Right Side Capital Management is a venture capital firm that helps startups build their company. It invests exclusively in the pre-seed round of technology startups and makes 75-100 investment per year. The firms prefers to invest in diversified technology sectors such as the internet and cloud companies. RSCM was established in 2010 and is based in San Francisco, California.

Right Side Capital Management

Techstars is a global platform that provides investment and innovation. Through the Techstars Worldwide Entrepreneur Network, founders and their teams connect with other entrepreneurs, experts, mentors, alumni, investors, community leaders, and corporate partners who will help their companies grow. Techstars operates four divisions: Techstars Mentorship-Driven Accelerator Program supercharges success and Techstars Startup Programs inspire, educate, and connect entrepreneurs. Techstars Venture Capital Fund invests in innovative and disruptive companies. Techstars Corporate Innovation Partnerships help brands create products and services. Techstars' accelerator portfolio includes more than 1,000 companies with a market cap of $8.1 billion.

Techstars

Collab Capital is an investment fund that provides social and financial resources to Black-owned companies. The firm is creating a growth solution for Black founders seeking capital, who value profitability, ownership, and optionality. They leveraging financial, human, and social capital to help founders build sustainable, technology-enabled businesses.  Collab Capital's mission is to establish an institution that provides a viable pathway to sustained wealth for the Black community. Through their investment programs, they guide portfolio companies to increased revenue and profitability instead of continuously raising valuations through modern venture capital funding. Collab Capital was founded in 2019 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

Collab Capital

Precursor Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm focused on pre-seed and seed investments in North America. The firm focuses on investments in B2B and B2C software applications and hardware. Precursor Ventures has adopted the Diversity Term Sheet Rider.

Precursor Ventures

Techstars Ventures (formerly Bullet Time Ventures) is the venture capital arm of Techstars. Bullet Time Ventures is a $150 million fund based in Boulder, Colorado.

Techstars Ventures

Halogen Ventures is a Los Angeles, California-based Venture Capital fund focused on investing in early-stage consumer technology startups with a female on the founding team. Halogen Ventures invests in pre-seed, seed, and series A companies creating groundbreaking technologies and products in the consumer space. It is hands-on and supports founders through their full lifecycle. The firm helps them build their networks, get brand exposure, hire great talent, raise follow-on rounds and find their path to acquisition or IPO.

Halogen Ventures

We are in the middle of a profound cultural sea change. Long gone are the days where hype and marketing jive alone will triumph. It is now meaning and purpose that serve as the backbone of a company’s staying power and provide the strength to remain sustainable and scalable.   Fewer than  one-third of Americans trust traditional sources of wisdom: government, media, religion and big business. This trust has eroded, particularly for millennials and Gen Zs, who now represent more than half of the U.S. population. Yet, many companies that have tried hastily to capitalize on that broken trust have only broken it further with false and inflated promises.   Now more than ever, people are seeing through the hype and massive fundraising rounds and are seeking purpose and meaning when it comes to making decisions to invest in or build a business.   In response, a new generation of companies dedicated to these principles is emerging, and gaining traction. These are the billion-dollar opportunities that will fundamentally transform the way we work, live and care for ourselves and others.   TMV has assembled a team of battle-tested operators, with proven records of spotting and amplifying inventive young companies that are bringing about this change. Our Terrain Purpose-driven founders reimagining… The Way We Work: We invest in companies that help both workers and entrepreneurs cultivate talent Logistics and Mobility: We invest in companies creating transparency and efficiency around global trade and movement Sustainable Solutions: We invest in the circular economy The Care Economy: We invest in companies broadening access to care Education Tech: We invest in companies advancing education systems   Our Commitment We make investments that reflect the way the world actually looks.  As a female-led fund with a portfolio that’s 65% women- and minority-owned, TMV represents an opportunity for a more inclusive society and culture. We are committed to investing in diverse companies because it’s simply good business. We pledge to put more capitalistic power into the hands of women and people who are BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color).    If you like our approach and want to talk to us about how to leverage capital for a better tomorrow, we want to listen.

