Tyson Ventures seeks ‘Demo Day’ applicants

Tyson Ventures, the venture capital arm of Springdale-based Tyson Foods, is accepting applications for its third annual Tyson Demo Day, offering startups the chance to partner with one of the world’s largest food companies.

This year’s event focuses on food supply chain technologies. Company officials are interested in startups working in logistics software, distribution, warehousing, traceability and transparency, animal welfare, cold chain management, inventory management, forecasting and predictive analytics, supplier management and sourcing technology.

“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 deadline to apply is May 3. The selected companies will be informed in June and invited to Springdale on July 17 to pitch their solutions to a group of Tyson Foods executives, including John R. Tyson, who is also the company’s chief financial officer.

“The selected companies will be pitching to people who are integral decision-makers in the business,” said Kate Powell, an associate manager at Tyson Ventures.

Selected startups could receive mentorship from Tyson Foods executives, access to pilot and testing programs, possible proof of concepts and the potential for commercial partnerships.

Last year’s event focused on sustainability. Company officials selected 11 startups to travel to Springdale and pitch their innovations from a pool of applicants spanning over 15 countries. The company chose four of them to explore potential collaborations.