Food-X

Food-X was a leading food technology accelerator based in New York City, operating as a core part of SOSV, a prominent global venture capital firm. Launched in 2014, Food-X established itself as a significant player in the burgeoning food tech ecosystem, focusing on nurturing early-stage startups addressing challenges across the entire food value chain, from sustainable agriculture and alternative proteins to supply chain efficiency and consumer products. The accelerator provided an intensive, cohort-based program designed to accelerate growth through mentorship, strategic guidance, and access to a vast network of industry experts and potential investors.

The accelerator's investment model typically involved an initial capital injection in exchange for an equity stake. While specific terms could vary, Food-X, through SOSV, generally provided an initial investment often around $100,000, with the potential for additional follow-on funding for promising ventures. Over its operational period of approximately six years, Food-X successfully accelerated 11 cohorts, investing in over 100 startups. This extensive portfolio included companies working on diverse innovations such as plant-based foods, food waste reduction technologies, and precision agriculture solutions, demonstrating the breadth of its investment thesis.

Food-X was highly selective, attracting thousands of applications globally and accepting only a small percentage of founders into its program. The accelerator's structured curriculum, combined with hands-on support from experienced entrepreneurs and industry veterans, aimed to prepare startups for subsequent funding rounds and market entry. Although Food-X concluded its dedicated accelerator program around late 2020/early 2021, SOSV continues to be an active investor in the food technology space, leveraging the insights and network built through Food-X to support new innovations in the sector.