Elemental fills two gaps that are fundamental to tackling climate change: funding first-of-a-kind projects for climate technologies in real communities, and embedding equity and access into climate solutions.

Elemental Impact

K50 Ventures is a purpose-driven, early-stage venture capital firm.  We are the first institutional check and long-term partner to founders who believe technology has the potential to unlock access and affordability for the world’s working class across health, finance, and work.  Since 2016, we’ve invested in over 150 companies that have generated top-decile venture returns for our investors and material impact for millions of people and small businesses.

K50 Ventures

Engage is a venture fund and platform backed by 11 leading corporations, Georgia Tech, and Tech Square Ventures. The Engage partners contributing capital, expertise, time, and resources include AT&T, Chick-fil-A, Cox Enterprises, Delta Air Lines, Georgia-Pacific, Georgia Power Foundation, Inc., Georgia Tech, Goldman Sachs Group, Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), Invesco Ltd., Tech Square Ventures, The Home Depot and UPS.

Engage

Capital One Ventures is a strategic investor, funding startups that are driving the future of data, technology, and financial services. Founded in 2014, Capital One Ventures has invested in more than 70 companies that help deliver superior experiences to consumers and businesses. Capital One Ventures is based in San Francisco, New York and at Capital One's headquarters outside of Washington, DC.

Capital One Ventures

Buckhill Capital invests in companies on a mission to create climate resiliency, educate for employability and build healthy communities. Founded by Henrik Jones in 1999, Buckhill provides expansion stage capital to businesses with sustainable revenues and a visible path towards substantial positive impact..  Buckhill is currently focused on supply chain management in the consumer products sector and online platforms that give people consideration for their data.  Buckhill provides Series A growth capital to businesses with visibility on profitability and revenues over $1MM.

Buckhill Capital LP

Emerson Collective is an organization dedicated to removing barriers to opportunity so people can live to their full potential. Established and led by Laurene Powell Jobs, we center our work on education, immigration reform, the environment, and other social justice initiatives. We use a wide range of tools and strategies—partnering with entrepreneurs and experts, parents and policymakers, advocates and administrators—to develop and execute innovative solutions that will spur change and promote equality.

Emerson Collective

The Metro Atlanta Chamber serves as a catalyst for a more prosperous and vibrant metro Atlanta. Its economic development efforts focus on recruiting new companies to the region and retaining and growing the innovative businesses that already call the area home. In addition, MAC convenes thought leaders in the supply chain, IoT, bioscience, global commerce, technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Metro Atlanta Chamber

Backstage Capital is a venture capital fund investing in the best startups led by underrepresented founders in the U.S. The firm was founded in 2015 by Arlan Hamilton and is headquartered in West Hollywood, California, United States.

Backstage Capital

Unreasonable Ventures connects entrepreneurs, investors, and organizations to tackle global challenges. It provides a platform for high-growth ventures, offering curated investment opportunities at the intersection of impact, advanced technology, and profit.

Unreasonable Ventures

Atlanta Technology Angels (ATA) is an organization comprised of active and accredited angel investors who share the goal of making informed, collaborative early-stage investments in promising Georgia-based companies.   Investments are made through single-purpose LLCs made up of ATA members who wish to make an investment.  ATA gives its members a forum to efficiently evaluate quality early stage investment opportunities through their monthly meetings.  ATA generally meets on the 4th Tuesday of the month at various locations in the Metro Atlanta area.

Atlanta Technology Angels

Tech Square Ventures is an Atlanta-based early-stage venture capital firm investing in enterprise, marketplace, platform, and tech-enabled service companies. We are a team of founders, operators, and investors that partner with visionary entrepreneurs to help them with what they need most – access to markets and customers. Our platform is built on a strategic network of innovation ecosystem and corporate, and university relationships that help founders inform and accelerate go-to-market strategies.

