FORWARD FOODING
THE BLOG
10 September 2025
After reaching a staggering $71 billion globally in 2021, AgriFoodTech investment has been on a steep decline. The numbers from H1 2025 continue this trend: funding dropped from $6.5 billion across 514 deals in H1 2024 to $4.1 billion across 308 deals—a 37% funding decline and 40% fewer deals. But here's what makes this different from a typical market crash: the quality of deals is actually getting better and has shifted towards new areas.
10 September 2025
Vertical farming has moved beyond the hype cycle. With billions raised and some high-profile setbacks, the sector is now focused on what really matters: capital efficiency. From modular farms and co-location strategies to AI optimization and renewable integration, new models are proving that smarter design — not just bigger fundraising — is the key to scaling vertical farming sustainably and profitably.
10 September 2025
Showcasing their dominance on the global stage, North American AgriFoodTech startups consistently represent over a fifth of the finalists in Forward Fooding's annual FoodTech 500. The region's ecosystem is thriving against a backdrop of global investment challenges, fueled by landmark funding rounds and pioneering advancements in precision farming, vertical agriculture, and alternative proteins.
10 September 2025
Check out what some of the FoodTech 500 Alumni have been up to lately with our latest round-up (August - September 2025 Edition)
9 September 2025
The FoodTech 500 is back for 2025 with unprecedented global impact! This seventh edition offers enhanced value propositions for AgriFoodTech innovators, from elite recognition to access to 20,000+ industry professionals. With over 10,500+ applications received across six editions and reach spanning 180+ countries, join the definitive ranking of food technology leaders driving industry transformation.
Follow us
Sponsored Articles
9 July 2025
Forward Fooding celebrates the selection of 12 pioneering startups for the inaugural pladis Accelerator Programme. From water lily popcorn to sugar-converting enzymes, these innovations represent the future of snacking, addressing obesity, sustainability, and personalized nutrition through cutting-edge food technology.
21 March 2025
Tim Ingmire, VP of Global Innovation & Technology at pladis, discusses how the snacking giant is supporting early-stage startups in foodtech, health, and sustainability through their accelerator program. Learn about their focus on personalized nutrition, functional foods, and future ingredients to bring innovative, delicious products to consumers worldwide.
8 February 2024
Future Food-Tech returns to San Francisco on March 21-22 Over 1,700 food-tech leaders, from CPG brands, retailers, ingredient providers, [...]
1 February 2023
The 4th edition of FoodTech 500 is taking off and we are excited to partner with NEOM for the third consecutive year to support the best international AgriFoodTech entrepreneurs.
10 February 2022
One of the elements we enjoy the most here at Forward Fooding about working with AgriFoodTech startups is being [...]
THE DATA POWERING
THE FOODTECH 500
The FoodTech Data Navigator is the world’s first data intelligence tool that provides insight-rich and up-to-date information about 20,000+ international AgriFoodtech players, allowing you to discover the most relevant companies and organizations for your business and build your own customized data intelligence platform.
Forward Fooding is the world’s first collaborative platform for the food & beverage industry fostering innovation via FoodTech Data Intelligence and corporate-startup collaboration. Headquartered in London with satellite offices in Barcelona and Rome, they have built the largest FoodTech database in the world and have been fostering a global network of AgriFoodTech entrepreneurs since 2015. To learn more visit: forwardfooding.com
CONTACT US
If you have any questions or suggestions, we’d love to hear from you!
