Startups
Speaker
Speaker
Eva Gouwens is a Dutch business leader renowned for her commitment to ethical and sustainable enterprise. From 2018 to 2023, she served as CEO of Fairphone, guiding the company through significant growth and innovation in the ethical electronics sector. Currently, she’s a freelance business consultant who helps build Robin Food Coalition. Before joining Fairphone, Eva […]
Adam Kybird is the Fund Manager at Triodos Investment Management. With a background in impact investing, he focuses on supporting European companies driving the transition to sustainable and resilient food and agriculture systems. Before joining Triodos in 2020, Adam held roles at The Young Foundation, Bridges Fund Management, KPMG Strategy Group, and the Clinton Foundation’s […]
Edgar Suarez Garcia is the founder and CTO of Revyve, a biotech startup transforming upcycled yeast into sustainable, functional proteins for the food industry. With a PhD in Bioprocess Engineering from Wageningen University, Edgar combines deep scientific expertise with a passion for innovation in circular food systems.
Niall grew up on a farm in Ireland and later qualified as a Chartered Accountant in London, specialising in Financial Services. After working for several Financial Institutions and founding a Payments firm, Niall became fascinated by the overlap of finance, technology, and agriculture. Since 2015, he has worked on designing financial use cases with agricultural […]
Robin de Bruijn is an Expert and Advisor in Entrepreneurship at StartHub Wageningen, the startup incubator of Wageningen University & Research. With a background in chemical engineering and business development, Robin supports early-stage entrepreneurs in transforming scientific innovations into market-ready ventures.
Aria Samimi is the founder and CEO of InsectSense, a deep-tech startup based in Wageningen, Netherlands. The company specializes in ReceptomiX, a biochip platform that mimics insect and human receptors to measure taste and health properties in food ingredients objectively. This technology offers an alternative to traditional human taste panels by providing rapid, data-driven insights […]
Dr. George Krintiras is the Senior Director of Savory EMEA at ADM, where he leads innovation in plant-based protein and flavor solutions across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. With a PhD in Food Process Technology from TU Delft, George has pioneered texturization techniques like high-moisture extrusion and Couette shear cell technology, contributing to the […]
Julia Streuli is the co-founder and CEO of FUL Foods, a pioneering food-tech company transforming microalgae into climate-positive nutrition. With a background in international development and gender studies from Brown University and an MBA from INSEAD, Julia combines global insight with entrepreneurial drive. Before launching FUL, she scaled a Silicon Valley startup and co-founded a […]
Bram Tijmons is the CEO and co-founder of PATS, a Delft-based agri-tech company specializing in autonomous pest monitoring and control solutions for greenhouse horticulture. Using smart cameras and AI-driven drones, PATS gives growers real-time insights into pest activity, enabling precise and sustainable crop protection strategies. Under Bram’s leadership, PATS has expanded internationally and partnered with major […]
Peter Hoekstra is the founder and managing director of Ecomoni, an innovative company specializing in biodiversity monitoring technologies. With a background in ecological research and technology, Peter leads the development of smart sensor systems, such as the Nestmoni, that automate wildlife monitoring using IoT and AI. His work enables ecologists to gather large-scale, long-term data on […]
Tom Clement is the founder and CEO of New Dawn Bio, a deep-tech startup developing lab-grown wood from tree stem cells. With a background in bioinformatics and systems biology, he aims to offer sustainable alternatives to traditional timber through innovative biotechnology.
