Global leader in food technology investment Big Idea Ventures is accepting applications from start-ups for its fourth accelerator cohort. BVI is dedicated to seed and early stage investments in plant-based and cell-based food, ingredient and technology companies.

Twice a year BVI selects the best alternative protein start-ups to undergo five months of “rigorous and dedicated support”. BIV invests US$200,000 in each company, with $125,000 in cash and $75,000 through in-kind benefits. Following the program, BIV may choose to invest up to $3.5 million in the top companies.

BVI founder and general managing partner Andrew Ive said the goal is to make sure the companies have what they need to succeed at scale. “We help these companies break barriers with product development, scale and distribution, market entry, channel development, pitching and fundraising,” Ive said.

Applications for the fourth cohort will be reviewed on a rolling basis, meaning start-ups can secure investment offers as soon as they apply. Ive explained offers are made on a first come, first serve basis, so spots in the program can be filled before applications close.

BIV has international limited partners participants can access including:

• AAK, a global provider of plant-based oils headquartered in Sweden;
• Bel Group, the French cheese maker;
• Bühler Group, the Swiss food equipment manufacturer;
• Givaudan, the Swiss maker of flavours and natural food ingredients; and
• Tyson Ventures, the venture capital arm of Tyson Foods.

These limited partners and others help participating companies identify partnership opportunities including scaling production, co-developing intellectual property and product improvements, Ive said.

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