Green Circle Foodtech Ventures
GC Foodtech Ventures invests in Foodtech companies.
It is a division of Green Circle Capital, a specialized merchant bank.
Venture Capital Investing In Foodtech
The Green Circle Value-Add
Green Circle Foodtech Ventures partners with companies that will power and/or disrupt the production/distribution of food and beverages. Our team of experienced investment professionals and former food/beverage operators invests in bold entrepreneurs leading the technology revolution in the global food industry. The operational experience of our team and scientific expertise of our advisors makes Green Circle a true value-added investor. In a space that has garnered a great deal of attention recently, capital is being managed by former animal rights activists, former internet tech investors from Silicon Valley and others with limited experience as investors or operators in the food industry. For companies and investors seeking deep domain expertise and an extensive industry network, Green Circle is the solution.
“The difference between the amount of food produced in 2010 and the amount necessary to meet likely demand in 2050… 56 percent more crop calories than were produced in 2010.”
-World Resources Institute, Dec. 2018
An excellent sector opportunity may be unfolding before investors right now. As the world’s population growth outpaces growth of the food supply, the planet might starve unless technology enables us to bridge the gap. Significant returns may be generated by investing in such technologies. Significant good may also be achieved for the world at large.
About Green Circle Foodtech Ventures
Why Green Circle?
Investment Criteria
Investment Criteria
- Our team has decades of collective experience as investment professionals at major Wall St. firms in principal investing, investment banking, research analysis, portfolio management and investment sales.
- Operational experience as Founders, CEOs, CFOs and consultants to natural products companies and tech-enabled businesses.
- Outstanding n
- Our team has decades of collective experience as investment professionals at major Wall St. firms in principal investing, investment banking, research analysis, portfolio management and investment sales.
- Operational experience as Founders, CEOs, CFOs and consultants to natural products companies and tech-enabled businesses.
- Outstanding network within the ecosystem of natural food, bev, VMS and robust network in the evolving landscape of Foodtech (to source dealflow and also to operationally support portfolio companies).
- The investment banking division of the firm (Green Circle Capital Advisors) focuses on natural product CPG companies and provides us with constant access to investment opportunities in the Foodtech (tech-enabled) adjacencies, as well as the ability to support portfolio companies.
Investment Criteria
Investment Criteria
Investment Criteria
• Stage: Seed and Series A rounds. We view our sweet spot as “past proof of concept” but before “scale.” Some of these businesses may be pre-revenue and as such, when revenues are not the metric, proof of concept or value may be measured in the form of patents or other IP, beta products, initial blue chip customers, etc.
• Geography:
• Stage: Seed and Series A rounds. We view our sweet spot as “past proof of concept” but before “scale.” Some of these businesses may be pre-revenue and as such, when revenues are not the metric, proof of concept or value may be measured in the form of patents or other IP, beta products, initial blue chip customers, etc.
• Geography: Primarily N. America and Israel, with flexibility to consider special situations in other countries.
• Check size: $500K to $2MM (or more) per investment.
Segments of interest include
(but are not limited to):
- Biomass and precision fermentation.
- Food safety.
- Sustainable packaging.
- Sugar reduction and replacement.
- Food waste and supply-chain efficiency.
- Suppliers to (but not producers of) cultured meat.
- Tech-enabled Food & Bev CPG (i.e. Beyond Meat)
Social Impact
Investment Criteria
Social Impact
At Green Circle we feel lucky to often work with natural products companies that make better-for-you products that provide consumers with healthier choices, and sometimes provide additional benefits to the world at large. As we move deeper into the ecosystem of tech-enabled businesses that are improving or disrupting the production or
At Green Circle we feel lucky to often work with natural products companies that make better-for-you products that provide consumers with healthier choices, and sometimes provide additional benefits to the world at large. As we move deeper into the ecosystem of tech-enabled businesses that are improving or disrupting the production or distribution of food & beverages we see the undertaking as one with a triple-bottom goal (generating benefits to the companies, to investors, and also to the world at large that needs such technologies).
