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 affairs professional with extensive expertise in scientific regulation, particularly in medical devices and novel food technologies. He has collaborated with prominent organizations like Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin and Infinite Roots, leading high-impact regulatory submissions.

Passionate about sustainable food innovations, Stephen runs his own regulatory consultancy in Berlin, advising companies on compliance and safety standards across Europe and global markets. He also mentors AgriFoodTech startups at the Founder Institute and ran as an independent candidate in the 2024 European Parliament elections, advocating for transparency and accountability in politics.

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

Dr. Balaji Vasudevan is a globally recognized thought leader in the food and agriculture sector, currently serving as a Venture Partner at 16VC, Operations and Program Manager at KickStart Venture Services, and AgroBioscience Consultant at UM6P Ventures. With over 20 years of experience in synthetic biology, Agtech, and AgriFoodTech across more than 10 countries, he specializes in helping startups translate innovative ideas into successful ventures.

His extensive background includes consulting for industry, venture capital, and academia, with a focus on developing sustainable, climate-resilient agricultural technologies. Dr. Balaji has built a global network of over 30,000 connections in Agtech and has mentored various AgriFoodTech companies and VC cohorts. He holds a Ph.D. in plant biotechnology and his research contributions include 17 publications in top plant science journals and several pending patents. Dr. Balaji is also actively involved in scouting innovations, providing competitive intelligence, and serving as a mentor and advisor to startups in the AgriFoodTech space.

 

Daniel Skavén Ruben

Daniel Skavén Ruben founded Solvable Syndicate, which invests in early-stage FoodTech and ClimateTech startups. In addition to his investment activities, Daniel mentors several FoodTech accelerators and advises multiple AgTech and FoodTech startups. He is also the founding editor of FoodTech Weekly and co-hosts The Appetizer podcast.

His previous experiences include being Head of Strategy & Special Projects at Stockeld Dreamery, consultant at The Rockefeller Foundation Food Initiative, technology and innovation expert at the World Bank, and he held various roles at the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs for over five years.

Lara Nuchowicz

Lara Nuchowicz founded LNL Investment Consulting, which collaborates with diverse investors to accelerate purpose-led investments. Since 2017, Lara has been an angel investor, supporting over 50 early-stage ventures globally in the food, health, and consumer sectors. In Amsterdam, she acts as an ambassador for FoodHack, connecting entrepreneurs, corporations, and investors with an emphasis on food and agriculture.

Lara’s career demonstrates her commitment to sustainability and innovation in purpose-driven investments. With six years of industry experience, she excels at identifying opportunities across various sectors and building extensive networks to uncover promising investments and provide strategic support.

Johan Jörgensen

Johan Jörgensen, co-founder of Sweden Foodtech, has been involved with the Internet since it began, and FoodTech is his passion—a topic he won’t stop talking about. He mostly engages in strategic advisory regarding the next-gen food system for nations, cities, and companies.

Anthony Chow

Anthony Chow, CFA, began his career at ANZ Banking Group in Sydney, where he spent four years as an analyst in corporate banking, leveraged finance, and private equity. He moved to London in 2007 to join Burnbrae Group, working closely with Jim Mellon on biotech and pharma investments, including longevity.

In 2018, he co-founded Agronomics and currently serves on the boards of several cellular agriculture companies, such as Liberation Labs, Formo, VitroLabs, Onego Bio, SuperMeat, All G Foods, HydGene, and Meatable.

Iliana Agora

Iliana Agora leads the Small & Medium Businesses portfolio at Endeavor Greece, a global non-profit supporting high-impact entrepreneurs in 43 emerging markets. Her portfolio includes Food & Beverage, FoodTech, and Retail, enabling her to collaborate with promising entrepreneurs in Greece and Europe to drive significant impact. A strong advocate for the fusion of established businesses and technology, Iliana enjoys engaging with entrepreneurs who challenge the food industry’s status quo.

In 2019, she founded Mailo’s The Pasta Project, an alternative and innovative concept that combines fresh pasta with street food culture.

Susie Warran-Smith

Susie Warran-Smith CBE founded the award-winning Breakthrough Funding, which was sold to Ernst & Young in 2020. In 2022, she was honored as a Commander of the British Empire for her contributions to small businesses in the food sector. Susie has appeared on various national media programs, including Radio 4’s The Food Programme, and has hosted the FoodTalk Show since 2016, interviewing notable figures like Marcus Wareing. She has authored ten books, including FoodTech UK and The Fine Food Lover’s Guide with Simon Rimmer.

Susie is a board member of The Good Food Fund Investment Committee, working with Guys and St. Thomas’ Charity, and a Director and Chair of Produced in Kent.

Miguel Jordao

Miguel Jordao has over a decade of experience in AgTech and finance. He currently leads strategy and finance at Gardin, a UK-based company specializing in remote optical plant phenotyping using machine learning to enhance food production. In 2022, he founded Newland Syndicate to support early-stage Food and AgTech entrepreneurs across Europe, with a portfolio that includes Extracellular, Cala, Allplants, THIS, and Heura.

Alia Badreldin

Alia Badreldin is a Venture Capitalist specializing in AgriFoodTech and digital transformation. As an experienced strategist, Alia helps clients develop distinctive digital business models, products, and services while fostering creative partnerships. She is an intrapreneur and leader with expertise in customer experience, digital strategy, consulting, design thinking, and communication.

Christian Pichler

Christian Pichler is the Chairman and Managing Director of GERBER-RAUTH, a private investment company he founded in 2015, focused on the Dairy Ecosystem™. Leveraging over 50 years of family heritage in the dairy industry and agribusiness, GERBER-RAUTH invests in novel food technologies for the alternative dairy sector and sustainable models for traditional dairy. 

From 2010 to 2015, Christian served as an Executive Board Member at DELMO, where he helped acquire and restructure L&INTERFORM, a leading dairy distribution company in Italy with a presence in Europe, the US, Canada, and Latin America.

Rodrigo Hortega

Rodrigo Hortega is the Head of Investments at Döhler Ventures, the corporate venture capital arm of Döhler. He actively scouts early-stage startups in the global nutrition and technology ecosystem.

Nicole Lee

Nicole Lee is part of the investment team at The Mills Fabrica, an impact innovation platform of the Nan Fung Group, focusing on startups and venture funds in the food and textiles sectors. She supports founders and GPs throughout the deal cycle, from sourcing to portfolio management.

Previously, Nicole managed FoodTech accelerator programs at Brinc and developed the supermarket delivery portfolio at Foodpanda Hong Kong. She also has experience in corporate development at Green Monday and The Good Food Institute.

 

We’re announcing the finalists for the latest edition of FoodTech 500 in Q1 2025! Make sure you’re up to date—subscribe to our newsletter here.

Want to become a FoodTech 500 Ambassador? Learn more about the initiative and submit your application here.

 

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