea Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2018 and based in New York, with an additional office in Singapore. The firm specializes in investing in seed-stage, early-stage, and growth-stage companies, primarily focusing on the development of new protein alternatives, including plant-based food products, ingredients, and cell-based meats. Its first fund, the New Protein Fund, aims to support businesses within the alternative protein ecosystem by combining capital with strategic partnerships to foster innovation in this sector. Big Idea Ventures primarily targets companies in Asia and North America, investing approximately $0.2 million in each venture. The firm is dedicated to addressing global challenges by empowering promising entrepreneurs in the food technology and sustainability space.

AccelFoods, founded in 2013 and based in New York, is a private equity firm that specializes in investing in early-stage companies within the food and beverage sector, along with consumer goods, healthcare, retail, and agribusiness. The firm partners with high-growth companies, providing founders with the necessary industry access, expertise, and infrastructure to develop unique products and effective go-to-market strategies. By connecting emerging brands with essential resources, AccelFoods aims to foster the creation of the next generation of enduring consumer brands.

Collaborative V is an early-stage venture capital fund managed by Collaborative Fund, which was founded in 2010 and is based in New York. The firm focuses on investing in sectors such as climate, consumer, health, and technology with an emphasis on creativity and collaborative consumption. It aims to support creative entrepreneurs who strive to make a positive impact on the world. Collaborative Fund is driven by two key themes: the rising significance of values in consumer choices and the transition from hyper-consumption to collaborative consumption. These themes highlight opportunities for innovative technologies, products, and services that can reshape business practices and enhance daily life. By providing capital and strategic support, Collaborative V seeks to be a leading resource for entrepreneurs looking to drive meaningful change.

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 wide range of financing solutions and support services for businesses at various stages of their development. Established in 1980 and based in Maisons-Alfort, France, the company offers medium to long-term loans, export insurance, real estate and equipment leasing, and working capital loans. Bpifrance also invests in startups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and mid-cap companies through direct investments and fund management activities. Additionally, it provides consulting services for executives and training for CEOs, aiming to facilitate innovation and growth. Bpifrance was formed from the merger of several entities in July 2013, including OSEO, CDC Entreprises, and FSI, to enhance its role in supporting the financing of the French economy.

Gaingels is a venture capital investment firm founded in 2014 and based in Burlington, Vermont. It specializes in investing in companies led by LGBT+ founders and C-suite leaders across various stages of growth, as well as in established firms aiming to create more inclusive teams. With a global portfolio of over 130 companies and $70 million in investment capital deployed, Gaingels actively supports its portfolio by helping to identify and recruit diverse talent for leadership roles. The firm fosters a vibrant community of industry leaders, investors, operators, and entrepreneurs who are united in their mission to drive positive social change through business and successful investments.

Brinc is an accelerator firm established in 2014, headquartered in Central, Hong Kong, with additional offices in various countries including Poland, China, Spain, Australia, India, and Bahrain. The firm specializes in investing in startups across a diverse range of sectors such as blockchain, alternative protein, healthcare technology, agritech, smart cities, clean technology, food technology, and logistics, among others. Brinc's mission is to support entrepreneurs, whom they refer to as "game changers," by providing investment and mentorship to help them tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Additionally, Brinc operates training programs for incubators and accelerators, particularly in China, aiming to enhance the quality of startups and create opportunities for follow-on investments within the rapidly growing venture capital ecosystem.

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.

S2G Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Chicago, established in 2014, that focuses on investing in the food and agriculture sectors. The firm aims to support entrepreneurs whose products and services address the growing consumer demand for healthy, sustainable, and locally sourced food. S2G Ventures identifies key areas within the food system that are poised for innovation and change, creating a diverse portfolio that includes seed, venture, and growth-stage investments. Its investment interests span various domains, including agriculture, ingredients, infrastructure and logistics, food safety and technology, retail and restaurants, and consumer brands.

