In This Issue:
- Food Venture Financing Trends
- CPG Corporate Venture and Private Equity Funds
- Links to Relevant Content and Events
Food Venture Financing Trends
- Scindo, a U.K.-based startup building an AI-powered enzyme discovery and design platform, has raised a $5.4M seed round.
- Revyve, a Dutch startup making replacements for eggs from yeast, raised $28M in its Series B round.
- ArkeaBio, a startup developing a vaccine to cut livestock methane emissions, has raised a $7M Series A+ round.
CPG Corporate Venture and Private Equity Fund
This week's featured corporate venture and private equity fund is 199 Ventures.
- In 2019, Hormel Foods launched its venture capital and incubator arm, 199 Ventures, to invest in and support industrywide innovation, with a particular focus on emerging food brands, alternative proteins, food technology, and sustainability.
- In 2021, The Better Meat Co. and 199 Ventures entered into an exclusive partnership focused on developing new meat alternative products using The Better Meat Co.'s fermentation-based mycoprotein ingredient, Rhiza, and bringing those products to market.
- In 2021, 199 Ventures became the anchor investor in Green Circle Capital's Foodtech Ventures I fund, with portfolio companies such as:
- The Better Meat Co.
- Imagindairy
- Goodmylk
- UNCAGED Innovations
Links to Relevant Content and Events
ARTICLES
- All-Natural Fungicides For Global Produce Growers Moving Ahead After Akorn Technology Wins NSF Grant to Replace Synthetic Products
- Helios AI Raises $4.7 Million, Launches AI Co-Pilot for Food Supply Chains
- Slate Milk Raises $23 Million
- Chickapea Raises C$4.25 Million
UPCOMING EVENTS
Naturally Network
Navigating the Headwinds: What's Next for CPG in a Shifting Economy
Wednesday, October 8 | 1–2 p.m. CT
From inflation and tariffs to tightening capital markets, shifting regulations, and mounting retail pressures, today's CPG brands are navigating one of the most complex operating environments in decades. Add to that the changing dynamics of e-commerce and direct-to-consumer (DTC)—where customer acquisition costs are climbing, digital ad strategies are in flux, and fulfillment expectations are higher than ever—and the path forward can feel uncertain.
This panel brings together industry leaders to unpack the forces reshaping the landscape—from new packaging and labeling rules to the realities of financing growth, managing supply chains, and competing with private label. We'll explore both the risks and the opportunities, including how digital channels can still be a powerful engine for growth, deeper consumer connection, and brand resilience when leveraged strategically.
More than a snapshot of today's challenges, this conversation is about the road forward: how brands can adapt, build resilience, and find opportunities in the disruption—whether through retail, e-commerce, or direct customer relationships. If you're looking to understand what's driving change—and what strategies will keep your business moving—this is the session you can't afford to miss.
Speakers:
- Heather K. Terry, Founder & CEO of GoodSAM
- Rend Al-Mondhiry, Partner & Co-Chair of the Regulatory Practice Group at Amin Wasserman Gurnani LLP
- Kathryn Peters, Head of Industry Relations at SPINS
Naturally NorCal
Human Resources Forum: October Roundtable
Wednesday, October 8 | 3:30–4:30 p.m. PT
Connect, collaborate, and grow with Naturally NorCal's Forums—peer networking groups designed to bring together professionals in similar roles for meaningful connections, fresh insights, and actionable solutions to shared challenges.
OCTOBER TOPIC: Open Roundtable
Naturally NorCal's HR Forum is led by:
- Geraldine Flatt, VP People Operations, Our Home
- Annie O'Hare, Human Resources Director, Rustic Bakery
Naturally New England
Fall Festival
Thursday, October 9 | 11 a.m.–4 p.m. ET
Location: Kimball Farm Westford, 400 Littleton Road, Westford, MA
Naturally New England is thrilled to introduce their newest signature event: the Fall Festival at Kimball Farm! This festive, family-friendly gathering brings together their member brands, food lovers, and industry supporters for an afternoon of seasonal tastes, community celebration, and classic farm fun.
Naturally Minnesota
Food. Ag. Ideas. 2025
Monday & Tuesday, October 13 & 14 | 11:30 a.m.–7 p.m. CT
Location: Machine Shop, 2nd Street Southeast 300
Now in its eighth year, Food. Ag. Ideas, led by Naturally MN has become a must-attend gathering for individuals, entrepreneurs, and companies alike, drawing attendees from Minnesota and beyond.
This year, they're focusing on the intersection of food and health; exploring how innovation in food technology, functional foods, and understanding of ultra-processed foods is shaping the future of nutrition and wellness. From cutting-edge protein innovations to consumer health trends, we'll explore how the food industry is evolving to meet the growing demand for healthier, more functional food options.
Naturally NorCal
Marketing Forum: Shopper Marketing Tactics
Wednesday, October 15 | 12–1 p.m. PT
Connect, collaborate, and grow with Naturally NorCal's Forums — peer networking groups designed to bring together professionals in similar roles for meaningful connections, fresh insights, and actionable solutions to shared challenges.
OCTOBER TOPIC: Shopper Marketing
Marketing Forum Leads:
- Ericka Karner, CGO of Kuli Kuli Foods
- Carter Welch, CMO of Seven 8ths
- Susan Shields, former Marketing leader at Clover Sonoma, Lundberg Family Farms and many others
Naturally New York
The Riverside Exchange with Whole Foods Market
Wednesday, October 15 | 5:30–8 p.m. ET
Location: Harborside 3, 210 Hudson St., Jersey City, NJ
Spend a fall evening with Naturally New York and Whole Foods Market at their Jersey City HQ for an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience to see where the magic happens!
Step inside for a panel discussion with WFM local forager, John Lawson, and mingle with fellow NNY members while enjoying light bites, drinks, and panoramic views of the Hudson River.
Naturally Colorado
Fall Fling
Wednesday, October 15 | 5–9 p.m. MT
Naturally Colorado is excited to gather hundreds of natural products professionals to create fresh connections, support blossoming relationships, and recognize new companies and services that have sprung up or branched out this year!
Fall Fling is your time to let loose, have fun, and celebrate new and exciting ways our community is changing the industry for good. This industry in Colorado and beyond continues to flourish!