Tyson Foods’ investment arm opens application for next Demo Day
by March 7, 2024 3:02 pm 1,166 views
Tyson Ventures, the investment arm of Springdale-based Tyson Foods, is gearing up for its third annual Demo Day on July 17. This year’s event will focus on supply chain technology for Tyson Foods’ complex supply chain.
The venture capital business works with start-up companies focused on sustainable business practices, enhanced food transparency and new efficiencies that Tyson Foods can apply to its diverse supply chain. Tyson Ventures has opened the application process for the event, and interested startups and entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply online by May 3.
“Our vision for Tyson Demo Day 2024 is to become a significant catalyst of groundbreaking supply chain technology by bringing startups together to collaborate with Tyson Foods,” said John R. Tyson, Tyson Ventures’ president and chief financial officer. “Together, we can reimagine, innovate and elevate the protein supply chain across every touchpoint.”
The company encouraged startups with innovations in logistics software, distribution, warehousing, traceability and transparency, animal welfare, cold chain management, inventory management, forecasting and predictive analytics, supplier management and sourcing technology to apply.
Startups selected to participate in the event will have the chance to pitch their business at Demo Day this summer at the Tyson Foods corporate offices in Springdale. Tyson said the startups selected from the event will have access to opportunities such as mentorship from Tyson Foods execs, potential pilot and testing programs and commercial partnerships.
“Tyson Demo Day 2024 presents an unparalleled opportunity for startups to showcase their supply chain solutions and potentially partner with Tyson Foods to test their innovations in real market conditions,” said Brady Stewart, group president, Beef, Pork and chief supply chain officer. “Following the event, successful startups may engage in continued conversations with Tyson Foods, paving the way for further high-impact opportunities.”
Last year the focus was on upcycling, which specializes in reusing discarded materials to create a higher value and also reduces waste. Tyson Foods invested in four of the 11 companies that pitched last year. In 2022, the company picked six startups that worked with Tyson Foods on potential partnership opportunities.
Tyson Ventures said it has invested more than $100 million in emerging protein, new food and worker safety technologies and sustainable food production since 2016. Companies included in the Tyson Venture’s portfolio include Clear Labs, MycoTechnology, Mentore, Big Idea Ventures, New Wave, Future Meat, Rejoice, Soft Robotics, Upside Foods and Athian.