AgFunder Inc. is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2013. It specializes in early-stage investments, particularly in the agritech and food tech sectors, focusing on companies that address challenges within the food system. AgFunder emphasizes technologies that generate significant environmental and social impacts, evaluating each investment against ESG principles and the Sustainable Development Goals. As part of its investment strategy, portfolio companies must adopt ESG policies to embed these principles into their company culture. The firm operates as a Platform-VC, utilizing technology and research to create a global network of over 50,000 members, including more than 5,000 investors. AgFunder also offers co-investment opportunities through special funds and Special Purpose Vehicles, aiming to scale its investments in innovative solutions such as automation, supply chain digitization, food waste reduction, alternative proteins, and nutrition.

Antler is a global early-stage venture capital firm founded in Singapore in 2017, focused on identifying and investing in exceptional individuals and early-stage technology companies with the potential to become defining businesses of tomorrow. With a presence in major entrepreneurial hubs across six continents, Antler supports startups from inception through to growth, providing assistance in team formation, business model validation, and capital investment at the pre-seed stage and beyond. Since its inception, Antler has invested in over 200 companies, with a notable emphasis on diversity; 40% of these companies have at least one female co-founder and founders represent 70 different nationalities. The firm has established multiple funds targeting various regions, including Southeast Asia and East Africa, and aims to build long-term relationships with its portfolio companies as a committed investor and supporter.

DSG Consumer Partners is a venture capital firm established in 2013, with its headquarters in Singapore. The firm specializes in identifying and investing in consumer businesses primarily in India and Southeast Asia. DSG Consumer Partners typically takes minority equity positions in unlisted companies but is open to control deals when aligned with strong management teams. The firm offers growth capital and liquidity options for founders and shareholders through secondary transactions. With a long-term investment horizon of 6 to 10 years, DSG has a proven track record of backing prominent brands such as Sula Wines, Cleartrip, and Veeba Food Services, among others. The founders' extensive experience in the sector underpins DSG’s commitment to fostering the growth of consumer-facing businesses in the region.

Sequoia Capital, founded in 1972 and based in Menlo Park, California, is a prominent venture capital firm that invests in early to growth stage companies across various sectors, including technology, healthcare, financial services, and consumer services. The firm specializes in supporting startups and emerging growth companies, typically investing between $100,000 and $1 million in seed companies, $1 million to $10 million in early ventures, and $10 million to $100 million in growth investments. Sequoia Capital operates globally, with a presence in regions such as Israel, China, and Southeast Asia, and has built a diverse portfolio that includes notable companies like Airbnb, Alibaba, and JD.com. The firm emphasizes a partnership approach with entrepreneurs, leveraging decades of experience to guide them from initial concept through to public offering and beyond.

Temasek Holdings, established in 1974 and based in Singapore, is an investment company managing a diversified portfolio valued at approximately S$242 billion. The firm actively invests across various sectors, including telecommunications, media and technology, financial services, transportation, consumer products, real estate, life sciences, and energy. Temasek focuses on long-term investment themes such as transforming economies, growing middle-income populations, deepening comparative advantages, and supporting emerging champions. Its investment strategy encompasses a combination of liquid assets, listed and unlisted equities, and private equity opportunities, with a notable emphasis on mid-stage technology and life sciences investments through its private equity arm, Temasek Capital Management. Furthermore, Temasek aims to be the preferred investor for companies in Singapore and internationally, reflecting its commitment to global investment opportunities.

The National Science Foundation (NSF), established in 1950 and located in Alexandria, Virginia, is an independent federal agency dedicated to advancing fundamental research and education across all scientific and engineering disciplines. With an annual budget of approximately $7.8 billion, the NSF operates America's Seed Fund, which allocates nearly $200 million each year to support startups and small businesses through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. This initiative provides non-dilutive funding of up to $1.5 million to assist in research and development efforts, thereby facilitating the transformation of scientific discoveries into commercially viable products and services. By helping to de-risk technology, the NSF plays a crucial role in fostering innovation and addressing societal challenges through scientific advancements.

