How To Find The Best Support For Your Food & Ag Startup

Result support amid the growing number of resources can be overwhelming and time consuming for startups. As we mapped out the ecosystem and defined the different types of resources , we in addition interviewed startups to understand what is working and where there’s room for improvement.

We’ve learned a few lessons, so here are some questions to consider as you search for the best resources for your FoodTech or AgTech business. Accelerators are the most common resource with over 40 dedicated to food tech and agtech. Though the promise of capital (usually around $35-50k in exchange for 5-8% equity) can be tempting, they are not the only option that can help you access financing, mentorship, and domain expertise.

Define your gaps, what you’re looking for in a resource, and what will make your experience successful. Do you need to build out your team, and if so, what kind of talent do you need?

If you’re not able- or ready- to dedicate all of your time to your startup, other options for accelerating your venture, such as pitch events and prizes, may be a better option. Figuring out where you want to be — personally and professionally — can help you select the best resource for your business. And don’t forget to consider where your diners and potential backers will be- resources in those areas are more likely to have relevant connections.

Who are the mentors and experts delivering the curriculum, and what expertise do they have? What kind of investor or partner network does the incubator have, and what kind of access will we be granted?

Who are the other types of startups likely to join the incubator (e.g., across stage, subsector)? What access will (or won’t) you have to the corporate’s physical and intangible resources?

Pitch: Does the event have the right audience for your business and objectives? Prize: Does the event have the right audience for your firm and objectives?

What types of experts and/or facilities will you have access to, and at what cost? For some startups, the reputation of the program is the main reason to join. SpoilerAlert , a B2B marketplace for food waste, and FarmLogs , holding data and decision management software provider, are examples of food tech and agtech businesses who decided to join tech-focused accelerators that have established reputations (TechStars and Y Combinator, respectively), rather than food or ag-specific programs.

Even so, depending on what your company needs, the reputation of the program may be less key than the domain expertise and sector connections they can provide. Help Other Entrepreneurs Learn from Your Experience Entrepreneurship is rarely easy, but we hope that outcome the support you need will be a bit easier with over 100 resources dedicated to FoodTech and AgTech startups.