FoodTech & AgriTech Insights

Reinventing the Egg: The Yumgo Journey Yumgo, a French startup founded in 2019 by Anne Vincent and Rodolphe Landemaine, is on a mission to revolutionize the way we think about eggs. With a unique name derived from “Yummy” and “Tamago” (the Japanese word for egg), Yumgo offers a complete range of plant-based egg alternatives designed for professional use in both sweet and savory recipes. As Vincent explains, “The idea for Yumgo came from a simple observation: we need to change our eating habits. Eggs, the most widely consumed animal protein in the world, are irreplaceable, so what can we do? That’s how the idea of Yumgo came.” Addressing the Problem: Sustainable Eating Eggs are a staple in many diets, yet they come with significant environmental and ethical concerns. Yumgo addresses this issue head-on by providing allergen-free, plant-based egg replacements that boast a carbon impact 70% lower than traditional eggs. “Yumgo is today the reference in professional egg replacement,” says Landemaine. The startup’s products include whole eggs, egg yolks, and egg whites in both liquid and powder formats, ensuring versatility and ease of use for culinary professionals. A Unique Solution and Value Proposition What sets Yumgo apart from its competitors is its dedication to providing a product that doesn’t compromise on taste or performance. As Landemaine puts it, “Yumgo offers culinary performance similar to that of eggs, with equivalent deliciousness.” This commitment to quality has made Yumgo a trusted name among premium restaurants and industrial food producers. Growth Strategy and Future Plans Yumgo’s growth strategy involves expanding its customer base and continuing to innovate. The team, based in Paris, is dedicated to developing new products and increasing brand awareness. “We will develop more products and enhance brand awareness compared to our competitors,” Landemaine notes. Participating in events like SIAL Startup Invest is a key part of this strategy, providing opportunities to boost the brand and generate leads. Looking Ahead: Expectations from SIAL Startup Invest By joining SIAL Startup Village, Yumgo aims to enhance its visibility and establish valuable connections. Vincent emphasizes the importance of such events, stating, “To boost our brand and to participate in these big events to get leads.” The team is looking forward to meeting potential investors, customers, and partners, all while showcasing their innovative products. Showcase Your Brand at SIAL Paris 2024: Fill Out Our Exhibitor Form Today!

#KEEPBUILDING: How to Web 2024 Focuses on Resilience The theme of the How to Web Conference 2024, #KEEPBUILDING, emphasizes resilience in the face of economic and geopolitical challenges. The event’s organizer highlights, “The key is to keep building, regardless of external circumstances.” This powerful message is designed to inspire entrepreneurs and innovators to stay focused on their vision and persevere despite external obstacles. Actionable Insights from Keynote Speakers The How to Web Conference features keynote speakers with deep expertise in product development, UX design, engineering, marketing, team development, investment, and startups. These industry leaders deliver actionable insights in their 40-minute talks. By combining the wisdom of seasoned experts with fresh perspectives from emerging voices, the conference offers a dynamic blend of experience and innovation, catering to both established entrepreneurs and newcomers. The Evolution of UX in Business Growth Fonz Morris, Product Design Lead at Netflix, shares valuable insights into the critical role of UX design in his keynote, “UX for Business Impact: A Netflix Story.” Morris stresses that in today’s digital landscape, product design is essential for driving business growth. Additionally, product positioning expert April Dunford highlights the importance of effective positioning, stating, “Strong positioning isn’t just about branding, it’s about ensuring your message resonates with the right audience.” How To Web 2024 Break Barriers for Eastern European Startups For many startups, especially in Eastern Europe, securing funding is a significant challenge. How to Web tackles these issues through its Spotlight and Dealflow programs, designed to connect founders with investors and mentors, fostering growth and long-term relationships. The conference also utilizes AI-powered networking tools to help attendees forge meaningful connections that lead to valuable outcomes like partnerships and funding. Strategic Partnerships Driving Innovation and Growth Strategic partnerships with major companies such as Google and Stripe enhance the How to Web Conference experience. These partnerships provide attendees with access to cutting-edge tools and personalized mentorship. As envisioned by the organizer, the conference aims to become the premier platform connecting global and regional tech players, driving continuous innovation and growth within the Eastern European tech ecosystem.

