Staying true to the original mission of the FoodTech 500—to spotlight the world’s most underrated AgriFoodTech companies, we expanded the FoodTech 500 Ambassador Program this year, welcoming more experts from our network.
This collaborative initiative brings together seasoned FoodTech professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, and and passionate advocates. Get to know the FoodTech 500 Ambassadors, their contributions, and how they’re shaping the future of food.
What Is the FoodTech 500 Ambassadors Program?
The FoodTech 500 Ambassadors Program seeks to build a network of AgriFoodTech professionals dedicated to spotlighting innovators deserving of recognition in the FoodTech 500. These ambassadors come from diverse backgrounds— venture capitalists, entrepreneurs, scientists, and consultants— all united by a common goal: transforming the global food system.
The program’s primary mission is to foster collaboration, drive innovation, and connect the key players in AgriFoodTech. These ambassadors identify emerging talents, spotlight promising startups, and help underdog innovators gain the recognition they deserve by nominating impactful companies from their network or portfolio in this year’s FoodTech 500. As a FoodTech 500 Ambassador, the Forward Fooding team requested specific contributions to support the global AgriFoodTech ecosystem. The primary tasks included nominating 10 promising international AgriFoodTech companies – focusing on innovative “underdogs” less than 15 years old that are creating tangible impact across the food supply chain. Ambassadors were also asked to recommend another outstanding food technology professional for potential ambassador status.
Meet the Game-Changers: FoodTech 500 Ambassadors
Here’s a look at some of the visionaries paving the way for a better food future:
Alexis Caporale
Alexis Caporale is a Venture Partner at World Fund, dedicated to transforming society into a low-carbon, climate-resilient, and inclusive community. He is a member of the Rising Tide Collective, Exponential Do, Instituto Baikal, and Sandbox global communities.
With a background in nature-based solutions, engineering, energy, and climate change, Alexis is committed to driving impactful innovation.
Mariya Hristova
Mariya Hristova is the founder of Agriventures, an NGO aimed at enhancing the market realization of research, supporting AgriFood and biotech startups, and empowering women entrepreneurs to implement deep tech in AgriFood.
Her background in strategic planning, project management, and legal services, along with experience at EIT Food, the Ministry of Agriculture, and Deloitte, positions her well to advance Agriventures’ mission of promoting innovation and sustainability in the AgriFood sector.
Semi Hakim
Semi Hakim co-founded Kök Projekt and has extensive experience in the AgriFood sector. He collaborates with corporations, government organizations, and investment funds to accelerate startups and develop corporate innovation programs addressing climate change, food security, and water security in emerging markets.
After earning a degree in Tourism Management, Semi worked as a chef and engaged in research projects on food and agriculture. He led gastro-diplomacy initiatives, coordinated global food events, and managed rural development projects for small-scale AgriFood producers in Türkiye. He later obtained a Master’s in Agricultural Economics.
Elif Güngör Reis
Dr. Elif Güngör Reis is a Food Technology Expert, the FoodHack Istanbul Ambassador, and an Entrepreneurship Expert at Istanbul Arel University. Committed to advancing the AgriFoodTech sector, she has led numerous innovative projects on food sustainability and safety.
With expertise in cutting-edge technologies, Dr. Elif mentors startups and utilizes her extensive network to support the growth of AgriFoodTech companies. Her dedication to quality education and economic growth is evident through her collaborations with local organizations. With over 16 years of interest in food additives, her leadership inspires positive change in the global food industry.
Sascha Dutta
Sascha Dutta is a Venture Partner with over 15 years of experience in F&B marketing strategy and event management, having worked with companies like PepsiCo, AB WorldFoods, and Müller Dairy. She founded Marketing Strategiser and Foodpreneurs Collective, a community for F&B SMEs, and co-produces Virtual Investor F&B Pitch Lounge Events. Previously, she served as Lead Ambassador for FoodHack in both London and Dubai.
Originally from the UK, Sascha relocated to Dubai in 2023. She combines her expertise in launching and marketing F&B brands with a passion for supporting innovative startups in the industry.