As the program manager of StartLife Accelerate, Jean is the anchor point for the startups joining the program. As a Food and Agriculture Engineer, Jean is a nurturer and a connector: he helps food and agritech founders grow into entrepreneurs and leaders capable of bringing their vision to the market by connecting them to the […]
Thomas Grotkjaer joined Novo Holdings in 2017 and is a Planetary Health Investments team partner. He also oversees the Nordic early-stage activities. Prior to joining Novo Holdings, Thomas worked in business development at Novozymes, where he introduced advanced yeast technology to the biofuel industry and built a portfolio of biochemical projects. Earlier in his career, […]
Alessandro Guglielmi is the Director of Strategy at Albert Heijn (Ahold Delhaize). He is a digital enthusiast with a strong passion for food and agrifood. In his position, Alessandro focuses on digital, tech, and sustainability. With a background in strategy and market development, Alessandro brings a forward-thinking approach to innovation in the agri-food sector. He […]
With a strong foundation in software development from Canada and a Master’s degree in Entrepreneurship and Innovation from HEC Paris, Hadi Alshakhori is dedicated to empowering founders and driving innovation across the region. As a seasoned startup and technology expert, he has played pivotal roles at renowned events such as LEAP, GITEX, Global Summit, and […]
Lars Langhout is the co-founder and CEO of NoPalm Ingredients, a biotechnology company that uses fermentation to produce palm oil without palm trees. Prior to founding NoPalm Ingredients, Lars worked for over a decade in strategy consulting at Booz & Company / Strategy&. Lars holds an MBA from Columbia Business School (’16) and a master’s […]
Tijl Hoefnagels is a Venture Partner at Rubio Impact Ventures, where he focuses on FoodTech investments that aim to transform the agrifood value chain from farm to fork. As a VC investor in the Food & Agriculture space, Tijl seeks scale and start-up ventures that enable a Just Transition for our food system and biodiversity. […]
Jerome Unidad is the co-founder and CEO of Centeon, a deeptech company focused on industrial decarbonization and low-carbon bioproduction. A scientist turned entrepreneur, he is dedicated to accelerating the net-zero transition by developing innovative solutions for heavy industry and sustainable manufacturing.
Annie Ryu is the founder and CEO of The Jackfruit Company and jack & annie’s, ventures that turn jackfruit into sustainable, plant-based meat alternatives. A Harvard graduate and former pre-med student, she discovered jackfruit’s potential while working in India and shifted her focus to social entrepreneurship. Her work has created the world’s largest jackfruit supply […]
David Dessers is an experienced business lawyer specializing in technology, guiding entrepreneurs and companies through the private company lifecycle, from startups to acquisitions. He advises on fundraising, venture capital, debt financing, employment, intellectual property, and complex commercial transactions to maximize the value of tech assets. David represents venture capital and private equity funds in fund […]
Ileen Wilke is a community manager and partnership builder with over eight years of experience in agriculture, the private sector, media, and international relations. Currently serving as Community Manager for Regenerative Agriculture at Foodvalley, she leads the Regenerative Agriculture Community, fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders to drive innovation and sustainability in the food system. Previously, […]
Thomas Verswyver is the Business Unit Director for Alternative Proteins, Convenience Meals & Components at Plukon Food Group. With a background in sales and marketing at FMCG leaders like Procter & Gamble and Reckitt Benckiser, he brings extensive experience in brand strategy, storytelling, and commercial leadership. Thomas is also the founder of Swayver, a consultancy […]
Stijn Harms is the Director of Projects & Technology at Protix, where he has been a key driver of technological innovation and the company’s scale-up from lab-scale operations to full commercial production. He brings deep international experience in leading large capital projects within the energy sector, with a strong background spanning engineering, project management, and […]
Dr. Betty Chang is the Research Lead at the European Food Information Council (EUFIC), where she oversees consumer science initiatives. With a PhD in psychology from the University of New South Wales (2008), she has over 16 years of experience in behavioral research, focusing on areas such as food labeling, short food supply chains, and […]
Peter Verhagen is deeply committed to sustainability and strategic impact in the food and agriculture sector. At Rabobank, he plays a key role in the Wholesale & Rural Portfolio Management team, focusing on sectoral strategy, sustainability themes, and portfolio steering. With a strong background in business development and the integration of Data and IT solutions, […]