Astanor Ventures is a venture capital firm established in 2017 and headquartered in Brussels, Belgium. The firm specializes in investing in technology-enabled companies within the agri-food sector, focusing on entrepreneurs who aim to regenerate food systems and the blue ocean economy. Astanor Ventures targets early-stage investments in agriculture and food technology, particularly emphasizing sustainable and impactful solutions. Its investments span a global network, with a strong presence in Europe and North America, and the firm actively seeks to support over 45 companies that align with its vision of creating a nourishing, regenerative, and trusted food future. Through a combination of capital, sector expertise, and a network of diverse stakeholders, Astanor Ventures is dedicated to promoting innovations that enhance the agri-food value chain.

9Unicorns is an accelerator program based in Mumbai, India, founded in 2020. The organization focuses on investing in very early-stage startups, providing them with the necessary resources, mentorship, and support to foster growth and innovation. By targeting nascent companies, 9Unicorns aims to nurture the entrepreneurial ecosystem in India and help startups scale their operations effectively.

Fireside Ventures is a Bengaluru-based private equity firm founded in 2017 that specializes in early-stage investments in consumer brands across India. The firm focuses on a diverse range of sectors, including consumer products and services, software, e-commerce, and wellness. Through its investment fund, Fireside Ventures aims to allocate between INR 10 million to 150 million in approximately 20 to 25 companies, supporting innovative brands that cater to the evolving needs of consumers. By adopting a unique approach to investing, Fireside Ventures seeks to nurture and grow the next generation of consumer-focused enterprises in the Indian market.

FJ Labs is a venture capital firm based in New York, founded in 2015 by Fabrice Grinda. The firm is stage-agnostic, focusing on marketplaces and consumer-facing startups, with a particular emphasis on sectors such as B2B, B2C, financial services, mobile technology, advertisement technology, e-commerce, food technology, gaming, health technology, real estate technology, restaurant technology, ridesharing, SaaS, and virtual reality. FJ Labs invests primarily in seed and Series A rounds, with an investment range between $50,000 and $5,000,000. The firm has backed notable companies including Alibaba Group, Beepi, BrightRoll, Betterment, ADORE ME, and Earnest.

Cleveland Avenue is a venture capital investment firm based in Chicago, Illinois, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in seed ventures, early-stage investments, and private equity deals, primarily focusing on emerging restaurants, beverages, lifestyle consumer brands, agTech, and technologies for the foodservice and hospitality sectors. Cleveland Avenue leverages its extensive resources and expertise to support innovative companies and their founders, aiming to foster growth and success in the food and beverage industry. As a Registered Investment Adviser, the firm is committed to making impactful investments that align with its strategic vision.

GroundForce Capital is a growth equity firm based in San Francisco, established in 2015. The firm focuses on early-stage investments in the consumer food and beverage sectors, targeting companies that aim to enhance both human health and environmental sustainability. GroundForce Capital provides not only capital but also strategic guidance and operational expertise to support visionary teams leading innovative brands. As a Registered Investment Adviser, the firm is committed to fostering businesses that contribute to a healthier and more sustainable global food system.

Nestlé S.A., founded in 1866 and headquartered in Vevey, Switzerland, is the world's largest food and beverage company, generating over CHF 90 billion in annual revenue. The company operates across various regions, including Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, the Americas, and Asia, Oceania, and sub-Saharan Africa. Nestlé's extensive product portfolio encompasses a wide range of brands, including baby foods (Cerelac, Gerber), bottled water (Nestlé Pure Life, Perrier), cereals (Cheerios, Nesquik), chocolate and confectionery (KitKat, Smarties), and coffee (Nescafé, Nespresso). Additionally, it offers culinary products, dairy items, pet care goods (Purina), and health nutrition solutions. Nestlé has a significant global presence, with operations in nearly 190 countries and over 30 brands generating annual sales exceeding CHF 1 billion. The company also invests in innovative ventures through its venture capital fund, targeting advancements in food science and technology.

