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
Fresh Start Business
Business models
—
Product stage
—
Employees
—
Sector
—Target Customer
—Core Technology
—Tags (4)
alternative-proteinfungifoodtechlow-sugar-foodsFresh Start Financials
—
Total funding
—
Capital raised
—
Last funding
—
Funding stage
—
Total rounds
—
Investors
Fresh Start Lifecycle
Fresh Start News
13 articles
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
growth-positive
Fresh Start: Disrupting the Food Sector and Bringing Innovation to the Marketplace
The article is about FINTECH.TVs global advertising platform, which effectively targets blockchain, SDG, SPAC, sustainability, technology, and impact professionals. The platform offers customized marketing opportunities to reach FinTech professionals and investors. It allows advertisers to target a global audience or specific regions. The article does not mention any specific partners, customers, valuation amount, acquisition amount, investment amount, layoffs, or date of the event.
Partners
growth-positive
Tetra Pak partners with Israeli food tech incubator to 'accelerate new food solutions'
Fresh Start, a food tech incubator in Israel, has partnered with packaging major Tetra Pak. This collaboration allows Tetra Pak to share its knowledge and expertise in developing new food solutions with start-ups in Fresh Start. Start-ups will have the opportunity to engage directly with Tetra Pak, access its product development centers, and receive R&D support. The collaboration aims to drive development and innovation in the food industry, addressing the challenges of the modern food system. Fresh Start sees this partnership as a significant opportunity for its start-ups and their technologies. The cohort and alumni of Fresh Start include companies like Alteco.ai, BlueTree Technologies, Sweet Balance, Profuse Technology, and Pigmentum.
Partners
growth-positive
Noga Sela Shalev appointed CEO of Fresh Start foodtech incubator CTech
Noga Sela Shalev has been appointed as the CEO of Fresh Start, a foodtech incubator in Kiryat Shmona. Fresh Start is a leader in the agri-food cluster in eastern Galilee and is run by a consortium of four partners: Tnuva, Tempo, OurCrowd, and Finistere Ventures. The incubator has made eight investments to date, including a $1.2 million investment in Eggmented Reality. Noga Sela Shalev has over 15 years of experience in the food industry and will continue to expand the incubators portfolio and promote startups. The Israel Innovation Authoritys upgraded incubator program allows investments of NIS 5-6.5 million in each company. Fresh Start aims to contribute to a food industry that provides healthy, sustainable, and delicious food to the growing world population.
PartnersInvestment
Growth-Positive
מונתה מנכ"לית חדשה לחממת הפודטק Fresh Start כלכליסט
Fresh Start, a FoodTech incubator, has announced a change in management with Noga Sela-Shilo replacing Roni Barak as CEO. Sela-Shilo, who previously served as the companys Deputy CEO of Business Development, will continue to focus on technological developments that contribute to a sustainable food industry. The company, which operates under the Innovation Authoritys incubator program, has invested in eight startups in the FoodTech sector over the past two years. Fresh Start is operated by a consortium of four leading partners: Tnuva, Tempo, investment platform OurCrowd, and investment fund Finistere Ventures.
Management ChangesInvestment
growth-positive
קרית שמונה משעממת את הממשלה? תוכנית הפודטק בגליל נשארה על הנייר בלבד
The Israeli government plans to transform Kiryat Shmona into a high-tech hub called Kiryat Podtech, which will include startup incubators, co-working spaces, and advanced laboratories. The government has made announcements about the project, but the private sector has been slow to fill its part. The Ministry of Economy stated that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected entrepreneurship and new projects. The government sees Kiryat Podtech as a significant step in Israels technological advancement, particularly in the food technology sector. It aims to create economic value for the region, attract investments, and promote industry and human capital. The governments focus is on developing the industry in general and the periphery in particular.
Expand
growth-positive
Israeli-Led International Consortium Launches $238M Food Tech Incubator In North
Israeli crowdfunding platform OurCrowd, along with Finistere Ventures, Tnuva, and Tempo Beverages, has launched the Fresh Start FoodTech Incubator in northern Israel. The incubator, with an investment of NIS 1 billion ($238 million), aims to support over 40 advanced technology startups in the food industry. It will focus on various areas, including milk and protein substitutes, personalized nutrition, smart food packaging, and Industry 4.0 technologies. The consortium plans to invest NIS 200 million ($56,672,000) in operational costs and startup investments, with an additional NIS 800 million ($226,688,000) expected from partners, venture capital funds, and global companies. The incubator aims to attract local entrepreneurs and encourage startups to relocate to the Galilee region.