LA FABRIQUE A NUAGE setting the stage for a delightful transformation in the world of confectionery. Founded in 2023 by Florian Baud, this French startup introduces the first sugar-free cotton candy with a Nutriscore A. Their tagline, “LA FABRIQUE A NUAGE, la barbe à papa autrement!” translates to “cotton candy, but different!”—perfectly capturing their innovative spirit and commitment to a healthier twist on a beloved treat. The Name Behind the Magic of Sugar-Free Cotton Candy The choice of name for the company reflects its core mission and product. “We have our own brand NUAGE, the first sugar-free cotton candy,” the founder explained. “LA FABRIQUE A NUAGE is a French brand that speaks to everyone!” This name not only highlights their flagship product but also emphasizes their goal of making a healthier version of cotton candy accessible to all. Meeting the Market Demand for Sugar-Free Cotton Candy The founder launched LA FABRIQUE A NUAGE after noticing a gap in healthy snack options. “The market for healthy treats is booming, but few solutions are available and distribution channels are underutilized,” they said. This insight led to the creation of LA FABRIQUE A NUAGE, aiming to provide healthier treats and innovative distribution methods. Strategically Positioned for Success Operating from both Dijon and Paris, LA FABRIQUE A NUAGE has strategically assembled its team to align with the business model. “We build our team according to the distribution channels,” the founder explained. Each department specializes in its field—events, retail, and commercial property. This expert-driven approach allows the company to manage every aspect of the business with high efficiency and expertise. Standing Out in the Market Despite a niche market, LA FABRIQUE A NUAGE faces few direct competitors due to its unique positioning. “We have few competitors due to our positioning. Several attempts at cotton candy were made but the distribution circuits being low in value, it did not work,” they explained. By focusing on sugar-free options and more effective distribution channels, they aim to differentiate themselves from indirect competitors who do not target the same market. Building Future Success Revenue generation for LA FABRIQUE A NUAGE involves multiple streams: “Events: sale of services to brands. Retail: sale of personalized cotton candy bags. Property: sale of cotton candy through automatic machines in shopping centers,” the founder outlined. As they gain traction in these areas, their participation in SIAL Startup Village aims to boost visibility and build valuable relationships. “We expect to build relationships and sign new clients,” they concluded, highlighting their strategic focus on growth and market expansion. Showcase Your Brand at SIAL Paris 2024: Fill Out Our Exhibitor Form Today!

