Beka Asset Management (Beka AM), in collaboration with TheFoodTechLab, has launched the venture capital fund TheFoodTechLab Climate I FCRE, aimed at identifying and investing in innovative startups developing technologies for the food industry. The new fund seeks to address the major challenges in the food industry through investments in cutting-edge technologies, with a particular focus on sustainability and efficiency.
Focus and Investment Areas
The fund will focus on four key areas of the agrifoodtech industry:
Agrotech: Innovations to improve agricultural efficiency.
Nutrition and Health: Technologies applied to personalized food and the incorporation of pharmacological advancements into the food industry.
Alternative Proteins: Solutions such as plant-based proteins and cultured meat.
Circular Economy: Solutions including biodegradable and reusable packaging, food waste reduction, and advancements in logistics and traceability.
With an initial portfolio of five companies and many more projects under consideration, the fund aims to build a portfolio of 20-25 startups, all committed to developing global technological solutions that can transform the food industry in the coming years.
The Role of TheFoodTechLab and Beka AM
TheFoodTechLab will act as the fund’s advisor, identifying promising startups and evaluating the viability of their technologies. It will also help connect the entrepreneurial ecosystem with the food industry. Emilio Restoy, CEO of TheFoodTechLab, emphasizes that the agricultural sector is undergoing a revolution driven by the need to produce more proteins and efficiently manage resources, with a strong focus on the circular economy.
Meanwhile, Beka AM will manage and market the fund. Fernando de la Vega, managing director of Beka AM, highlights that by involving strategic investors from the food industry, the fund offers them the opportunity to actively participate in the validation and growth of new technologies.
Objectives and Fund Characteristics
The fund has an investment target of between €30 million and €50 million in 2024 and 2025, and is aimed at qualified investors. With a minimum ticket size of €100,000, the fund has an investment horizon of 6 to 7 years. Additionally, it has received authorization from the CNMV, enabling it to begin operations and attract investors interested in the agrifoodtech sector.
This new investment vehicle represents an opportunity for key players in the food industry to lead the shift toward a more sustainable and innovative model in an ever-evolving sector.