Andrew founded Big Idea Ventures (BIV), a venture capital firm that tackles the world’s most pressing challenges by supporting exceptional entrepreneurs, scientists, and engineers. BIV’s New Protein and Global Food Innovation Funds invest in sustainable food solutions that positively impact climate change, animal welfare, and human health. BIV’s third fund is focused on partnering with […]
Gulsah Uysal is the Regional Director for Western Europe at EIT Food, Europe’s leading food innovation initiative supported by the European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT). In this role, she leads efforts to accelerate the transformation of food systems by fostering innovation, sustainability, and collaboration across the agrifood ecosystem. With a strong background in […]
Valdemar Engel is a Senior Investment Associate at the Export and Investment Fund of Denmark (EIFO), where he focuses on venture investments in Greentech startups driving the green transition. He serves on multiple boards across EIFO’s portfolio and is passionate about supporting ambitious founders on their entrepreneurial journeys. With a strong background in venture capital […]
Sanne is a project leader and scientist at Wageningen Food & Biobased Research, where she leads projects focused on high-throughput fermentation screening and microbial process optimization, leveraging advanced analytical technologies. Her previous postdoctoral and PhD research centered on industrial microbiology, with a strong focus on metabolic engineering, quantitative microbial physiology, and the application of ‘omics […]
Dr. Martijn Bekker is currently an Expertise Leader at Wageningen Food & Biobased Research, overseeing projects to optimize microbial protein production processes. Throughout his career, he has held various roles as a Scientist and Team Lead at organizations such as The Coca-Cola Company, the contract research organization NIZO, and the biotechnology start-up Photanol, where he […]
Céline Levy began her career in microfinance, building a strong foundation in financial inclusion and development. She later transitioned into corporate and structured finance roles within the healthcare sector, working across emerging markets. In 2020, Céline joined the European Investment Fund, where she now focuses on investing in impact-driven funds across Europe, particularly emphasizing Greentech […]
Lucy Schroder is an Associate in Agriculture and Food at the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD). In her role, she focuses on advancing regenerative agriculture initiatives, including leading analyses on the costs and incentives associated with its adoption in Europe. Lucy is also actively involved in the One Planet Business for Biodiversity (OP2B) […]
Daan Wilms van Kersbergen is an investor at Yield Lab Europe, where he leads the Dutch office’s investment efforts. With a strong background in venture capital, having previously worked at Eneco Ventures, and experience in strategy consulting at McKinsey & Company, Daan brings deep expertise in scaling startups and driving innovation. Based in the Netherlands, […]
Samuel Rapolu is Investor Partnership Manager at StartLife, where he builds and nurtures relationships between AgriFoodTech startups and forward-looking investors. With a background in plant breeding and agricultural sciences, and hands-on experience as a startup scout and analyst, Samuel understands the technological and commercial sides of food system innovation. He leverages this expertise to help […]
Rutger Beens is a Dutch entrepreneur specializing in digital product development and operations. He is the Co-Founder of Proba, an Amsterdam-based startup focused on simplifying supply chain decarbonization. Before Proba, Rutger co-founded Peaks, a fintech platform designed to make investing accessible to first-time investors. With a strong strategy, product development, and team leadership background, Rutger […]
Ying Shao is the Co-Founder and CEO of Plantik Biosciences, an AgBiotech startup based in Paris. She leads Plantik’s mission to revolutionize plant breeding through genome editing and AI-driven technologies, enabling the rapid development of climate-resilient crops like hemp, quinoa, and tomato. With a business development and strategy background, Ying combines cutting-edge science with a […]
Silla Scheepens is a Fund Manager, Impact Investor, and Strategic Advisor with a strong track record in strategy, marketing, and sales within consumer-driven sectors. As a partner at Future Food Fund, she is passionate about growth and transformation and is committed to driving positive change in the global food system. With a deep understanding of consumer […]
Dr. Silke Hemming is Head of the Greenhouse Technology research team at Wageningen University & Research, a position she has held since 2007. Her team takes a systems engineering approach to horticultural innovation, focusing on quantifying resource use across various production systems and developing sustainable solutions for global greenhouse cultivation. Silke is a leading expert […]