Tech Square Ventures

ImpactAssets is a nonprofit financial services firm that enables philanthropists and individual investors to engage in impact investing. It is a 501(c)3 organization.The firm offers impact investment products, including a donor advised fund called Giving Fund, impact investing notes, and educational resources to support individuals and advisors interested in impact investing and to help build the field of impact investing.ImpactAssets is based in Bethesda, Maryland.

ImpactAssets

Gratitude Railroad is a community of investors solving environmental and social problems. Its theory of change directs all its work to ensure its daily activities give way to measurable outcomes and ultimately move us closer to its end impact of realizing a critical mass of capital shifted from traditional finance to impact investing. Gratitude Railroad was founded in 2013 by Howard Fischer and Eric Jacobsen after attending the Harvard Advanced Leadership Initiative.

Gratitude Railroad

The $100-million TELUS Pollinator Fund for Good is one of Canada’s largest corporate impact funds, powering the boldest, bravest ideas by for-profit startups that are dedicated to driving social innovation and building tech for good. In support of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the Fund invests in the next generation of entrepreneurs who are addressing the biggest challenges in health, education, agriculture and the environment – connecting them with the resources and capital they need to grow and thrive. The TELUS Pollinator Fund for Good showcases TELUS’ long-standing commitment to leverage its world leading technology to create meaningful change and make the world a better place.

TELUS Pollinator Fund for Good

Goodr

Goodr is a sustainable food surplus management platform that leverages technology to reduce food waste and combat hunger. They provide an end-to-end solution for businesses seeking to earn money from their edible food waste by donating it to local nonprofit organizations. Their platform provides the logistics, analytics, and security for businesses to earn deductions under the PATH act in compliance with the Internal Revenue Services. Goodr’s blockchain-enabled platform also provides an IRS audit-friendly donation record, real-time food waste analytics, and community impact reports. Their model aims to provide a triple-win situation: improve the business’ bottom line through tax deductions, reduce greenhouse emissions from landfills, and use edible food waste to reduce hunger.

Goodr offers an on-demand platform that enables businesses to measure and manage surplus food and waste for tax breaks. It also offers 1) turnkey solutions to collect and donate surplus food and 2) organic recycling services.

Tech solutions for achieving global anti-wastage targets

Food Waste

Goodr CEO Jasmine Crowe Shares 5 Tips For Social Entrepreneurs In New Video

Goodr offers an on-demand platform that enables businesses to measure and manage surplus food and waste for tax breaks. It also offers 1) turnkey solutions to collect and donate surplus food and 2) organic recycling services.In June 2022, the company reported that over the previous five years, it had efficiently used its capital and reached millions in annual revenue.​​&nbsp;As of 2024, Goodr had diverted 4 million lbs of food from landfills and distributed 30 million meals to people in need. The company also claimed that it saved USD 6.3 million in tax deductions for its partners.&nbsp;Key customers and partnershipsGoodr's core customers include airports, convention centers, and other foodservice vendors. In November 2020, the company partnered with Wellstar Health Systems to provide a range of mobile food markets to communities in need to fight food insecurity.In November 2022, Goodr partnered with Stord to receive Stord’s port-to-porch services and the Stord One Commerce software to enhance its customer delivery experience.In August 2024, the company partnered with Mercedes-Benz Vans USA with Goodr’s founder appointed as brand ambassador of eSprinter, the large all-electric van, and to leverage the eSprinter to advance its mission of reducing food waste and hunger.

