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Based out of Amsterdam, Rockstart, an early stage venture capital firm and an accelerator will be closing its first fund of €15 million for its AgriFood domain accelerator and fund. Notably, Vaekstfonden from Denmark and De Hoge Dennen Capital from the Netherlands are confirmed as cornerstone investors of Rockstart AgriFood fund.
All the way up to Series B!
“Rockstart AgriFood is the first domain where Rockstart will now offer support from the initial phase all the way up to Series B.” Rune Theill, Rockstart co-founder and CEO.
Apart from AgriFood, Rockstart also runs programs for startups working in Health, Energy, and Emerging Tech, offering startups access to capital, market, community and knowledge.
Heads up Rockstart!
Launched in 2011, Rockstart has accelerated over 152 startups across the five core domains that have raised a total of over €87 million and generated more than 715 jobs. Furthermore, they have plans to support and invest in more than 200 startups in its core domains over the next five years, providing follow-on capital and unparalleled access to the market along the way.
Invested in more than 150 startups!
Rune Theill, added, “During the last seven years investing in more than a 150 startups, we have experienced the need first-hand for support and capital for startups until they reach a sustainable and repeatable business model”
Applications open until May end!
Utilising the power of the Nordics and Benelux AgriFood ecosystems, the Rockstart AgriFood program will run from Copenhagen, Denmark, but attract startups globally. The applications for startups will stay open until the end of May, while the program itself will kick off in September 2019.
“We are looking for exceptional entrepreneurial teams with Agritech and Foodtech startups that are using emerging tech and new business models to positively change or transform our food supply system,” said Mark Durno, AgriFood domain director at Rockstart.
Three core challenges need to be addressed!
At present, the Amsterdam-based accelerator is looking out for a startup that addresses three core challenges in the industry – optimisation of processes and practices, stopping food waste, and driving transparency and sustainability.
Pressure-cooker program
Upon selection, the startups will take part in Rockstart’s pressure-cooker program, supported by a network of more than 100 mentors and industry partners in Copenhagen. Startups that complete the program will have the opportunity to secure financing from Rockstart AgriFood up to and including Series B.
Strong presence in Denmark and the Netherlands
“There is a huge potential for AgriFood technology in Denmark and the Netherlands as these countries have historically had a very strong agricultural and food sector,” says Rolf Kjærgaard, Chief Investment Officer at Vækstfonden.
“With a growing world population, there’s a strong need for innovation in the AgriFood sector and Rockstart is perfectly positioned to enable this with a strong presence in Denmark and the Netherlands and an excellent track record in accelerator programs in various sectors,” said Jelle Roodbeen, of De Hoge Dennen Capital.
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