PartnersInvestment
Finistere, OurCrowd, Tnuva, and Tempo Launch NIS 1 Billion "Fresh Start" FoodTech Incubator in Northern Israel
growth-positive
Foodmakers, VC consortium selected to run foodtech incubator in north
The Israel Innovation Authority has selected a consortium of foodmakers and VC funds to run its new foodtech incubator in Kiryat Shmona. The consortium, consisting of Tnuva, Tempo Beverages, OurCrowd, and Finistere Ventures, will assist entrepreneurs with innovative ideas for the food industry. The partners will invest up to $100 million in Israeli agricultural and food startups. The incubator aims to create and invest in five new startups per year, with a goal of 40 new firms in eight years. The partners will also provide support and strengthen the food innovation ecosystem in Israel. The decision to select the consortium was based on their extensive experience and expertise in the foodtech sector. The Israel Innovation Authority aims to target FoodTech as the next big industry in Israel.
PartnersInvestment
Similar Companies
Similar companies data is computed dynamically and not stored in the entity profile. This section requires implementing a similarity query (e.g. by classification overlap, sector, district).
Fresh Start Internal
Recent Updates
Ayelet Levi Shinebox
· ayeletlevis@sncentral.org · Manual · 2024-08-11 08:50:43.000000
Sapir Hashmonai
· sapirh@fresh-start.co.il · Manual · 2023-08-24 05:36:10.000000
Sapir Hashmonai
· sapirh@fresh-start.co.il · Manual · 2024-06-25 16:10:31.000000
Doron Bobman
· doron.b@sncentral.org · Manual · 2025-06-08 13:49:24.000000
Ayelet Levi Shinebox
· ayeletlevis@sncentral.org · Manual · 2024-08-11 08:50:45.000000
Ortal Wein
· ortalw@sncentral.org · Manual · 2024-02-04 13:29:39.000000
Doron Bobman
· doron.b@sncentral.org · Manual · 2025-06-08 13:41:49.000000
Ayelet Levi Shinebox
· ayeletlevis@sncentral.org · Manual · 2024-08-11 08:50:43.000000
Ortal Wein
· ortalw@sncentral.org · Manual · 2024-02-04 13:29:14.000000
Doron Bobman
· doron.b@sncentral.org · Manual · 2025-06-08 13:50:18.000000
Ayelet Levi Shinebox
· ayeletlevis@sncentral.org · Manual · 2023-10-29 11:51:43.000000
Doron Bobman
· doron.b@sncentral.org · Manual · 2025-06-08 13:50:18.000000
Ortal Wein
· ortalw@sncentral.org · Automatic · 2024-02-04 13:33:07.000000
Ortal Wein
· ortalw@sncentral.org · Manual · 2023-03-19 14:15:49.000000
Sapir Hashmonai
· sapirh@fresh-start.co.il · Manual · 2024-06-25 16:18:29.000000
Doron Bobman
· doron.b@sncentral.org · Manual · 2025-06-08 13:41:43.000000
Ayelet Levi Shinebox
· ayeletlevis@sncentral.org · Manual · 2024-08-11 08:50:59.000000
Ayelet Levi Shinebox
· ayeletlevis@sncentral.org · Manual · 2024-08-11 08:50:45.000000
Ortal Wein
· ortalw@sncentral.org · Manual · 2022-09-15 11:55:33.000000
Doron Bobman
· doron.b@sncentral.org · Manual · 2025-06-08 13:41:49.000000
Ortal Wein
· ortalw@sncentral.org · Manual · 2022-09-15 11:55:24.000000
Ortal Wein
· ortalw@sncentral.org · Manual · 2024-02-04 13:33:07.000000
Ayelet Levi Shinebox
· ayeletlevis@sncentral.org · Manual · 2024-08-11 08:50:45.000000
Ayelet Levi Shinebox
· ayeletlevis@sncentral.org · Manual · 2023-10-29 11:52:41.000000
Doron Bobman
· doron.b@sncentral.org · Manual · 2025-06-08 13:41:41.000000
Ortal Wein
· ortalw@sncentral.org · Manual · 2023-05-17 08:25:04.000000
Ortal Wein
· ortalw@sncentral.org · Manual · 2022-09-15 11:55:33.000000
Ayelet Levi Shinebox
· ayeletlevis@sncentral.org · Manual · 2023-10-29 11:51:43.000000
Doron Bobman
· doron.b@sncentral.org · Manual · 2025-06-08 13:41:43.000000
Ayelet Levi Shinebox
· ayeletlevis@sncentral.org · Manual · 2023-10-29 11:52:41.000000
Note: Free-text notes visible in the original Finder "Internal" tab are not present in the imported profile data. Only the update audit log is available.
Admin Info
| Confidence | 57/100 |
| Missing | funding stage, product stage, sector, number of employees, business model, tag line, video or image, funding rounds, markets |
| BI Verification | Yotam Maman |
| Registrar ID | 515969897 |
| Creator | noga sela-shalev |
| Creator email | noga@fresh-start.co.il |
| Last updater | Ayelet Levi Shinebox |
| Updater email | ayeletlevis@sncentral.org |
| Last update | 2024-08-11T00:00:00.000Z |
| Created | 2019-11-07T00:00:00.000Z |