Fresh Start Overview
Fresh Start FoodTech Incubator, established in 2020, is an integral part of Israel’s FoodTech scene and the Israel Innovation Authority’s (IIA) incubators program. Led by CEO Noga Sela Shalev and CTO Dr. Tammy Meiron, Fresh Start specializes in venture creation and academic tech transfer, and has invested in 12 companies with a mandate to invest in dozens more, addressing critical food industry challenges in establishing healthier nutrition and a sustainable food industry. Supported by partners Tnuva (Israel's largest food company), Tempo (Israeli leading beverage company), OurCrowd (world-leading equity crowdfunding platform), and Finistere Ventures (specialized Agri/Food global VC), Fresh Start provides seed and pre-seed financing, access to technology experts, R&D, and comprehensive business support. This enables the commercialization and maturation of groundbreaking food technologies.
Latest News
growth-positive
The VC has made an estimated $9–$12 million commitment and is joining Tnuva, OurCrowd, and Tempo to help push Israeli foodtech into the global market.
Siddhi Capital, a U.S. foodtech investment fund, has joined the investor consortium behind Fresh Start, an Israeli government-backed foodtech incubator. This move involves a $9–$12 million commitment and replaces the outgoing partner Finistere Ventures. Fresh Start, located in Kiryat Shmona, has been pivotal in supporting early-stage startups in the food industry, despite challenges posed by the Gaza war. The incubator has facilitated significant investments and supported 15 startups. Siddhi Capitals involvement brings renewed international support, aiding Fresh Starts mission to bridge science and commercialization in the global food industry. The partnership aims to restore operations in Israels north and enhance the incubators reach.
InvestmentPartners
growth-positive
The agri-foodtech incubator resumes operations in the north after wartime displacement.
Dganit Vered has been appointed as the new CEO of the Fresh Start agri-foodtech incubator, succeeding Noga Sela Shalev. Fresh Start, temporarily relocated due to conflict, has returned to Kiryat Shmona and added two new companies to its portfolio. The incubator, part of a national initiative to boost the Eastern Galilees economy, was founded by a consortium including Tnuva, Tempo, OurCrowd, and Finistere Ventures. This group won a government tender to operate the incubator, which has seen over NIS 60 million invested in its portfolio companies since its inception.
Management ChangesInvestmentPartners
growth-positive
Where 20+ leading FoodTech VCs will invest next: Noga Sela Shalev shares which technologies are top of mind & investor priorities and predictions for the year ahead.
The article discusses the future of AgriFoodTech in 2024, highlighting the potential challenges and opportunities for startups in the sector. It suggests that as fundraising becomes more difficult and startup runways come to an end, resilient founders will look to new financing models, partnerships, and strategies. The article features insights from over 20 capital allocators in the FoodTech industry, who predict that investment will be directed towards technologies that can significantly impact areas such as food as medicine, fossil-free fertilizer, enabling technologies, side stream valorisation, regenerative agriculture, infrastructure and hardware, longevity and healthy ageing, and traditional foods and crop innovation.
InvestmentPartners
growth-positive
Automation, AI and human limitations: Dr. Tammy Meiron's predictions of the tech world of 2024
The article discusses the advancements and changes in the field of technology in 2023, with a focus on artificial intelligence (AI). Experts predict that AI will continue to be integrated into various industries, from quality control in manufacturing to developments in security and weaponry. The CEO of Verbit, Tom Livne, anticipates that companies will develop specific solutions from general AI tools, similar to what they are doing in the legal world. Other experts predict the acceleration of innovative food technologies, the integration of robotics in agriculture, and the use of AI in medical technologies.
CustomersPartnersExpand
growth-positive
Meet the founders: Israel's Fresh Start incubator on what makes a great pitch, red flags, and 'coachable' entrepreneurs
Fresh Start, an Israeli incubator, provides early-stage foodtech startups with funding, mentoring, and ongoing support. The incubator, launched in 2020, is run by CEO Noga Sela Shalev and CTO Dr. Tammy Meiron. It is part of the Israel Innovation Authority incubators program and is owned by Tnuva, Israels leading food company; Tempo, Israels leading beverage company; OurCrowd, Israels most active venture firm; and US-based fund Finistere Ventures. Fresh Start provides initial funding of $1-$1.5 million per company, with access to next-cycle funding.
InvestmentPartners
Team Members
4
Web & Social Links
| Website | fresh-start.co.il |
Locations
Kiryat Shmona, Israel
Photos & Videos
No files yet