team
Stu Strumwasser, Partner
Bakley Smith, CFA , Director & Head Of Research
Graham Anderson, CFA, Partner
Stu became a vegetarian in 1980 at the age of 14. His background combines over twenty-five years of Wall Street experience (15 years at major firms like Paine Webber and Oppenheimer & Co.) and nearly ten years running GC's investment banking division. He also spent six years as the Founder and CEO of Snow Beverages, a natural soda compa
Stu became a vegetarian in 1980 at the age of 14. His background combines over twenty-five years of Wall Street experience (15 years at major firms like Paine Webber and Oppenheimer & Co.) and nearly ten years running GC's investment banking division. He also spent six years as the Founder and CEO of Snow Beverages, a natural soda company, and co-founded an internet technology startup. He speaks on raising capital and entrepreneurship, has been quoted broadly on food & bev in leading media outlets such as Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, Mergermarket, The Washington Post, Bevnet, Food Navigator, etc., and is a mentor for several Foodtech accelerators. Stu is also a Director for The Better Meat Co.
Graham Anderson, CFA, Partner
Bakley Smith, CFA , Director & Head Of Research
Graham Anderson, CFA, Partner
Graham spent the majority of his career as a GP & Partner at EuclidSR, a $250MM venture fund focused on healthcare and IT. Subsequent to leaving Euclid he briefly ran a small fund that he launched to invest in private secondaries. Graham was Founder & President of Lillia Corp, a cosmeceutical company, and has recently consulted to Henck
Graham spent the majority of his career as a GP & Partner at EuclidSR, a $250MM venture fund focused on healthcare and IT. Subsequent to leaving Euclid he briefly ran a small fund that he launched to invest in private secondaries. Graham was Founder & President of Lillia Corp, a cosmeceutical company, and has recently consulted to Henckel . Graham is a former President of the NY Venture Capital Association, graduated BA cum laude from Yale College, holds a JD from the Yale Law School.
Bakley Smith, CFA , Director & Head Of Research
Bakley Smith, CFA , Director & Head Of Research
Bakley Smith, CFA , Director & Head Of Research
Bakley has over 17 years of experience in covering consumer-facing businesses. Bakley served as an equity research analyst with Bank of America and then Jefferies and Co., focused on the healthy lifestyle, food and drug retailing, packaged food and beverage sectors. He was also the CFO of a successful online education business. He is or
Bakley has over 17 years of experience in covering consumer-facing businesses. Bakley served as an equity research analyst with Bank of America and then Jefferies and Co., focused on the healthy lifestyle, food and drug retailing, packaged food and beverage sectors. He was also the CFO of a successful online education business. He is originally from Atlanta, Georgia and is a graduate of Wesleyan University
Operational advisors
Francesco Lorenzetti, Associate
Francesco Lorenzetti, Associate
Francesco Lorenzetti, Associate
Francesco graduated from New York University’s Stern School of Business with a bachelor’s degree in finance in May 2019. Prior to joining Green Circle he was a wealth management intern at UBS’ headquarters. Francesco was an athlete through high school and continues to take a keen interest in nutrition, personal fitness, playing basketbal
Francesco graduated from New York University’s Stern School of Business with a bachelor’s degree in finance in May 2019. Prior to joining Green Circle he was a wealth management intern at UBS’ headquarters. Francesco was an athlete through high school and continues to take a keen interest in nutrition, personal fitness, playing basketball, and going to sports events. At Green Circle, Francesco assists with research, financial modeling, marketing, and admin. He loves playing a part in helping young, conscientious brands to achieve their goals.