Bastiaan de Wit is a Dutch corporate lawyer and co-founder of Zebra Legal, a boutique law firm based in Amsterdam specializing in venture capital, M&A, and legal strategy for startups and scale-ups. With a background in corporate law and a focus on entrepreneurial legal support, Bastiaan works closely with founders from early-stage formation through funding […]
Mike Poodt is a leading expert in digital crop technology at Rijk Zwaan, a global vegetable breeding company. With a strong background in information management and digital transformation, he focuses on integrating data-driven solutions into horticultural practices. Mike implements autonomous steering systems that optimize greenhouse cultivation through algorithmic decision-making. His work aims to enhance modern […]
Guus van Heijningen is the founder and CEO of Captain, a Rotterdam-based AI company dedicated to transforming the horticultural sector through data-driven innovation. With a background in data science from Ghent University, where he authored a thesis on cryptocurrency market predictions using web scraping , Guus combines technical expertise with deep industry insight. Raised in […]
Kevin Parekh is the co-founder of Proeon, a company focused on developing high-performance plant-based protein ingredients that enable sustainable and nutritious food solutions. With a strong techno-commercial background, Kevin brings deep expertise in alternative protein development, non-dilutive and equity fundraising, strategic partnerships, investor relations, and open innovation. He holds a Master’s degree in Medical Biotechnology […]
Henrike Langbroek is the CEO of OneThird and a seasoned, hands-on people manager with a strong background in logistics, production, and global sourcing. She is passionate about building high-performing teams and empowering people through a coaching leadership style. Known as a true change agent, she effectively translates strategic and commercial goals into actionable plans, driving […]
Alexandre Bastos is the Head of Front End Innovation at Givaudan, bringing over 20 years of experience in the food industry across mature and high-growth markets. He has a strong background in foodtech, venturing, entrepreneurship, strategy development, and digital transformation, complemented by cross-functional corporate expertise and a multicultural perspective. Before his tenure at Givaudan, Alexandre […]
Bart Van Hooland is a managing partner at Thia Ventures, where he invests in the intersection of food, biotechnology, and health. He previously co-founded Droia Ventures, a global VC fund focused on oncology. Bart started his career at BCG and combined investment roles with innovation leadership positions, including at GIMV and IWT. He currently serves […]
Suradj Hiralal is a project manager at Oost NL, working on the business development food team. Suradj, an alumnus of Wageningen University & Research, has also served as a board member for the StartHub Wageningen incubator. At Oost NL, his responsibilities include preparing startups for the Startup Fonds Gelderland, developing innovative business cases in the […]
Angelique van Helvoort is a project manager at Oost NL with extensive experience in the international research industry, as well as in the public and private sectors. Her diverse skill set spans politics, government relations, startups, journalism, and strategic communications. With a Bachelor of Science (BSc) from Hogeschool Utrecht, Angelique is skilled in connecting people […]
Karin Slobbe-Visser is passionate about contributing to a thriving planet where people and nature coexist harmoniously. Focusing on regenerative and inclusive agri-food chains, she works to accelerate the transition towards more sustainable and equitable systems. She serves as Portfolio Lead for the Regenerative Innovation Portfolio at Foodvalley, driving the shift towards regenerative agriculture in Europe. […]
Tomer Tzach is a seasoned manager with a robust background in technology and finance. Before joining CropX, Tomer led two technology companies to acquisition under his leadership. He also served as an acting partner at Israel’s Eurofund VC firm. Before his time at Eurofund, Tomer spent four years as a software developer and team leader […]
Before joining Enko, Tony led global licensing and business development strategy across Corteva Agrisciences’ Seeds portfolio. In this role, he focused on defining and executing global crop strategies and identifying business opportunities within the seed sector. Previously, Tony worked at Dow AgroSciences, where he held various commercial roles across North America and Asia, including supply […]
Dr. Martha Schlicher is a General Partner at Cultivation Capital, where she specializes in AgriFood Tech investments. With over 30 years of global experience in life sciences, she has led the development and commercialization of technologies at Monsanto and various agricultural sustainability startups through her role as Entrepreneur-in-Residence at BioGenerator. Martha is the CEO of […]
