Food tech investments slow as AI grabs venture capital attention

Dive Brief:

• Funding for food tech startups “slowed significantly” in the first quarter of the year as investors shift their focus toward artificial intelligence, according to a Pitchbook report.
• The food tech sector captured $1.4 billion in investments across 202 deals in the first quarter, Pitchbook said. That’s close to a 50% drop in capital and a 15% decline in deal count year over year.
• Some investors are pulling back from the food tech sector all together. The number of unique investors with deals in the space declined 54% from its 2021 peak through the first quarter of 2024.

Dive Insight:

Investors are passing up potential opportunities in food tech to pursue flashier plays in artificial intelligence.

Around 70% of venture capital in the first quarter went to startups focused on AI and machine learning, according to Pitchbook. With limited AI applications for the food industry, investors may be passing on certain deals to get in on the automation boom.

Early stage food tech startups in particular are seeing funding dry up. Valuations have also declined, “reflecting tougher fundraising conditions and elevated expectations from investors,” according to the report.

“Startups must demonstrate not only innovation but also clear market traction, operational efficiency, and alignment with major trends such as sustainability, health, and supply chain resilience to stand out,” Pitchbook said.

Despite the barren funding landscape, there has been some traction for early-stage alternative protein startups. While more established players like Beyond Meat have struggled, more specialized ingredients companies are receiving a new wave of support.

Liberation Bioindustries, formerly known as Liberation Labs, raised $52 million for a precision fermentation facility to produce alternative proteins. Vivici, an alternative dairy producer, received $33.8 million in funding, according to Pitchbook.

Alternative protein producers Aleph Farms and Project Eaden also had successful fundraising rounds, showcasing “sustained investor interest in both consumer brands and enabling infrastructure,” Pitchbook said.