About

The start-ups who pitch at FoodBytes! are driving some of the key developments in food and agriculture today. Nina Meijers, Start-up Relationship Manager at Rabobank, explains how supporting these companies fuels innovation across the food chain. FoodBytes! is best known as a pitch competition. But according to Meijers, that’s really only the beginning of the story. “The real lasting value for all participants – start-ups, corporate clients, and investors – is this continuous community and network.” Since launching in San Francisco in 2015, FoodBytes! has received over 2,000 applications and boasts a community of 265 alumni – and counting. And then there’s the network of large corporates and investors who have come on board to mentor and collaborate with start-ups. “Over the last four years large corporates lost 18 billion dollars in market share to emerging companies who are able to more nimbly adapt to changing consumer demands,” Meijers explains. “Corporates are increasingly looking for ways to engage in a meaningful way – ways to collaborate with these leading edge innovators to help them evolve their businesses. That’s the nexus where FoodBytes! sits.” ** Upcoming FoodBytes! events: Chicago | September 19, 2019 London | November 7, 2019 Visit: www.foodbytesworld.com