Eric Skae, Operational Advisor
Francesco Lorenzetti, Associate
Francesco Lorenzetti, Associate
Eric is the CEO of Carbone Fine Foods. He is also the Founder and Managing Partner of The Bricktown Group. Eric is a well-known, veteran operator in the natural food and beverage industries. As CEO of Rao’s Specialty Foods, in just around a year Eric positioned, and ran a process, to successfully sell the business in June of 2017 for wh
Eric is the CEO of Carbone Fine Foods. He is also the Founder and Managing Partner of The Bricktown Group. Eric is a well-known, veteran operator in the natural food and beverage industries. As CEO of Rao’s Specialty Foods, in just around a year Eric positioned, and ran a process, to successfully sell the business in June of 2017 for what was reportedly over $400MM. He was the founder and CEO of publicly traded New Leaf Brands Inc. from Sept. 2008 to Feb. 2012. Prior to that, Eric held senior-level sales, marketing and distribution roles at companies including Fresh Samantha, Hansen Beverage Company, and Arizona Beverages.
David Luks, Operational Advisor
Gregor Forbes, Op. Advisor (Europe)
Gregor Forbes, Op. Advisor (Europe)
David is a seasoned marketing professional in the areas of food, health and wellness and related technologies. David worked with Instacart, the leading third party grocery delivery company, helping the service form partnerships with leading retailers. Previously, he spent over eight years with PepsiCo where he helped manage the Pepsi, D
David is a seasoned marketing professional in the areas of food, health and wellness and related technologies. David worked with Instacart, the leading third party grocery delivery company, helping the service form partnerships with leading retailers. Previously, he spent over eight years with PepsiCo where he helped manage the Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Energy Drink Portfolio and SoBe Beverage brands. He also worked for ACNielsen. He received an MBA from Georgetown University and a BS from Skidmore.
Gregor Forbes, Op. Advisor (Europe)
Gregor Forbes, Op. Advisor (Europe)
Gregor Forbes, Op. Advisor (Europe)
Owner of Acorns2oaks a consultancy based in Geneva Switzerland specializing in plant-based and sustainable foods.
Previously was CEO of Explore Cuisine (BFY pasta) and Managing Director of Sproud (plant-based milk) Prior to joining Explore led Pearson Education’s Europe / Asia / Africa division a unit operating in 36 countries with a te
Owner of Acorns2oaks a consultancy based in Geneva Switzerland specializing in plant-based and sustainable foods.
Previously was CEO of Explore Cuisine (BFY pasta) and Managing Director of Sproud (plant-based milk) Prior to joining Explore led Pearson Education’s Europe / Asia / Africa division a unit operating in 36 countries with a team of 600 employees. Greg started his career at Procter & Gamble and spent 25 years in sales , marketing and general management positions and assignments in UK , Ukraine , China and Switzerland where he led the $1 billion Global Development Markets. Educated in Singapore and competed studied with a BA(Hons) in Management Studies at University of Leeds -UK .
Science and sustainability advisors
Dr. Bruno Xavier, Extension Associate/Process Authority Cornell University Food Science Dept.
Miriam Maxwell, Research Fellow, Global Scientific & Regulatory Affairs - Ocean Spray Cranberries
Miriam Maxwell, Research Fellow, Global Scientific & Regulatory Affairs - Ocean Spray Cranberries
Dr. Bruno Xavier is a Food Engineer with a PhD in Microbiology (Cornell University, 2008). Previously worked as a post-doctorate associate at the Milk Quality Improvement Program (Cornell University, 2008-2009), and as a university professor (UFSJ, 2009-2016), where he taught courses related to Biotechnology and Industrial Microbiology.
Dr. Bruno Xavier is a Food Engineer with a PhD in Microbiology (Cornell University, 2008). Previously worked as a post-doctorate associate at the Milk Quality Improvement Program (Cornell University, 2008-2009), and as a university professor (UFSJ, 2009-2016), where he taught courses related to Biotechnology and Industrial Microbiology. Currently works as an Extension Associate and Processing Authority at the Cornell Food Venture Center, which provides product development and safety validation services to food companies in NY State and beyond, helping to bring more than 2000 products to market yearly.
