Three Reasons DLL is Excited About FoodBytes! Pitch VIRTUAL 2020

You have likely seen "Shark Tank," the television show where entrepreneurs pitch their best business idea to a panel of investors. Using a similar concept, FoodBytes! is a pitch network for food and agriculture startups that connects them with mentors and investors. DLL is a proud member of the FoodBytes! Pitch network, an initiative of our parent company Rabobank Group.

The innovators who participate in FoodBytes! have typically stood on a stage and made their pitches in person. However, like other large events this year, the competition has been adapted to go virtual. Even with the change in format, the competition is continuing to live up to its mission of connecting forward-thinking startups, corporates and investors.

To watch the final 15 startups make their live pitches, register for the livestream event on December 2. With the new virtual format, DLL is excited to once again be a part of FoodBytes! Check out our three reasons:

1. The diversity and global reach of the event this year

The cohort of 15 startups currently in the program is the most diverse yet for FoodBytes! Nearly half of the finalists (47%) are founded or led by Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), and more than half (60%) are women-led or co-led. They represent a total of 5 countries, including the United States, Australia, India, Norway, and Singapore.

Additionally, the startups represent a wide range of trends in the food and agriculture space. Below is a list of innovative solutions from the pioneers in the consumer food and beverage (CPG) sector:

• Edible cutlery


• Upcycled snacks and spirits


• Plant-based cheese for pizza


• Plant-based liquid egg product

Food technology companies are focused on solutions around the following:

• Food safety and wellness issues worsened by COVID-19


• Plastic-alternative packaging using upcycled milk


• New air protein technology that uses CO2 to produce animal feed

And finally, in agriculture technology, they are developing products and technologies to:

• soil health


• Reduce water usage


• Promote animal health without antibiotics


• Support farmers in digitizing their supply chains

2. Opportunities to see the newest trends and cutting-edge products

FoodBytes! brings together the most promising sustainable food and agriculture startups. By learning about their breakthrough technologies and products, DLL’s financing professionals are exposed to the latest trends across ag tech, food tech, and consumer food and beverage (CPG). Our members bring a wealth of experience in the industry and value the opportunity to see what’s ahead.

3. Facilitate alternative market development and access

As a member of the FoodBytes! Pitch network, we look forward to providing these startups with mentorship and expertise to scale their innovative businesses and push the industry forward. Through our involvement, we plan to bring attention to the brightest ideas and help turn them into reality.

FoodBytes! began evaluating nearly 340 applications in August. Members of DLL’s Food and Agriculture global team helped review applications and, along with members of the FoodBytes! network, participated in a series of small group breakout sessions, one-on-one mentoring and tailored investors introductions. Following further evaluations, the pool of start-ups has been narrowed to 15 companies who will participate in the live-stream public pitch competition in December. Judges will select three winners representing the categories of Agriculture Technology, Food Technology and Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG).

Learn more about the FoodBytes! Pitch VIRTUAL at https://www.foodbytesworld.com/pitch/.