Antonio Iannone
Antonio Iannone is a key figure in the Italian FoodTech ecosystem and a founding member of the AgriFoodTech Italia Association. Meanwhile, he offers digital marketing consulting and advisory services for fundraising and M&A to AgriFood startups and SMEs through TheFoodCons.
He runs a FoodTech blog and podcast and contributes as a freelance writer for reputable Italian food magazines. Additionally, he teaches AgriFoodTech at ESCP Business School.
With a background in agriculture and experience as a food entrepreneur in Aruba, Antonio combines his passion for cooking with his expertise in the industry.
Diane Fermin Roeder
Diane Fermin Roeder is a passionate storyteller focused on responsible communications and ecosystem building for innovation and sustainability in the climate, AgriFood, and hospitality sectors. In Dubai, she runs a sustainability-focused communications consultancy, and she also serves as an Ambassador for FoodHack, a platform that fosters innovation for a sustainable food system by connecting founders and funders.
Jorien Hattink
Jorien Hattink began her career in startups at Revyve after earning her master’s in biotechnology. She then joined the AgriFoodTech accelerator StartLife as an analyst, where she manages intakes of new startups and connects them with industry partners. Jorien also serves as a business coach for program participants.
Hadas Rajchenberg
Hadas Rajchenberg is passionate about FoodTech and impact ventures, dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs in making a meaningful difference in the world. With extensive experience in building and executing marketing operations from scratch, she specializes in branding, business development, B2B and B2C marketing strategies, event planning, PR, and digital marketing.
After nearly four years at The Kitchen FoodTech Hub, she began her journey as an independent consultant, collaborating with purpose-driven startups to create traction. Her work involves developing strategies, marketing tactics, and investor relations for AgriFoodTech startups.
Mary van Hoek-Hendriks
Mary van Hoek-Hendriks is a food impactor who began her career in the food industry by developing and marketing new food concepts. She later focused on food education, creating programs for young food innovators and coaching startups on their inventions. As the founder of Start a Food Story, she helps entrepreneurs launch and scale businesses that innovate sustainably within the food system.
Mary also collaborates with multinationals to establish innovation teams and serves on the board of Groente & Fruitbrigade, a national supplier for Food Banks Netherlands, where she promotes health and sustainability by making nutritious food accessible and reducing waste. Her contributions to food innovation have earned her numerous accolades, including recognition from EEPA, FlavorFlav, Food100, Food Personality, and FoodLog.
Mathilde Do Chi
Mathilde Do Chi is the Founder and Managing Director of Forward Food Law, specializing in international food law, regulatory affairs, and public policy. With experience across the food industry, including law firms, NGOs, and the United Nations, she tackles legal and policy challenges from multiple perspectives.
As an expert consultant and mentor for EIT Food, Mathilde supports innovators in creating a sustainable food system. She is also on the Advisory Board of the Plant-Based Foods Global Alliance and serves on an investment committee for a VC firm focused on alternative proteins. Her diverse background equips her to navigate complex regulatory landscapes effectively.
Florian Richter
Florian Richter has over 15 years of startup experience, including roles at Google, SumUp, and Bookatable. He founded two companies and served as Founder & CEO of Muddy Machines, an AgriTech hardware and robotics company, for four years.
Currently, Florian mentors startups and founders at Rockstart and Startlife to create a positive environmental impact.
Marit Veenstra
Marit Veenstra is dedicated to making healthy, sustainable choices accessible. With a BSc in Nutrition & Dietetics and an MSc in Health Food Innovation Management, she helps food and supplement companies connect with consumers by combining nutritional expertise with strategic brand innovation. Her focus includes elevating brands in the food and supplement sectors, from plant-based alternatives to mental well-being products.
Marit has worked with over 50 food and supplement brands across 20 countries and holds advisory roles with the Plant-Based Foods Association and the Freedom Food Alliance.
Juan Pablo Orlov
Juan Pablo Orlov is passionate about the fields of venture capital and biotechnology. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and served as Chief of Staff at Michroma. He is currently an Associate at GRIDX, focusing on supporting innovative startups.
Additionally, Juan is a mentor at Singularity University and a Visiting Professor at the National University of Rosario, where he shares his expertise and insights with aspiring entrepreneurs. His diverse background and commitment to fostering innovation make him a valuable asset in the biotechnology sector.