Miriam Maxwell, Research Fellow, Global Scientific & Regulatory Affairs - Ocean Spray Cranberries
Miriam Maxwell, Research Fellow, Global Scientific & Regulatory Affairs - Ocean Spray Cranberries
Miriam Maxwell, Research Fellow, Global Scientific & Regulatory Affairs - Ocean Spray Cranberries
An accomplished scientist specializing in domestic/international regulatory compliance leadership with extensive experience in legal analysis/interpretative summaries of proposed and final regulations as well as implementation plans to comply with current and upcoming global law. Practical background in vendor certification, food proces
An accomplished scientist specializing in domestic/international regulatory compliance leadership with extensive experience in legal analysis/interpretative summaries of proposed and final regulations as well as implementation plans to comply with current and upcoming global law. Practical background in vendor certification, food processing/lab analysis, GMP’s, FDA/USDA/EU standards and international compliance. Proven skills in creating global regulatory infrastructure, building/managing global teams, systems and procedures as well as creating complete raw materials database used for global product labeling, kosher determination/submissions, R&D, and purchasing decisions.
Holly Coleman, Sustainability & ESG Expert
Holly Coleman, Sustainability & ESG Expert
Holly Coleman, Sustainability & ESG Expert
Holly is an expert in Sustainable Business practices. After obtaining her MBA in Sustainable Management at Presidio Graduate School, she worked with renowned sustainable business author and entrepreneur Paul Hawken (The Ecology of Commerce, Natural Capitalism) developing rigorous social and environmental standards for investment screen
Holly is an expert in Sustainable Business practices. After obtaining her MBA in Sustainable Management at Presidio Graduate School, she worked with renowned sustainable business author and entrepreneur Paul Hawken (The Ecology of Commerce, Natural Capitalism) developing rigorous social and environmental standards for investment screening. She has been involved in standards setting organizations such as B Corporation and SASB with recent contributions to Food System 6, a sustainable food business accelerator program.
Scott Forsberg, Ingredient Consultant
Holly Coleman, Sustainability & ESG Expert
Holly Coleman, Sustainability & ESG Expert
Scott is the founder of Forsberg Group LLC, a natural products consultancy group and a 30 year veteran of the industry. Scott is active in industry trade groups both in the U.S. and abroad. He served a three-year elected term on the Board of Directors of the American Herbal Products Association and served as that organization’s Governme
Scott is the founder of Forsberg Group LLC, a natural products consultancy group and a 30 year veteran of the industry. Scott is active in industry trade groups both in the U.S. and abroad. He served a three-year elected term on the Board of Directors of the American Herbal Products Association and served as that organization’s Government Relations Committee Chair. As an avid outdoorsman and scientist, he believes that combining the best of nature and science is the key to a healthy sustainable future.
Portfolio
“Stu and the Green Circle Capital team have proven to be investors who've brought a lot more than just capital to The Better Meat Co. Their insights, connections, and assistance have added great value to our start-up, and we're glad to have Stu as a board member. Whether it's customer acquisition, talent acquisition, contract negotiation, financial modeling, or strategic insights, Stu and Green Circle's expertise and experience have been very important to our young company as we grow.”
-Paul Shapiro, CEO of Better Meat Co.
"We had a great deal of interest in our financing, from numerous venture capital firms, but we wanted to include Green Circle duo to their extensive experience and broad network. We're excited to work together with Green Circle’s team to grow the business."
-Eyal Afergan, CEO of ImaginDairy
Green Circle are visionary investors, that leveraged their knowledge and network of the food industry to take fast and decisive action to lead the investment round in ProFuse. They support our efforts to increase our brand awareness and establish collaboration with industry leaders in the USA.
-Guy Michrowski, CEO, ProFuse
"Graham and Stu are some of the most genuine individuals I’ve met in venture capital. During the diligence process they were already looking for ways to help. We’re incredibly excited to add their deep expertise in foodtech (not to mention Graham's experience and knowledge in adjacent verticals such as pharma and cosmaceuticals) to our company and we believe they will be very impactful to our company’s growth."
-Matt Anderson-Baron, CEO of Future Fieldst
Green Circle moved quickly and were true to their word at every step, fantastic when balancing an investment round with a number of parties. They bring strategic US customers and board expertise to BlakBear, and we're psyched to join forces.