Bankflip emerged from the combined expertise of co-founders Álvaro Mancilla, Gabriel Esteban, and Honorio Marín, each bringing a unique set of skills and a shared passion for fintech innovation. Álvaro, the CEO, has over a decade of experience in Tech startups, especially in FinTech and EdTech. Gabriel, the CTO, began his tech journey at age 13, and Honorio, the CPO, offers a strong technical and entrepreneurial background. The trio first collaborated at Goin, a B2C savings app, where they discovered the transformative power of FinTech. Their collective experience and vision led to the founding of Bankflip—a startup dedicated to revolutionizing financial services through permission-based data platforms. Streamlining FinTech Document Processing Bankflip addresses the complexity of collecting and processing documents for loans, credit, and mortgages in FinTech. Their solution simplifies and speeds up this process, enabling secure, real-time data management with user consent. By interfacing with public authorities, Bankflip streamlines document collection, such as tax returns and income verification, boosting efficiency and cutting costs. This automation increases conversion rates and reduces drop-offs, ensuring a smooth experience for both institutions and users. Competitive Edge in a Crowded Market Bankflip stands out in the competitive FinTech landscape with its extensive data coverage, superior user experience, and robust technological infrastructure. They cover 90% of the market in Spain alone, offering financial institutions a single access point for all required data. Their no-code solutions and intuitive APIs make integration effortless, giving them a competitive edge. According to the founders, “Our biggest competitive advantage is the combination of data/market coverage, user experience, tech robustness, and developer experience.” This unique approach has solidified Bankflip’s position as a leader in the Spanish FinTech market. Growth Strategy and Funding Success Bankflip employs a sales-driven go-to-market strategy, focusing on enterprise and mid-market financial companies. Their emphasis on customer success has enabled them to expand steadily within their client base. After securing two funding rounds—a pre-seed in November 2021 and a Seed round of €2.6M in December 2023—Bankflip is now focused on expanding its customer base in Spain and Portugal. Additionally, they are seeking design partners in France to tailor their solution for the local market, aligning with their long-term goal of becoming the leading pan-European platform for permission-based data processing in financial services. Overcoming Challenges and Seizing Opportunities As Bankflip expands internationally, it faces the challenge of adapting its technology to meet the specific needs of each new market. This involves building connectors with local public authorities and customizing their solutions to handle country-specific regulations. However, the founders view these challenges as opportunities to strengthen their competitive advantage. Bankflip is at the forefront of the digital transformation sweeping the financial sector, where online platforms are increasingly becoming the norm across Europe. By staying ahead of these trends, Bankflip aims to drive the digitalization of financial services, providing innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of the industry. In the coming months, Bankflip will participate in major industry events such as The District, South Summit, and Viva Tech, focusing on expanding its network of customers and investors. With a solid foundation and a clear vision for the future, Bankflip is poised to make a significant impact in the global fintech industry.

S-Tron Shanghai 2024, China’s largest tech innovation event, expects over 12,000 attendees from 20+ countries. Featuring 150 speakers, 2,000 startups, and 1,500 investors, it’s a key platform for entrepreneurs to access vital resources. “We aim to help entrepreneurs succeed by connecting them with innovation resources,” said organizer Sean. This year, S-Tron focuses on fostering collaboration, sparking ideas, and creating opportunities to launch startups onto the global stage. From Slush China to S-Tron The shift from Slush China to S-Tron is a strategic rebranding, but the mission remains the same. Organizers say, “The world needs more connections in the post-pandemic era.” The rebranding reflects a push for a more independent identity while keeping close ties with Slush. S-Tron still aims to foster innovation and global tech entrepreneurship. Dare to Disrupt The theme for S-Tron Shanghai 2024, “Dare to Disrupt,” encourages startups and corporations to challenge the status quo. Organizers say it’s designed to push both large companies and entrepreneurs out of their comfort zones. This theme will be central, from keynotes to pitch competitions, urging attendees to embrace disruptive innovation in tech. Balancing Content and Engagement S-Tron Shanghai 2024 is structured to offer a balanced experience between showcasing innovative startups and providing valuable content for all attendees. The event will feature 120 startup booths and four stages dedicated to pitching and sharing insights from industry leaders. “S-Tron’s event is akin to a carnival, ensuring that every attendee can participate in a way they prefer,” the organizers note. This approach fosters a dynamic exchange of ideas, creating an environment where tech innovation can thrive. Beyond the Event S-Tron offers ongoing support for startups, extending its impact beyond the annual event. “We host a variety of ecological activities every month, tailored for startups, large corporations, entrepreneurial communities, and university students,” the organizers highlight. These activities include monthly pitching sessions, innovation community parties, and closed-door forums with industry leaders. By providing continuous support, S-Tron ensures its influence extends well beyond the two-day event, helping startups connect with investors and industry leaders. Empowering Grassroots Innovation Organizing a large-scale innovation event like S-Tron comes with unique challenges, especially in balancing governmental involvement with the needs of the international startup ecosystem. “In China, it’s rare to have events driven by young people and volunteers like ours,” the organizers admit. Despite these challenges, S-Tron has cultivated an independent and vibrant atmosphere, distinguishing itself from other officially organized activities and enhancing its appeal to the global tech community. S-Tron’s Global Aspirations Looking to the future, S-Tron aims to solidify its position as a key hub for global tech innovation. The organizers are committed to maintaining the event’s grassroots nature, driven by youth and volunteers, while also expanding its international reach. “We hope S-Tron will continue as a youth-led event, becoming a key hub for global tech innovation,” they share. With plans to enhance its global presence and continue supporting young entrepreneurs, S-Tron is poised to become one of the most dynamic and engaging innovation events worldwide.