Khosla Ventures is a venture capital firm established in 2004 by Vinod Khosla, co-founder of Sun Microsystems, and is headquartered in Menlo Park, California. The firm manages over $5 billion and focuses on investing in a diverse range of sectors, including consumer technology, enterprise solutions, education, healthcare, financial services, agriculture, sustainable energy, and robotics. Khosla Ventures provides not only capital but also strategic guidance to entrepreneurs, particularly in early-stage ventures, where it often supports innovative and unconventional projects. The firm seeks to back companies that are driven by breakthrough technologies, with investment sizes ranging from $100,000 to over $20 million. Khosla Ventures maintains a collaborative approach, frequently co-investing with other firms, including Kleiner Perkins, with which it has historical ties.

Novo Holdings, established in 1999 and based in Copenhagen, is the asset manager for the Novo Nordisk Foundation, overseeing its wealth and investments. The company primarily focuses on the life sciences sector, investing across various stages of company development, from early-stage ventures to established firms. Novo Holdings also manages a diversified portfolio of financial investments, including equity and fixed income securities. It is recognized as a leading life science investor globally and aims to generate long-term value to support the Foundation's grant obligations for medical and scientific research. Additionally, it plays a pivotal role in the Novo Group, maintaining a significant influence over its associated companies, including Novo Nordisk and Novozymes, while ensuring compliance with the group’s shared values and management principles. Through initiatives like Novo Seeds, the firm supports early-stage applied research in Scandinavia, further solidifying its commitment to advancing health and welfare through strategic investments.

PeakBridge, established in 2019 and based in Luxembourg, is an alternative investment fund manager specializing in FoodTech. As a global venture capital firm, it focuses on investments in the food technology sector, targeting visionary pioneers with scalable and impactful technologies. The firm manages three FoodTech funds with total assets under management of 250 million. Its investment strategy encompasses a range of verticals, including ingredients, alternative protein technologies, digitalization, nutrition, and alternative farming, with a portfolio of 26 companies worldwide. One of its notable funds, PeakBridge Growth II, co-managed with Edmond de Rothschild Private Equity, was launched in 2022 and invests primarily in the United States, Europe, and the Middle East. This fund typically targets investments between 5 million and 8 million euros in 16 to 20 companies across food products and ag-tech sectors.

Innovate UK is a non-departmental public body established in 2007 and based in Swindon, United Kingdom. Funded by a government grant, it supports innovation in science and technology by providing funding services to businesses across various sectors and regions. The organization aims to drive productivity and economic growth by facilitating advancements that contribute to the UK’s economic landscape. In addition to funding, Innovate UK offers a range of services and information related to business and economic development, thereby fostering a supportive environment for innovation.

Alumni Ventures Group, LLC is a venture capital firm founded in 2013 and based in Manchester, New Hampshire, with additional offices in major cities across North America. The firm specializes in seed, early-stage, and late-stage pre-IPO investments, focusing on companies with an alumni connection and supported by established institutional lead investors. Alumni Ventures aims to provide accredited investors, particularly alumni from top entrepreneurial schools, with access to diversified venture portfolios that span various sectors and geographic regions. The firm typically invests between $0.01 million and $3 million and does not require board or observer seats in its portfolio companies. Through its managed fund families, Alumni Ventures enables investors to participate in a collaborative investment approach, fostering connections among alumni while facilitating investment opportunities in innovative ventures.

Horizon Ventures is a Hong Kong-based venture capital firm established in 2002, specializing in technology-focused investments across various sectors. With a global presence, the firm targets seed, early-stage, and late-stage opportunities, particularly in artificial intelligence, machine learning, fintech, healthcare technology, and software as a service (SaaS). Horizon Ventures is known for its disruptive investment strategy, having achieved notable exits in successful companies such as Skype, Siri, Facebook, Summly, and Waze. Through its strategic investments, the firm aims to support innovative startups that have the potential to reshape their respective industries.