-Dr. Max Grell, CEO, Blakbear
GC NY-Israel Foodtech Bridge conference, next april 2024
Featured in FORBES magazine on April 12, 2022.
AGENDA 4/28/2022
The conference is sold out, but please join us by video by registering at https://bit.ly/foodtechbridgevideo
AGENDA:
• Doors Open (8AM)
• Registration and Continental Breakfast (8-9AM)
• Opening Remarks (9-9:15): Bruce Friedrich, Founder & CEO of the Good Food Institute, Peter Bodenheimer, Conference Host, and Stu Strumwasser, Green Circle
• Panel 1 (9:15-10): The IP Moat: Patents, trade secrets, how to choose and/or afford a defensible strategy.
Moderated by Graham Anderson, Green Circle
Panelists: David Wildman, Covington & Burling LLP; Jeff Theodore, Braun Hagey; J. Peter Paredes, Amin, Talati Wasserman; Laurie Marshall, Marshall Law;
• Startups. (10-10:15): Four three-minute presentations from Israeli startups, introduced by Peter Bodenheimer. Profuse, Plantish, Biotic Labs.
• Panel 2 (10:15AM-11): Seed and Venture financing for Foodtech companies.
Moderated by Stu Strumwasser, Green Circle
Panelists: Bryan Kreske, Hormel Foods; Jason Stamm, PepsiCo Ventures; Dinsh Guzdar Rich’s Foods; Brita Rosenheim, Culterra Capital; Amir Zaidman, The Kitchen (Israel)
• Intro To Upcycled Food Association (11-11:05): Turner Wyatt, CEO & Co-Founder, UFA •
The Kitchen Hub Startups (11:10-11:45): Seven three-minute presentations from cohort startups of The Kitchen. Imagindairy, Wanda Fish, Anina, Maolac, Yeap, Forsea, Mush.
• Panel 3 (11:45-12:30): Strategic planning for launching and scaling an innovative food businesses in the US.
Moderated by: David Luks, Birch Consulting
Panelists: Rob Leichman, Lyric Group; David Benzaquen, Mission Plant; Eric Schnell, Beyond Brands; Hans Black, N3W Foods: Brian Sylvester, Covington & Burling LLP
• Lunch Break & Networking (12:30-1:25).
• Startups. (1:30-1:45): Four three-minute presentations from Israeli startups, introduced by Peter Bodenheimer. MyAir, Yarok Microbio, MeatAfora, Brevel.
• Afternoon opening remarks (1:45-2). Peter Bodenheimer and special guest.
• First Breakout Sessions (2-2:45):
o Main Stage: empty.
o Classroom A: Investors and startups (speed dating).
o Classroom B: Commercial Partners/Vendors and startups (speed dating).
• Second Breakout Sessions (2:45-3:30):
o Main Stage: Panel 4: Research, academic and scientific opportunities in Foodtech.
Moderated by: Prof Carmen Moraru, Cornell U.
Panelists: Prof. Marcelle Machluf, Technion U.; Mark Warner, Warner Advisors; Asst. Prof. Samuel Alcaine, Cornell. U.
o Classroom A: Investors and startups (second speed dating session).
o Classroom B: Commercializing innovations in food and establishing resources at Cornell Agritech (Geneva, NY) followed by Cornell & Technion Intern Hiring Opportunities for startups and larger food companies.
• Closing remarks (3:30-3:45): Paul Shapiro, CEO The Better Meat Co. & author of “Clean Meat,” and Stu Strumwasser, Green Circle.
• Networking and end of day (3:45-4:45).
FAREWELL HAPPY HOUR: 5-7PM Thursday April 28th, directly after the conference. A farewell happy hour wrap-up gathering will take place immediately after the conference at the Panorama Room of the Graduate Hotel, right next door to the conference center. Come and enjoy stunning views of NYC from the 17th floor, trade contact info with new friends and associates, and say goodbye (until November in Tel Aviv!)