SGH Capital SGH Capital is an investment firm that focuses on deploying capital in early and mid-stage disruptive companies, primarily in the United States and Western Europe. They have a track record of over 130 investments, contributing to the growth of more than 10 unicorns and supporting over 5 companies through initial public offerings (IPOs). SGH Capital emphasizes investing in innovative and transformative companies, aligning with their strategy of identifying and nurturing high-potential ventures. Sector focus: Software, Financial Services, FinTech, E-Commerce, Health Care Round: Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Seed Total investments: 122 Founding Year: 2014 Notable Investments: Asset Reality, TabTrader, Swan Bitcoin, Codelock, TabTrader

Explore the top 5 venture capital firms in Estonia, key drivers behind the country's rapid tech growth. This post highlights firms excelling in innovation support and strategic investments, shaping Estonia as a leading tech hub in Europe.

OIW, founded in 2004 by Oslo Business Region, has become a key event in the global startup ecosystem. Its mission is to support Oslo’s growing startups and connect them with public organizations. Celebrating 20 years in 2023, OIW now hosts over 70 events, attracting more than 16,000 attendees worldwide. “What started as a local initiative has grown into a global platform for innovation, collaboration, and sustainability,” an OIW representative shared. Key Highlights from Recent Editions of OIW Oslo Innovation Week fosters a strong sense of community and continuous collaboration. Notable companies like Kahoot!, Oda, No Isolation, and Strise have participated in OIW, contributing to the ecosystem. “Seeing startups that once pitched their ideas now hosting their events is a true testament to the power of this community,” said the OIW team. This growing collaboration has positioned OIW as a platform for emerging leaders and problem-solvers. Themes Driving OIW Each year, Oslo Innovation Week adopts a theme aligned with global innovation trends. The 2024 theme, “Pioneers,” celebrates individuals and organizations pushing the boundaries of innovation. “We engage with the ecosystem daily to ensure our themes resonate with the startup and innovation community. Climate innovation and sustainability have always been core,” an OIW organizer explained. This focus on addressing climate change has been a consistent driver behind OIW’s success. A Global and Industry-Agnostic Event Oslo Innovation Week attracts diverse participants, including startup founders, investors, and public leaders. OIW is industry-agnostic, with events spanning sectors from health and life science research to the blue economy to ClimateTech and SportsTech. 30% of attendees come from outside Norway, reflecting OIW’s growing global presence. “It’s important to engage with international participants to expand Oslo’s reach beyond the Norwegian bubble,” the OIW team noted. International Collaboration and Global Outreach Managed by the Oslo Business Region, Oslo Innovation Week actively engages with the international innovation community. This involves collaboration with embassies, investors, and Nordic neighbors, and attending events in the UK, Germany, and the US to attract talent and investment to Oslo. “This year, we will welcome back a team from Hokkaido, Japan to the program, hosting an event to support initiatives for female entrepreneurship in the Hokkaido prefecture,” an organizer shared. OIW’s international collaborations continue to strengthen its global reputation. Commitment to Sustainability and Diversity Sustainability is central to OIW, with every event supporting at least one United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG). The event has implemented practices like the Zero Waste Takeaway project to reduce waste,” As an umbrella event, we collaborate with over 200 organizers to create sustainable events, promoting vegetarian meals, environmental impact reduction, and providing the City of Oslo’s Climate and Environment Guide for guidance. Additionally, OIW emphasizes diversity and inclusion, requiring gender balance among speakers and hosting DEI workshops, “Last year 52% of all speakers were female. This year, we’ve added a workshop on diversity and inclusion for all event organizers by Diversify, which organizes the  Diversify Nordic Summit, emphasizing the importance of DEI in growing successful companies.” “Our goal is to ensure that every attendee finds value in the event while promoting sustainable and inclusive practices,” stated an organizer. OIW continues to evolve, connecting global innovators with Nordic pioneers and expanding its impact. For more information on Oslo Innovation Week : ➡️ Visit the Oslo Innovation Week program for details on events. ➡️ Sign up for the Oslo Innovation Week newsletter to learn about becoming an OIW event organizer.

