NEW YORK, April 11, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Rabobank, a premier bank to the global food and agribusiness industry, will bring its pitch competition-meets-networking event to New York City on Thursday, June 15. FoodBytes! NYC will be held at SECOND Floor, a first-class space located inside the Hotel Eventi, in the heart of Manhattan's NoMad neighborhood.
As part of Rabobank's Banking for Food vision to produce more food sustainably to feed a growing global population, this two day event connects food, food tech and agtech startups with the capital, mentorship and connections they need to grow their businesses. Global startups that demonstrate innovation, scalability, sustainability and social impact are encouraged to review the application criteria and apply by Sunday, April 23 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
"Unlike other pitch competitions, FoodBytes! creates a complete innovation ecosystem by bringing together sustainably-driven startups, investors and industry leaders championing a better future," said Manuel Gonzalez, Rabobank North America Head of Startup Innovation. "New York City's longstanding history as an epicenter of entrepreneurial spirit makes it an ideal location to celebrate and advance positive change in the food and agriculture value chain."
As part of its mission to bridge the gap between industry leaders and startups, FoodBytes! includes several corporate sponsors who work directly with selected pitch companies in various capacities. New to this year's lineup is leading organic and natural products company, The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. through its Cultivate Ventures, participating as an official sponsor. Mission-driven marketing and public relations agency Fresh Ideas Group has also joined as a presenting partner.
"Becoming a FoodBytes! sponsor directly aligns with our mission to create and inspire a healthier way of life," said Emma Frelinghuysen, Senior Director of Cultivate Ventures, Hain Celestial. "As a company focused on growing our business by delivering new and sustainable concepts to our consumers, we are committed to supporting innovation and entrepreneurs in food and agriculture."
Returning to FoodBytes! NYC as a presenting partner is Food + Tech Connect, the world's largest community for food tech and innovation. Food + Tech Connect provides innovators the tech and business insights, connections and skills they need to transform the food industry through its website, newsletter, events, consulting and newly-launched job board.
Whole Foods Market, America's first national certified organic grocer and leading natural and organic food retailer, will continue as a presenting sponsor.
Holland & Hart, a full-service law firm that helps regional, national and international clients of all sizes with integrated legal solutions, and ADM, an industry leading ingredient partner and guide that helps entrepreneurs and companies get to market faster with great-tasting, consumer-preferred foods and beverages, will both act as official sponsors.
Nucleus Maximus, a leading branding and package design agency for grocery brands, and Boulder Food Group, a venture capital firm that seeks partnerships with early stage food and beverage consumer products companies, will both join as supporting sponsors.
For more FoodBytes! NYC information, follow FoodBytes! on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, and Rabobank on Twitter @RaboWholesale. View curated content via the hashtag #FoodBytes.
About Rabobank
Rabobank Group is a global financial services leader providing wholesale and retail banking, leasing, and real estate services in more than 40 countries worldwide. Founded over a century ago, Rabobank today is one of the world's largest banks in the world with over $750 billion in assets. In the Americas, Rabobank is a premier bank to the food, agribusiness and beverage industry, providing sector expertise, strategic counsel and tailored financial solutions to clients across the entire food value chain. Additional information is available on our North America Wholesale Banking website or on our social media platforms, including Twitter and LinkedIn.
SOURCE Rabobank