Apeel Sciences is a California-based food technology company that produces edible coatings made of plant materials that extend the lifetime of fruits by 2x–3x to prevent food wastage in regions where refrigeration is scarce.&nbsp;The coatings are intended for use on fruits and vegetables, with a primary focus on avocados, apples, mangos, cucumbers, and citrus fruits.&nbsp;According to the company, US retailers that used Apeel experienced a 50% reduction in waste alongside a 5%–10% growth in sales on average. As of&nbsp;April 2024, Apeel Sciences reported to have saved&nbsp;over&nbsp;60 million pieces of produce from going to waste at retail stores by partnering with small family-owned farmers, local organic growers, grocery stores, and large food brands.&nbsp;As of October&nbsp;2024, the company was offering its solution to a network of 30 suppliers and 40 retailers across eight countries, including the US, UK, Spain, Netherlands, and Kenya. The company focuses on expanding its market presence across North America and the EU.In May 2020, Apeel announced plans to expand to Sub-Saharan Africa, Central, and South America—all regions where food wastage was increasing.&nbsp;Following this, Apeel expanded to Sub-Saharan Africa in 2022 and began its expansion to South America in 2024.In May 2021, Apeel Sciences acquired&nbsp;the&nbsp;startup Impact Vision for an undisclosed amount. Impact Vision’s technology allows suppliers to see inside their fresh produce and ultimately reduce post-harvest loss and optimize distribution while continuing to extend shelf life.&nbsp;Key customers and partnerships&nbsp;Apeel has partnered with various distributors for the distribution of its avocados, including The Kroger Company in September 2018 for Cincinnati, Calavo Growers in January 2021, and Nature’s Pride for Europe in March 2021.&nbsp;The company also collaborated with Topline Farms in February 2023 for the development of the Apeel-Protected Mini Cucumber and licensed its coating technology to Limoneira in May 2023 for use on lemons.&nbsp;

Apeel Sciences

Shelf Engine provides demand forecasting tools,&nbsp;which leverage AI and machine learning, for perishable food items to reduce inefficiencies in the ordering system and minimize overall costs. According to Shelf Engine, more than 30% of highly perishable foods in grocery stores such as meat and vegetables expire before the sell-by date. Shelf Engine’s scan-based trade (SBT) technology guarantees sales and pays for any items that remain unsold. Via the SBT, Shelf Engine manages orders, pays vendors, and only charges the retailer for what sells while still paying suppliers for their full order and increasing its accuracy over time. Shelf generates revenue by charging a markup on the product from the vendor to the retailer.As of October 2024, Shelf Engine operated in more than 3,000 grocery stores and claimed to increase profit margins by more than 50% by reducing food waste by as much as 32%.&nbsp;Shelf Engine also reported that it prevented 5.2 million lbs of food wastage, decreased 8,200 tons of CO2, and saved 500 million gallons of water.Key customers and partnershipsIn January 2024, Shelf Engine partnered with Dollar General to implement fully automated AI-powered ordering for produce, aiming to enhance inventory management and reduce food waste across Dollar General's stores. This collaboration would leverage Shelf Engine's technology to optimize ordering processes and improve the freshness of perishable items.Shelf Engine also worked with supermarket and grocery chains Whole Foods, Target, Kroger, Walmart, Ralphs, Harmons, and Bi‑Rite to manage orders and reduce food waste.

Shelf Engine

Afresh began as a research project in 2017 to develop AI-powered software that optimizes the entire food supply chain. Specifically, the company offers an in-store solution for grocery stores that applies artificial intelligence to manage the freshness of food. According to the company, the implementation of its technology has led to a 25%–45% reduction of in-store food waste and increased gross margin of fresh produce sales by 4 percentage points. The company generates revenue under a SaaS model. In&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/16835">March 2023,</a> the company expanded into fresh departments, including meat, seafood, deli, and food service.As of&nbsp;October 2024, the company’s technology was deployed across 3,000 stores in 40 states in the US and it reported that it was able to triple its customer base in 2021.&nbsp;Afresh also reported that it prevented 44 million lbs of food wastage as of 2024 while reducing 24 million kg of CO2 emissions and saving 886 million gallons of water.Key customers and partnershipsSome of Afresh's key customers include Fresh Thyme Market, WinCo Foods, and Heinen’s. In 2019, the company also reported that it had established partnerships with three US grocery chains, each with more than 100 stores in operation.&nbsp;&nbsp;The company also collaborated with Bashas’ Supermarkets Inc. (a chain of grocery stores based in North America with over 100 stores) in September 2021 and New Season Market (a chain of 19 privately owned grocery stores) in October 2021 to pilot the “Afresh AI-driven software solution” at selected stores.In December 2022, Afresh partnered with SpartanNash to pilot the AI-powered Afresh platform at 10 of SpartanNash’s Family Fare grocery stores.&nbsp;&nbsp;In&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/15786">January 2023</a>, Afresh and Albertsons Companies announced the completion of an enterprise rollout of the Afresh predictive ordering and inventory management platform.&nbsp;Afresh also partnered with Albertsons Companies again in October 2024 for the launch of Afresh DC Forecasts, where Albertsons was its first customer.

