The Agrytech Accelerator Program recently graduated six startups with innovations across the agri-food value chain, covering agri-supply, business model innovations, and the future of the food industry in Lebanon.
The Acceleration and Incubation Phases
The first phase of the program onboarded 12 relatively mature startups with existing proof of concept. These startups went through a three-month support cycle, receiving capacity building to develop their products and businesses, and establishing their marketing, go-to-market strategy, branding, and operational strategies. The acceleration phase ended with an expert jury selecting the top six teams to proceed to the incubation phase for the following three months.
During the second phase, the selected startups worked on scaling, including investment readiness support in negotiation, internal governance, legal matters, valuation, term sheets, and due diligence, as well as sales and market access. The startups tested and validated their solutions. Additionally, five select startups embarked on an immersion trip to the Netherlands, in collaboration with the StartLife Accelerator, and three teams participated in a soft-landing trip – in the Netherlands as well.
“With the guidance, training, and time provided by the team and experts during the incubation and acceleration phases, we were able to notice a considerably positive mindset shift in the co-founders, which extends beyond the program itself.” noted Rima Hijazi, Agri-Food Advisor at Berytech and member of the Agrytech Program team.
Investors Pitch Event: Wrapping up the Batch
The Agrytech program recently hosted an exciting Investors Pitch event, designed to challenge participating startups to present their innovative solutions to a panel of experienced investors through an investment simulator experience. Six startups took the stage, each vying for simulated investment opportunities and support to propel their ventures forward.
Dima Mnayer, co-founder of the graduating startup Daily Dough, stated: “We had been preparing for this day for over a week, and we were thrilled to share everything we had accomplished. It was incredibly rewarding to present our progress and achievements to the entire team.”
After compelling pitches and intense deliberations, two startups emerged with the highest bids, securing significant mock investments. Additionally, one standout startup was granted the People’s Choice title, reflecting the audience’s admiration and support for their impactful solution.
“We heard a lot of impressive ideas, and it was evident that all the startups put in tremendous effort to deliver outstanding presentations, especially for their first time. The level of creativity and passion displayed was truly inspiring,” recalled Samar Hawa, acting as a shark during the investors’ pitch.
As these graduates move forward, they are poised to leverage the experience, insights, and feedback gained to further develop and scale their ventures, continuing their journey with newfound confidence and momentum.
Meet the Graduating Startups
Agriworm Solutions
Focusing on sustainable poultry feed production using mealworms, Agriworm Solutions is preparing to scale up its farming operations to meet the increasing demand for alternative protein sources.
Daily Dough
Daily Dough is set to revolutionize the gluten-free market with its new soft and pliable Lebanese bread, catering to those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Dr. Feed
Dr. Feed is creating a competitive livestock feed from agricultural and food-processing waste, enhancing local agricultural sustainability and animal health.
Gharsit Kheir
This project focuses on preserving national organic seeds and promoting agricultural self-sufficiency through ready-to-plant kits for Lebanese households and farmers.
Loop
LOOP’s innovative snail farming and slime extraction processes provide a dual benefit of new food sources and industrial materials for rural communities.
ProShield
ProShield develops solar-heated poultry house systems that utilize green energy to create optimal conditions for poultry farming, significantly reducing energy costs and improving sustainability.
About Agrytech
Berytech designed and developed the Agrytech Accelerator Program to make sure Lebanon has the most competitive companies that are sourcing, solving, growing and transforming food, as well as feeding the world from Lebanon. The Agrytech Accelerator Program was launched by Berytech and is funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Lebanon to enable the Lebanese entrepreneurial ecosystem and stimulate innovation and startup creation in the agriculture, food, and clean technology sectors.