Tomas Turner is the co-founder and CEO of Cosaic (previously: Cultivated Biosciences), a company dedicated to improving the lives of both humans and animals through sustainable food innovation. With a background in Material Engineering from the Swiss Institute of Technology (EPFL), Tomas discovered his passion for alternative proteins through his involvement in the Effective Altruism […]
As a Mars Science Leadership Team member, Darren Logan leads Corporate Science Discovery, overseeing two key research organizations that drive scientific innovation across all Mars segments and divisions. He heads the Mars Advanced Research Institute (MARI), which connects Mars with emerging science and technology to spark groundbreaking discoveries in sustainability, health and wellness, and computational science. […]
Sander Peltenburg is a passionate startup advocate specializing in agri-food and tech innovation. With over a decade in the Dutch startup ecosystem, he supports founders in fundraising and resilience while frequently speaking on entrepreneurship. He now works as a start-up and scale-up banker in the Food and Agri sector at Rabobank. As founder and former […]
Onno van Manen is the Associate Director of Program and project Delivery at the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), leading operations to enhance the impact of global nutrition. With extensive experience in international development, he has worked across Africa and Asia in senior roles at UNICEF, Save the Children, and the Red Cross. Passionate […]
Christian Brix Tillegreen is the Director of Planetary Health at BioInnovation Institute, where he leads a dedicated team in developing and executing investment strategies for sustainable startups. He also serves on several boards within the institute’s portfolio, supporting the growth of impactful ventures. With a background in commercializing early-stage companies, Christian specializes in leveraging cross-functional […]
Sebastiaan Berendse, Corporate Director of Value Creation at Wageningen University & Research, is a dynamic connector in knowledge-driven organizations. With experience in academia, consulting, and government, he specializes in knowledge transfer, startup coaching, and public-private partnerships that drive innovation. Passionate about leveraging research for real-world impact, he excels in business management, multi-stakeholder collaboration, and innovation […]
Cornelius Lahme, Marketing and Communications Lead at Bluu Seafood, brings expertise in marketing and sales from various food startups. With a PhD in social entrepreneurship and franchising, he now develops marketing strategies for Europe’s pioneering food biotech company specializing in cultivated fish.
Dr. Ingrid van der Meer, Manager of the Business Unit Bioscience at Wageningen Plant Research, is a leading expert in plant molecular genetics with over 25 years of research experience. She specializes in genetic regulation and metabolic pathways, utilizing advanced genomics, proteomics, and bioinformatics tools.
Jan Doldersum has been Manager of Chain and retail at Rijk Zwaan since 2017, overseeing global strategy for retail, trade, and consumer markets. Over the past 18 years, he has held various roles at Rijk Zwaan, including leading business development in Asia while based in China (2009-2013). His expertise includes retail partnerships, marketing, product development, […]
Gilad Gershon is the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Tropic Biosciences, an innovative agricultural biotechnology company specializing in developing tropical crop varieties with enhanced nutritional benefits and improved sustainability. Before venturing into entrepreneurship, Gilad gained valuable experience as a Senior Investment Associate at Aliment Capital, focusing on the food and agriculture sectors. Under his […]
Jacob Morén is the Chief Operating Officer at Improvin’, where he drives the transformation of the agri-food sector through digital innovation, transparency, and sustainability integration. He specializes in fostering cross-supply chain collaboration, helping stakeholders leverage technology and engage farmers to achieve measurable GHG emission reductions through primary data. Jacob is committed to building digital systems […]
Dr. Tzvi Zvirin is the CEO and co-founder of BioArmix, an agritech company pioneering biological crop protection using predatory bacteria. With over 15 years of experience in the biotech industry, Tzvi has a strong track record in developing technologies from inception to realization. Before BioArmix, he co-founded BioBetter Ltd., where he served as Vice President […]
Mark knows humanity can become a positive keystone species, enriching the planet instead of degrading it. New Foundation Farms, the UK-based company he co-founded in 2019, is developing systems, tools, and knowledge to empower everyone involved in food, farming, and land management to regenerate land, ecosystems, and livelihoods simultaneously. He has spent a lifetime working […]