Anne Palermo
Anne Palermo is a serial entrepreneur and industry leader in FoodTech and alternative proteins. As the CEO and Co-Founder of an innovative startup currently in stealth mode, she leverages her extensive expertise to guide clients in identifying market opportunities and implementing effective strategies.
Previously, Anne co-founded AQUA Cultured Foods, where she led the team through multiple fundraising rounds and developed proprietary technology, holding two granted patents and 14 pending. Anne’s insights are sought after worldwide for her advocacy in FoodTech as a solution to global challenges.
Hannah Lester
Dr. Hannah Lester is the Founder and CEO of Atova Regulatory Consulting, specializing in regulatory affairs with over 18 years of experience securing approvals for veterinary medicines, animal feed, and human food across the EU and global markets. She holds an MSc in Veterinary Public Health and a PhD in Veterinary Epidemiology, making her a leading expert in alternative proteins and innovative food technologies.
In addition to assisting Atova’s clients, Dr. Hannah collaborates with industry associations, NGOs, and governmental agencies to develop new risk assessment approaches for alternative proteins and drive policy changes. She mentors startups through programs like ProVeg Incubator, Big Idea Ventures, MassChallenge, and the GEC Catalyst Program.
Rodrigo Ledesma-Amaro
Rodrigo Ledesma-Amaro is a leading expert in synthetic biology and metabolic engineering, serving as a lecturer at Imperial College London. He is also a co-founder of CorNatural, a company dedicated to sustainable biotechnology solutions. Through CorNatural, Rodrigo aims to bridge the gap between scientific research and real-world applications, developing biotechnological solutions that address global challenges like food security and environmental sustainability. His commitment to collaboration positions him as a key player in advancing sustainable biotechnology.
Varun Gadodia
Varun Gadodia is an AgriFood professional and startup founder from India with a background in science and strategy. With over five years of experience in future food frontiers and AgriFood innovation, he has launched his own startup, Prot, and actively contributes to think tanks and strategic initiatives.
Rik Posthuma
Rik Posthuma is an Investment Manager at Pymwymic, where he leverages his consulting expertise to transform food systems and drive positive change. Pymwymic, based in the Netherlands, is an impact investor focused on early-stage ventures that contribute to healthy food systems in Europe.
Sophie Pickering
Sophie Pickering is an Investment Manager at Pymwymic. She began her journey into impact investing in 2019, focusing on driving systemic change in food systems. She is passionate about directing capital towards meaningful investments and collaborating with like-minded investors and visionary entrepreneurs.
Committed to empowering diversity in the VC ecosystem, Sophie recognizes that diverse perspectives foster innovation. And by advocating for inclusion and supporting underrepresented voices, she aims to unlock untapped potential and create a more equitable entrepreneurial landscape.
Stephen O’Rourke
Stephen O’Rourke is a regulatory and commercialisation specialist working across FoodTech, biotechnology and MedTech. He is the founder of Clarifi, a Helsinki-based regulatory strategy consultancy helping innovators make better decisions under regulatory uncertainty.
Diana Rucinschi
Diana Rucinschi is a member of the Business Acceleration Services team at the European Innovation Council, the EU’s flagship program for developing and scaling breakthrough technologies. In her role, she focuses on investment readiness and investor outreach, helping companies improve their investment profiles and connect with aligned investors.
With a background in economics, finance, and venture capital, Diana is an alumna of the Newton Venture Program Fellow, established by LocalGlobe, HSBC Innovation Banking, and London Business School. Passionate about FoodTech and Agtech, she is currently pursuing an executive MBA in food and agribusiness at Wageningen University and TIAS Netherlands.
Sruthi Sadanand
Sruthi Sadanand is a strategic thinker committed to advancing the alternative protein sector, particularly in cultivated meats. With extensive experience in this field, she has successfully led FoodTech teams, driving innovation and growth through product development, go-to-market strategies, and strategic partnerships.
Her journey includes establishing process lines, building industry connections, and setting up R&D facilities for downstream processing. Sruthi also guides fundraising efforts and provides technical due diligence for startups.