AFresh

UK-based Winnow Solutions identifies and measures waste in commercial kitchens. The company records the reason for the waste, calculates the value of the wasted food, and keeps track of this data in the cloud. The company’s self-titled product shares technology with autonomous vehicles, using cameras to record and learn about food being wasted and calculate the financial and environmental cost of this discarded food. Winnow Vision also provides a Waste Monitor solution to help kitchen staff track how and what food is wasted to adjust their spending on food ingredients and eliminate overproduction.As of October 2024, Winnow Solutions reported that it had annually saved over 50 million meals, reduced 87,000 tons of CO2, and saved USD 70 million for customers.Key customers and partnershipsWinnow’s customers include the catering company&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/5386">ISS</a> and hotels such as Accor, Fairmont, The Westin, Four Seasons, and Hilton Tokyo Bay.&nbsp;In September 2023, Winnow Solutions partnered with Ne’ma, the UAE’s National Food Loss and Waste Initiative, to support Ne’ma with data, benchmarking, and best practices for the hotels, restaurants, and catering (HoReCa) sector.&nbsp; Following this, Winnow was selected as a preferred food waste management vendor by Dayblink GPO in November 2023.

Winnow Solutions

Hazel Technologies is a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)-funded technology company that develops packaging that releases vapors that slow the aging process and prevent fungus or decay. Its solution is claimed to double the shelf life of produce. Hazel operates a B2B business that targets large enterprises. The company has reported treating&nbsp;5 billion lbs of produce as of October 2024, saving about 4 billion lbs from going bad. The company has a target to save one billion&nbsp;lbs of produce from going to waste by the end of 2021. Hazel operates in&nbsp;13 countries&nbsp;across the US, South America, and Europe, as of October 2024.&nbsp;Hazel works with around 250 food service and produce companies including the likes of Sysco, Mission Produce, Zespri, Calavo, and Oppy.&nbsp;As of October 2024, the company offers Hazel Endure, its antimicrobial packaging for berries, grapes, and other fruit, which uses an anti-fungal pad to extend the shelf life and quality of fruits and other produce.Key customers and partnershipsHazel Technologies has formed several partnerships to reduce food waste and extend the shelf life of various produce. These included collaborations with Mission Produce for avocados in July 2020, Migiva Group for grape trials in March 2021, Specialty Crop Company for figs and Symms Fruit for apples in May 2021, Oppy and Brar Farms for California-grown table grapes in July 2022, and Kliewer Farms for kiwifruit in November 2022.

Hazel Technologies

Startups that prevent food wastage by prolonging the lifetime of food or better managing food production through the supply chain. Companies that develop products such as sanitizers, containers, and machines that allow food to stay fresh longer are included here. Startups that develop algorithms to determine food preservation strategies are also included.

These startups ensure work to reroute surplus food to different sets of end-users including charity organizations and consumers seeking discounted items. This segment mainly consists of on-demand online platforms that connect producers, retailers, and restaurants with consumers via mobile app.

Startups that recycle food waste for industrial uses such as soil enrichment.

Startups that recycle food waste into edible food and beverages.

Solutions that keep food waste out of landfills

Recycling and upcycling food waste to keep them out of landfills

IoT-enabled waste prevention techniques for purposes such as longer shelf-life and inventory management

Waste prevention analysis platforms use AI/ML

Goodr

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