Founded in 2015 by Chiara Rota, My Cooking Box is an Italian startup that blends the rich heritage of Italian cuisine with the convenience of modern meal kits. Inspired by foreign visitors’ desire to recreate Italian dishes at home, the startup developed meal kits that allow anyone, regardless of their cooking experience, to easily prepare iconic Italian meals. The Unique Offering: My Cooking Box My Cooking Box is not just another meal kit; it’s a carefully curated experience. Each box contains all the ingredients, perfectly portioned and 100% Made in Italy, to cook a traditional Italian dish. The recipes, crafted by renowned chefs, are designed to be easy to follow, ensuring that anyone can enjoy the rich culinary heritage of Italy in their kitchen. “Our mission is to offer a product that allows people to appreciate the culinary richness of Italy,” says the team. The long shelf-life of the ingredients also adds a practical element, making it convenient for consumers to enjoy a gourmet meal whenever they choose. A Young, Dynamic Team from Bergamo The team behind My Cooking Box operates from Bergamo, a picturesque city near Milan. This young, driven group of professionals is passionate about spreading the flavors of Italy across the globe. Their energy and commitment are key to the brand’s success, as they work tirelessly to innovate and expand the reach of their product. “We want to make a difference and bring our brand to succeed worldwide,” the team explains, showcasing their ambition and dedication. Expanding Horizons: Revenue Models and Market Reach The company’s revenue model is diversified across B2B and B2C channels. Direct-to-consumer sales are driven through its proprietary e-commerce platform and major online marketplaces. On the B2B side, it focuses on partnerships with international supermarket chains and importers, particularly in North America, its largest market. “We are looking to grow the brand and increase awareness,” the team notes, as it sets its sights on expanding into new markets. A Launchpad for Growth for Italian Meal Kit My Cooking Box sees the SIAL Startup Village event as a crucial opportunity to elevate its brand. They aim to connect with key players in the European and U.S. supermarket sectors, securing partnerships that will help them scale. “We expect to gain solid leads from European and U.S. supermarket chains,” the team says, emphasizing the importance of this event in their growth strategy. Showcase Your Brand at SIAL Paris 2024: Fill Out Our Exhibitor Form Today!

Are you passionate about avocados but concerned about food waste? Soilmates turn imperfect avocados into premium, eco-friendly avocado oil, offering a delicious solution to the problem of food waste. By supporting Soilmates, you contribute to reducing food waste while enjoying high-quality avocado oil. The Economic Impact of Food Waste: A $1 Trillion Global Crisis Food waste is a pressing global issue. The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reports that about 1.3 billion tons of food are wasted annually. Remarkably, around 40% of produce is discarded due to cosmetic imperfections or spoilage. This waste not only harms the environment but also results in economic losses estimated at $1 trillion per year by the World Bank. Addressing these inefficiencies in the food supply chain is crucial. Soilmates: Revolutionizing Avocado Oil Production with Sustainability In 2021, Avocado enthusiast Dave Le Roux and sustainability advocate Sander Breedveld launched Soilmates in Berlin, with a dedication to creating high-quality avocado oil while actively combating food waste. They upcycle avocados rejected for their appearance, transforming them into a product that promotes environmental responsibility. “We tackle food waste by using ‘ugly’ avocados that are perfectly good for consumption,” the team explains. By offering these avocados a second chance, Soilmates supports a circular economy and demonstrates a commitment to sustainable practices. Avocado Oil: A Sustainable Choice Soilmates provides a unique alternative to traditional olive oil. Their avocado oil, available in major supermarkets throughout the Netherlands, combines convenience with environmental values. Unlike olive oil, Soilmates’ product is rich in flavor, has a high smoke point, and is packed with antioxidants. Their goal is to expand across the EU, making their sustainable avocado oil more widely available. A Launchpad for Growth Soilmates’ participation in SIAL Startup Village underscores their commitment to growth and industry leadership. This platform provides valuable opportunities to connect with potential investors and partners, advancing their mission to innovate within the food tech industry. Showcase Your Brand at SIAL Paris 2024: Fill Out Our Exhibitor Form Today!

