Food Technology Startups Explore Solutions to Solve the Biggest Issues Across the Segment
Minneapolis, MN, July 10, 2023 – Techstars, a global investment business that provides access to capital, one-on-one mentorship, and customized programming for early-stage entrepreneurs, has announced the finalists for this year’s Farm to Fork cohort. Since 2016, Techstars has been a major player in the early-stage startup and tech community in Minnesota due to its four accelerator programs: Farm to Fork, The Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Retail and UHC Accelerators. The Farm to Fork portfolio has raised a total of $154M with a total market cap of $379M.
50+ startups have completed the program and over 300 mentors across the food, agriculture, and venture capital ecosystem have engaged in the network. The core themes the Techstars Farm to Fork team explored for this year’s cohort represent solutions for challenges in the following sectors: Sustainability, Labor, Supply Chain, Human and Animal Health, and New Alternatives. Companies across five different countries are participating in this year’s class and about half of the Farm to Fork founders self-identify as underrepresented. This year’s participants include:
BeChained – An AI-powered energy-tech digital twin that helps industrial consumers save money, energy consumption, and CO2 emissions from efficiency in production.
ConnectedFresh – An IoT monitoring solutions automate tasks and monitor equipment to prevent food safety risks and emergency expenses.
Farmshare – A SaaS-enabled online marketplace designed to connect local food producers including farmers, ranchers, and fishers, directly with consumers.
Gentian – Combining AI, deep ecological know-how, and remote sensing to measure and track vegetation ecology.
Goodie Bag – Connecting customers to local shops’ surplus food at a discounted price, reducing food waste and supporting local businesses.
OrdrSmart – A platform that enables CPG brands and ingredient suppliers to create and maintain a resilient ingredients supply chain.
Population – The environmental health and safety operating system for the food industry’s last mile.
Puebla.io – Supply chain collaboration for tropical commodities with real-time information on pricing and logistics.
Rubilabs Veterinary Services – Revolutionizing livestock care in Africa with final mile delivery for essential vaccines and other animal health products.
Tavolo – An AI-driven restaurant analytics platform that enables business owners to automate marketing.
Uuvipak – A 100% home compostable material created from upcycled food waste and designed to eradicate single-use plastic.
xBlock – An AI assistant for restaurants connecting all data into one system to better communicate with customers, staff, and managers across multiple devices.
“We are thrilled to welcome an incredible group of talented founders to MN this summer for our Farm to Fork Accelerator,” said Sarah Bain, Managing Director of Techstars Minnesota. “This year’s cohort delivers forward-thinking solutions that address the most dire issues across the food space and the ways technological innovation can be implemented for efficiencies.”
Techstars runs one of the most selective startup accelerators globally. The three-month programs have supported many founding teams in getting on a fast track to saving development months or even years, increasing the odds of success. Techstars accelerator programs have thousands of incredibly engaged and talented mentors that transcend what it means to be accomplished and driven in competitive industries.
“Techstars Farm to Fork offers an unparalleled accelerator experience that has the potential to make necessary connections, provide meaningful support, and increase the runway for startups of all kinds,” said John Guttery, SVP of Enterprise Initiatives at Ecolab & Program Mentor. “After being in the last five Farm to Fork programs, I can speak from experience that the connection between these founders and mentors goes well beyond the three-months we spend together, which is a huge testament to the Techstars program.”
Techstars has been investing in creating a thriving entrepreneurial community in Minnesota with a number of corporate partnerships dating back to 2016. This year’s Farm to Fork program kicks off on July 10th and runs through October 5th. Startups will get the opportunity to participate in Mentor Madness, interactive workshops with past participants and mentors, and a Demo Day to conclude the program.
About Techstars
The Techstars worldwide network helps entrepreneurs succeed. Founded in 2006, Techstars began with three simple ideas—entrepreneurs create a better future for everyone, collaboration drives innovation, and great ideas can come from anywhere. Now we are on a mission to enable every person on the planet to contribute to, and benefit from, the success of entrepreneurs. In addition to operating accelerator programs and venture capital funds, we do this by connecting startups, investors, corporations, and cities to help build thriving startup communities. Techstars has invested in more than 3,000 companies with a combined market cap of more than $140B. www.techstars.com