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.

Five Seasons Ventures is a Paris-based venture capital firm established in 2016, specializing in seed and early-stage investments in technology companies, particularly within the food and agriculture sectors. The firm targets innovative companies that address evolving consumer demands for healthier, more sustainable food options. It typically invests between €2 million and €10 million, focusing on equity or equity-like instruments, and seeks to take significant minority stakes while often participating in syndicates with other investors. Five Seasons Ventures primarily concentrates its investments in Europe, with a strong preference for opportunities in Italy and France, although it is open to considering companies outside of Europe. The firm aims to leverage its capital, industry expertise, and extensive network to support entrepreneurs developing new food categories and disruptive business models.

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.

Founded in 2020, Sustainable Food Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Durham, North Carolina. The firm invests in early-stage food tech companies that are operating in cell-based, plant-based, and recombinant food products.

Food Labs is a Berlin-based venture capital firm established in 2015, focusing on innovative solutions in the food and agriculture sectors. The firm invests in consumer products, consumer services, and food technology, aiming to support startups that address the challenges of feeding a growing global population sustainably and healthily. Food Labs has backed over 20 mission-driven teams, fostering ideas across the entire value chain, including areas such as agricultural technology, alternative proteins, water supply, food security, vertical farming, and waste reduction. By promoting advancements in these sectors, Food Labs seeks to contribute to a more sustainable food system.

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.

Siddhi Capital, founded in 2020 and based in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, is a growth and expansion firm specializing in the food and beverage sectors. As an operationally-focused equity firm, Siddhi Capital combines investment and operational expertise to foster growth and create value for its stakeholders. The firm aims to support visionary entrepreneurs and innovative companies that are transforming the consumer packaged goods (CPG) and food industries. Siddhi Capital primarily invests in businesses involved in food technology, food and beverage, and supply chain and distribution, positioning itself as a venture partner for companies seeking to disrupt traditional market conventions.

Lever VC is a venture capital fund founded in 2017, with its headquarters in Brooklyn, New York, and regional offices in San Francisco and Hong Kong. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage companies within the alternative protein sector, focusing on plant-based and cell-based meat, dairy, and egg products. Led by Managing Partner Nick Cooney, who has a strong background in the alternative protein industry through roles with New Crop Capital and the Good Food Institute, Lever VC has established itself as a significant player in this emerging market. The firm's general partners have collectively invested over $1.5 billion across various sectors in the past decade, including more than thirty deals specifically in the alternative protein space. Lever VC operates globally, with teams in the U.S., Hong Kong, Europe, and Israel, actively seeking opportunities to support innovative entrepreneurs and startups in food technology.

InvestEco, founded in 2002 and based in Toronto, Canada, is a private equity firm specializing in the food and agriculture sector across North America. The firm has invested in over fifteen private companies, focusing on those that promote health and sustainability. This includes investments in renewable energy, water technologies, resource productivity, and efficient transportation solutions. Over the years, InvestEco has honed its expertise in sustainable food and agriculture, recognizing the sector's importance to both environmental and health outcomes. Its current investment strategy emphasizes leading brands in this area, aiming to create a positive impact while fostering growth in consumer non-durable goods and related sectors.

L Catterton is a private equity firm based in Greenwich, Connecticut, founded in 1989. The firm specializes in providing capital to support acquisitions, management buyouts, recapitalizations, and growth initiatives for mid-market consumer businesses. L Catterton focuses on various sectors within the consumer industry, including food and beverage, retail, consumer products, and media services. In 2016, it was formed through the merger of Catterton Partners and L Capital Management, enhancing its capabilities in buyout investments. The firm manages several funds aimed at different investment stages and geographic regions, including North America and Latin America, with investment sizes typically ranging from $10 million to $500 million. L Catterton also emphasizes impact investments targeting areas such as education, health, and climate-related initiatives, reflecting its commitment to responsible investing.