LIXR redefined energy drinks with natural ingredients to create a healthier energy drink alternative. The story of LIXR LIXR, founded in 2023 by Hristo Vatashki, an expert in sales and administration management, and his brother, the renowned Bulgarian musician Ventsislav Chanov, who has a strong marketing background, is on a mission to revolutionize the energy drink industry. Backed by a small but dedicated team of three, LIXR offers a healthier and more sustainable alternative. Crafted with a unique blend of natural ingredients, the company provides a sustained energy boost without the harmful additives found in traditional energy drinks. A Healthier Energy Drink Alternative Driven by a desire for a healthier lifestyle, the company was born from the need for a natural and effective energy source. “Each LIXR drink contains 115mg of natural caffeine and 150mg of natural L-Theanine, extracted from guarana and green matcha tea,” explains Hristo, “The synergistic effect of these ingredients is gradually released, helping you maintain high levels of focus and productivity for up to 6 hours.” LIXR caters to a diverse range of high-performance individuals, including entrepreneurs, athletes, students, and professionals. Competing and Expanding LIXR differentiates itself from competitors by prioritizing natural ingredients and eliminating added sugars and sweeteners. This commitment to transparency and superior taste has allowed the company to build early traction in the Bulgarian market. To further expand its reach and introduce LIXR to a global audience, the company is actively seeking strategic partnerships and investments through the platform SIAL Startup Village. Showcase Your Brand at SIAL Paris 2024: Fill Out Our Exhibitor Form Today!

Moderato, a French startup founded in 2020, is revolutionizing the wine industry with its premium alcohol-free wines. Based in Paris and comprised of a passionate team of ten, Moderato aims to provide a high-quality alternative to traditional wine. Their tagline, “French wine is having its revolution, and it’s alcohol-free,” reflects their commitment to offering a new way to enjoy wine that aligns with modern lifestyle choices. Why ‘Moderato’? The name “Moderato” was chosen for its universal appeal and symbolic meaning. It signifies the perfect balance between enjoyment and moderation. Co-founders Fabien Marchand-Cassagne and Sebastien Thomas explain, “Moderato evokes a sense of striking the right balance.” This principle guides their mission to offer exceptional alcohol-free wine without compromising taste. The Founders’ Vision of Premium Alcohol-free Wines Fabien and Seb, the founders of Moderato, met through a mutual friend who saw their potential for collaboration. They combined their expertise to create a project that fulfills their ambitions and aims to impact society positively. Their innovative approach to wine reflects their passion and commitment to progress. Standing Out in the Wine Market Moderato distinguishes itself in a competitive market among numerous players by focusing on excellence in dealcoholized French wine. “We have a story and brand that are both unique and universal,” says the team. Their dedication to producing high-quality wines from fine French terroirs and a strong emphasis on brand identity and communication set them apart. Future Goals and Expansion Plans for 2024 Moderato has ambitious plans for 2024, including a turnover target of €2 million and expansion into Canadian and US markets. They also plan to launch a limited edition cuvée and continue their growth efforts. Fabien shares, “Our participation in SIAL Startup Village is a step towards increased visibility and traction from the Food & Beverage sectors across Europe and the world.” With clear goals and a robust strategy, Moderato is poised for an exciting year ahead. Showcase Your Brand at SIAL Paris 2024: Fill Out Our Exhibitor Form Today!