Nikolaas Vles is the Chief Executive Officer of NIZO, a leading contract research organization specializing in food and health, where he emphasizes innovative solutions and sustainable food transitions. Before joining NIZO in September 2023, he was CEO of Prolactal GmbH, a global leader in B2B organic and goat ingredients for infant formula and high-end applications. […]
Alex Datema serves as the Director of Food & Agri Netherlands at Rabobank, where he spearheads the bank’s agrifood vision. His role involves collaborating with Food & Agri sector networks to promote sustainability in the industry, partnering with agricultural organizations, provincial authorities, government entities, and value chain stakeholders. Alex is also a member of the […]
Katarzyna Gil is Principal of Sustainable Food Systems at ICOS Capital, a collaborative venture capital firm specializing in deep-tech investments. With over three years of experience in FoodTech and AgriTech, she leads investments by identifying opportunities, conducting due diligence, and supporting portfolio companies’ growth strategies. Kasia holds a master’s degree in pharmacy and a Ph.D. […]
In the capacity of Corteva Catalyst™ Sr. Director, Mat has the privilege to lead technology acquisitions and investments in startup companies that align with Corteva’s strategic priorities. Mat has a passion for collaboration tactics which allow Corteva to deliver industry-leading traits in must-win battlegrounds. Prior to this role, Mat led Corteva’s Biotechnology Strategy function; established […]
At Wageningen Economic Research, Willem manages the ‘Sustainability Management in Agri & Food’ program. He has 12 years of experience in running sustainability assessments in the private sector. In these years, he ran several complex, informal project structures and guided researchers and consultants in projects with among others within farm inputs, agri commodity trade, food […]
Chiara Molena is a seasoned marketing leader with more than 14 years of experience, having played a key role in the marketing teams that led to two successful business exits. She is the co-founder and Managing Director of EDERA Lab, an international marketing, PR, and communication agency focusing on generating traction for innovators in the […]
Sebastien joined Temasek in January 2014 and is currently a Director in Temasek’s agrifood team. This team is responsible for direct investments across the agrifood value chain. He co-leads the global food tech and ag tech portfolio and oversees its investment activities in Americas and EMEA, with the aim to reduce the environmental and resource […]
Florentine is an ambitious professional dedicated to contribute to a more sustainable world. She sets high standards for the companies she works with and strives for ambitious growth and results. Through cooperation and dedication, she is considered a valuable partner in boards and as shareholder. Florentine is experienced in venture capital, private equity and banking […]
Nina Waldhauer is a specialist for the Agrifood sector at the national promotional institute Invest-NL. With more than 15 years of international experience at Invest-NL, Wageningen University & Research, the European Commission, Delft University of Technology and Maersk Growth, Nina has gained significant experience in accelerating important social transitions within the agri-food sector and making […]
Adam Wilson is a seasoned finance professional currently serving as Vice President of Equity Private Placements at Rabobank Wholesale Banking North America. With a solid background in investment banking and strategy management, Adam’s expertise spans across food & beverage coverage, investor relations, and strategic planning within the financial sector. Prior to his current position, Adam […]
Cindy van Rijswick is Global Strategist for the vegetable, fruit and floriculture sectors and for the agricultural supply sector at RaboResearch Food & Agribusiness. Cindy has published reports on a range of topics, regularly acts as a speaker at (international) conferences and provides analyses and visions for Rabobank’s activities and clients. Before Cindy started working at […]
Elizabeth Lunik is a senior agricultural sustainability researcher for food and agribusiness at RaboResearch. She focuses on topics related to farming practices and economics, sustainability, GHG emissions, and environmental footprinting at RaboResearch. She previously covered Farm Inputs Europe &Africa markets at Rabobank. Before joining Rabobank, she worked at the Thünen Institute of Farm Economics for […]
Feike Sijbesma, is a top business executive, one of the most influential Dutchmen and often described as a sustainability trailblazer. Under his leadership, Royal DSM transformed from a producer of bulk chemicals to a provider of healthy food ingredients for people and animals and specialist (green) materials, with sustainability and innovation as the main drivers.