The U.S. Department of Energy is a government agency established in 1977, located in Washington, D.C. Its primary mission is to ensure the security and prosperity of the nation by tackling energy, environmental, and nuclear challenges. The Department focuses on promoting transformative scientific and technological solutions to address these issues, thereby supporting the country's energy needs and environmental sustainability.

New Crop Capital is a specialized private venture capital fund. We invest in talented, focused entrepreneurs whose products or services replace foods derived from conventional animal agriculture, which we view as an antiquated and inefficient food production system with serious vulnerabilities. The meat, egg, and dairy sectors represent a $700 billion global market that is ripe for innovation and large-scale disruption.

SVG Ventures is an investment and advisory firm based in Los Gatos, California, founded in 2010. The firm focuses on early-stage technology companies, particularly in the agrifood, supply chain, sustainability, and climate sectors. It operates the Thrive Agtech Accelerator, an innovation platform dedicated to supporting sustainable agri-food companies through acceleration, mentorship, and venture-building services. SVG Ventures collaborates with public and private organizations to foster strategy, innovation, and global expansion. The firm is known for its extensive network and hands-on approach, providing multi-stage investments and resources to help startups at all stages of development succeed in the agtech and food tech industries.

CPT Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 2017 and headquartered in London, United Kingdom. The firm specializes in seed investments, primarily focusing on the alternative protein sector, which includes plant-based protein, recombinant proteins, and cell-based meat. CPT Capital aims to support companies that are advancing innovations in food and materials technology. Its investment strategy encompasses a range of stages, from seed to later stages, including sale or IPO. The firm targets a diverse set of sectors, including business products, consumer services, healthcare, and technology, with investments in regions such as the United States, Israel, Europe, the United Kingdom, and Asia.

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.

The EIC pilot supports top-class innovators, entrepreneurs, small companies and scientists with bright ideas and the ambition to scale up internationally. It brings together the parts of Horizon 2020 that provide funding, advice and networking opportunities for those at cutting edge of innovation.

NC IDEA is a nonprofit organization based in Durham, North Carolina, dedicated to supporting early-stage, high-growth technology companies. Since its inception in 2005, NC IDEA has provided critical funding through its grant programs, including NC IDEA SEED, which offers $50,000 grants to innovative startups with proven concepts, and NC IDEA MICRO, which provides $10,000 to help young companies validate and advance their ideas. Through these initiatives, NC IDEA aims to reduce the risks associated with scaling startups while also offering mentorship and guidance. The organization has awarded over $7.2 million in grants to 161 companies, with nearly 70 percent still operating today. Collectively, these companies have raised over $295 million in additional funding and created more than 1,860 jobs, demonstrating the significant impact of NC IDEA on the entrepreneurial ecosystem in North Carolina.

Unovis Asset Management, founded in 2015 and based in New York, is a leading venture capital firm focused on the alternative protein sector. The firm invests in entrepreneurs who are creating innovative plant-based and cultivated substitutes for traditional animal products such as meat, seafood, dairy, and eggs. With its flagship funds, New Crop Capital Trust and The Alternative Protein Fund, Unovis aims to transform the global food system by promoting solutions that encourage sustained behavioral change and reduce reliance on animal protein. The firm leverages its extensive food industry expertise, understanding of consumer needs, and a broad network of industry professionals to support founders in building resilient companies that drive meaningful change in food production and consumption.

Cargill is a global producer and marketer of food, agricultural, financial, and industrial products, founded in 1865 and headquartered in the United States. With a workforce of approximately 142,000 employees across 67 countries, the company serves a diverse range of clients, including farmers, manufacturers, retailers, and governments. Cargill's extensive product offerings include grains, oilseeds, animal nutrition, biofuels, meat and poultry, as well as various food and industrial products. The company is also committed to providing services such as risk management and support for farmers and producers. Cargill places a strong emphasis on innovation and collaboration, leveraging its research and development capabilities to create new products and enhance existing ones, while addressing economic, environmental, and social challenges faced by its customers.