The top 10 digital health accelerators
How much they invest, how long the program lasts and what they offer
Read more...For startups, there are numerous paths for getting their name out there. One way, which Vator has been covering recently, are startup competitions, but another popular method to get a foot in the door, as well as some funding and traction, are accelerators. These are programs that provide companies advice, guidance and various forms of support for startups in their early stages. They also often invest in the companies, for a certain equity stake.
Need a list of startup competitions, challenges, accelerators, etc. from around the world? Check out VatorX. You can find them, or list yours!
There are some very well-known accelerators out there, including Y Combinator and 500 Startups, which have made their names through various successful alumni. Those programs fairly general, accepting companies from a variety of different spaces.
For some companies, it may help to join an accelerator that only focuses on their specific area. That's especially true for those in more specialized spaces, which will have their own unique challenges and regulations.
Here are some of the accelerators that are focused specifically on mentoring companies in the Foodtech space:
Investment amount: Every team receives €20.000 in cash with a possibility for further investment from the H-FARM Investment fund at the end of the program. H-Farm takes 5-10 percent equity.
Program benefits:
Portfolio companies: Not specified
"BSH Hausgeräte GmbH is one of the world's leading home appliance manufacturers. With the home appliances of our global brands Bosch, Siemens, Gaggenau and Neff we want to improve the quality of people's lives. Furthermore, our digital ecosystem Home Connect offers our consumers new experiences within an increasingly connected kitchen world."
Investment amount: Not specified
Program benefits:
Portfolio companies: None yet
"The Land O’ Lakes Dairy Accelerator Program provides support and mentorship to product pioneers that want to drive innovation in the dairy products space. Participants will get hands on experience in finance, brand building, manufacturing, sales, distribution, and leadership development. Really, anything needed to move your business to the next level. In addition, our accelerator includes access to Land O’ Lakes’ internal experts as well as broader industry leaders. At the conclusion of the program, you’ll have the opportunity to present your proposals, new business ideas and learnings to Land O’Lakes leadership."
Investment amount: No equity stake is required to participate in the accelerator. Instead, our participants receive a $25,000 stipend to offset the cost of travel. Our program’s focus is simply on growing the dairy industry as a whole.
Program benefits: The Dairy Accelerator program provides an intensive training program in the fall of 2018 that addresses the key challenges participant companies face in taking their companies to the next level. Participants will also be matched with mentors who have industry experience in finance, brand building, manufacturing, sales, distribution and leadership development.
Portfolio companies: None yet
"FoodForward is a global Foodtech accelerator that brings top Made in Italy corporates and best international innovators together to disrupt agrifood and retail sectors."
Investment amount: Access to €20k in cash contribution and €50k in services, directly invested by our Partners, in exchange for 6% of your equity
Program benefits:
Mentor makeup: Richard Belluzzo, Giacomo Fanin, Gian Maria Gentile
Portfolio companies: None yet
Investment amount: We provide the following funding in exchange for 7-10% equity:
Program benefits:
Mentor makeup: Adam Eskin, Dan Barber, Danielle Gould, Gabi Lewis, Michael Moss
Portfolio companies: Abby’s Better, FoodCloud, Greenease, Pow-Cow, Re-Nuble
"Rural economies nationwide and around the globe are struggling to maintain their local food systems and reduce their dependence on fossil fuels, especially as extreme weather events become more prevalent. Vermont is a leader in the incubation and development of forward thinking food and energy businesses and is making a concerted effort to attract the next generation of climate friendly businesses to the state."
Investment amount: Not specified
Program benefits: The accelerator consists of three separate, four-day, on-site “sprints”, in the Burlington area, with homework and webinars in between. As a result of our generous sponsors and partners, accommodations and meals will be provided at no cost. Cohort members provide their own transportation to and from Vermont for the three on-site sprints.
Portfolio companies: Not specified
"We are now seeking the next generation of founders, who are determined to scale up their impactful solutions to promote personal and communal responsibility, affordability, accessibility, sustainability, health and taste."
Investment amount: In exchange for our services we will ask for between 4-8% equity.
Program benefits: While we are based in New York, we work with companies worldwide, and are able to provide support wherever you are located. Face to face meetings, and participation in our event series and networking opportunities are highly concentrated in NYC, we encourage your presence from time to time.
Mentor makeup: John Ason, Aaron Greenwald, James Manfredonia, Kara Rubin
Portfolio companies: 4P Foods, eFowl, Generation Fresh, Ozuké, Traverse
Investment amount: Not specified
Program benefits: FS6 offers a comprehensive 4 month program that combines business and organizational development skills with a broad education of the food system to provide a holistic perspective for emerging innovators. Sessions combine presentations, workshops and individual work sessions with customized / tailored support.