Noah Petermann
Noah Petermann is a Senior Analyst at Blue Forest Ventures, specializing in pre-seed deep tech investments across Europe. Based in Berlin, he has gained extensive experience in venture capital, strategy, and corporate finance through key roles at Sanity Group, including Strategic Project Lead and Corporate Finance Lead.
Noah holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. He has also participated in international programs at prestigious institutions such as Singapore Management University, Lund University, and Hanken School of Economics.
Prithvi Kodialbail
After graduating from the University of Edinburgh, Prithvi Kodialbail began her career in biotechnology and biotherapeutics, focusing on cancer biology and immunotherapy. She led process development and manufacturing teams for clinical trial products at Akamis Bio, the University of Oxford, and Replimune Ltd. Later, as Head of Process Engineering at Shiok Meats in Singapore, she established a manufacturing facility for cultivated meat and seafood. Prithvi has also consulted for bioeconomy firms in the US and Thailand, providing technical guidance and fundraising expertise.
Prithvi currently serves as Chief Technology Officer at Extracellular, a CDMO dedicated to sustainable biotechnology in nutrition, cosmetics, and bioproducts.
Albrecht Wolfmeyer
Albrecht Wolfmeyer is the International Director at ProVeg Incubator, bringing over 20 years of experience in both profit and non-profit organizations as an entrepreneur, startup advisor, investor, marketing expert, and journalist. At ProVeg Incubator, he has helped build one of the leading accelerators for alternative protein startups, overseeing over 50 investments in impact-driven companies.
Albrecht previously managed marketing and communications at the World Association of German Schools Abroad and worked at KPMG, focusing on growth markets.
Ronald Lim
Ronald Lim is a Business Events Strategist, Event Technologist, Sustainable Business Investor, and STEM Education Advocate in Asia, with over a decade of experience designing impactful and sustainable events. As the Head of Events and Marketing for Smart Cities Network, he focuses on advancing the smart cities ecosystem in Asia by curating content that promotes digital transformation, urban innovation, and sustainable development.
His commitment to sustainability extends to Agtech, where he invests in Airgro, a company that grows imported crops locally to enhance food security and reduce environmental impact. He aims to foster resilience and innovation across various industries by aligning technology with responsible growth.
Leo Groenewegen
Leo Groenewegen is a dynamic leader in the life sciences and biotech industries, known for his strategic vision and commitment to fostering innovation. With extensive experience in business development, team leadership, and regulatory navigation, he has a proven track record of driving growth and building successful partnerships.
He currently serves as CEO of Nordic Bioanalysis, where he focuses on expanding the company’s customer base and enhancing its capabilities in bioanalytical development and validation.
Melissa Ong
Melissa Ong has over 25 years of experience in the Asia-Pacific region, specializing in international trade, brand communications, market research, and social strategy. She has held key positions at HSBC, IOI Group, KL Sentral (MRCB), and TNS (Kantar), managing portfolios across 33 countries. As the former CEO of the Asian Strategy & Leadership Institute, she founded the International Trade & Business Advisory Centre and played a crucial role in establishing the Malaysia-Bahrain and Malaysia-Russia Business Councils.
Melissa also supported Southeast Asian ventures for 45 UK companies during her time with the UK Department of International Trade and served as ASEAN Regional Director for the Bahrain Economic Development Board. She is currently the Managing Partner at First Frontier Ventures, focusing on transformative investments in AgriFoodTech and sustainability. Additionally, as Group Chief Officer at Impact Circle, she builds partnerships within Southeast Asia’s food ecosystem to promote sustainable innovation and community development.
Jamal Maxey
Jamal Maxey is the CEO and Head of Events at Pitch Lounge, recognized as a Top 100 FoodTech Global Shaper. He also mentors for the Founder Institute and Techstars and is an ambassador for Investors for Climate.
Jamal has over 10 years of experience investing in FoodTech, ClimateTech, and FinTech crowdfunding campaigns, having hosted over 500 startups at pitch events since 2020. He connects innovative AgriFoodTech startups with advisors, partners, and investors while supporting early-stage founders in various sectors.
Balaji Vasudevan