Mentor makeup: Lauren Abda, Jessica Hellmann, Jonathan Mi, Eric O'Brien, Robert Tse
Portfolio companies: AgriDigital, FluroSat, Kunoa, Valley Verde
"Accelerating Appalachia is the first-of-its-kind program accelerating the regenerative economy by connecting “basic needs businesses” in food, clothing, shelter and wellness to regenerative business development training, peer businesses, mentors, aligned value supply chains, and investors committed to people, place and prosperity. We attract and scale high-impact, seed-stage businesses with special consideration for entrepreneurs who are women, LGBTQ, and people of color."
Investment amount: Not specified
Program benefits:
Mentor makeup: Wendell Berry, Bell Hooks, Michelle Long, Joe Schmidt
Portfolio companies: Baqua Brands, Cache Foods, Heartland Chia
"The GFA helps emerging food and farm entrepreneurs expand the production, marketing and distribution of locally and responsibly produced food, in order to enhance the social, economic and environmental health of our communities. We provide competitively selected fellows with mentoring, strategic support, and access to capital so they can thrive commercially and have a power ripple effect on the local economy, and beyond."
Investment amount: Fellows do not receive an investment from the Accelerator itself, nor do they give the Accelerator equity. Instead, Fellows will be required to pay an annual fee to FamilyFarmed based on the increase in revenue of their businesses. Without sales growth, Fellows will not pay any fee.
Program benefits:
Mentor makeup: Hank Adams, Michael Bashaw, Atina Diffley, Steve Hall
Portfolio companies: Not specified
"We accelerate food technology startups that share our mission to shape the future of good food"
Investment amount: Not specified
Program benefits:
Portfolio companies: 321 Cooking, Inspecto, OriginTrail, Papp's Tea, Souprise
"The Good Kitchen provides funding, business training and mentorship for organisations working to solve food poverty, wherever it’s found."
Investment amount: The Good Kitchen is looking to offer 'catalytic' investment to organisations tackling food poverty. Depending on the stage/size/type of your organisation, catalytic might mean 5,000 Euros or 50,000 Euros. Accordingly, we ask that you outline your required investment needs clearly in your application and provide context for what you will spend the money on. That said, if you are looking for more than 75,000 Euros, this probably is not the right programme for you.
Program benefits: You know what support you need best. If you are accepted onto our programme, we won’t be prescribing training sessions that you do not need (or want). Instead, we'll build a personalised programme of support in partnership with you, making your journey with The Good Kitchen as relevant and useful to you as possible.
Portfolio companies: Mimica Touch, Cultivando Futuro, Entocycle, Make Kit
"We help bold, ambitious FoodTech entrepreneurs build great businesses"
Investment amount: We invest £20k in the form of a SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity)
Program benefits: For the 12 weeks we will provide office space for you. Being co-located with mentors and fellow entrepreneurs provides great support whilst on the programme.
Portfolio companies: CityMunch, Buzzer, ShareDining, Sure
"REVTECH, Retail Technology Ventures, is a leading venture accelerator seed fund dedicated to identifying and developing the best early-stage, high-growth ventures focused on tech and product innovation for restaurant, retail, and hospitality. The program aims to facilitate the technological evolution of the restaurant and retail industry by attracting, mentoring, and connecting experienced entrepreneurs with viable products to talent, customers, and investors."
Investment amount: Not specified
Program benefits: Each week of the program, time is carved out to meet with our Managing Director to discuss progress and goals. We also set up meetings with our mentors to help you troubleshoot issues, recommend solutions, and help grow your business and gain customers. We regularly schedule Pitch Practice times to help you perfect your message, and host community events to facilitate learning opportunities and new connections. Companies will then conclude our program with the chance to pitch at our Fall Tech Trends event.
After the program, we provide you with continued support with monthly check-ins, and help with any issues you have, or meetings you’d like to book. Our goal is to see your company succeed!
Mentor makeup: Mateen Aini, Rachel Bentley, Jon Bolen, Hemant Elhence
Portfolio companies: Pensa Systems, Neighborhood Goods, Roopa, CherryPick.ai, Bottlefly
"ShakeUpFactory is a business accelerator and network catalyst, adding value in growth and transformation for breakthrough projects from farm to fork"
Investment amount: Not specified.
Program benefits:
Portfolio companies: Cashpad, Wynd, FoodPairing, Yooji
(Image source: civileats.com)
How much they invest, how long the program lasts and what they offer
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