Entrepreneurs often have great business ideas but they are unsure how to execute these. Some have actual plans, but lack the resources, such as physical facilities and financing, to get the business up and running. Other entrepreneurs may lack the confidence to face perceived challenges, particularly if they are new to the industry in which they wish to carve a niche. This is where business incubator programs come in.

The future of food is a complex topic filled with various avenues of solution. However, sometimes the biggest matters, like changing the food system, can be impacted by personal mission and passion. And Michel Nischan has done just that. Michel Nischan is a four-time James Beard Award-winning chef who for over 30 years has been a leader in advocating for a better food system. Recently, we sat down with Michel to discuss his inspirations, hopes, and thoughts for the future of food and how life's moments have brought him to where he is today.

On January 11th, we celebrated our 7th and 8th Cohorts and our 7th UnDemo Day! Here is a recap!

As a current mentor for Food Future Co, Amy Fuller brings a unique and necessary approach to helping and guiding each cohort and beyond being a mentor, Amy has spent the greater part of her professional career in vital development and building roles for brands such as: Accenture, Kraft, AT&T, Verizon, Siemens, IBM, Deloitte, and MasterCard Worldwide. Throughout her career, she has continued to thrive as a leader and has created immense success for countless large and successful brands, naming her one of Forbes World’s 50 Most Influential CMOs. Recently, we discussed with Amy how her expertise in brand building has prepared her for her role as an FFC mentor, how advice early in her career shaped her way of thinking, and what components are vital for brands to keep in mind when looking to build and develop.

We’re so excited to highlight Carlos Posada of Quo Agro! Carlos is the founding director of Quo Agro Justo, a Colombia-based social enterprise using technology to bridge the gap between producers and consumers. They seek to create a social impact on small and medium farmers by working to distribute their products to restaurants and institutions through fair trade. Recently, we discussed with Carlos how his brand has grown during his time in the accelerator program, his experiences working against the grain of the traditional food system in Colombia and how he is planning to utilize his network of mentors and investors for the future of Quo Agro Justo.

We are so excited to introduce our amazing cohort 8! This cohort brings a variety of companies, from sustainable seafood to plant-based snacks and we are so excited to have them on board!

Bo Perry is a Virgina-based seasoned entrepreneur and the co-founder and CEO of Pizootz, a company producing flavor-Infused peanuts that were invented utilizing a patented, unique infusion process that uses just water, pressure, and steam to put flavors inside the nut. Bo and Pizootz are currently part of Cohort 7 of our accelerator where Bo is using what he has learned to continue to evolve Pizootz as a brand. Recently we discussed with Bo the inspiration behind his brand and patented process, the importance of learning from mistakes, and Pizootz's biggest product launch yet!

Sarah Lynch is a Colorado-based entrepreneur specializing in design, UX, marketing, branding, writing, and lean strategy and the founder and CEO of Mama Gaia, a company building AI-powered, self-service Smart Fridges that are stocked daily with the freshest locally sourced grab-and-go food. Sarah and Mama Gaia were part of Cohort 6 of our accelerator, where Sarah was able to continue to grow and evolve her company even further. Recently, we discussed with Sarah the significance of being in our accelerator amidst the global pandemic, how sustainability plays into AI, and the future of her company.

Chris Rawley is CEO and Founder of Harvest Returns, an online equity crowdfunding platform designed specifically for investing in the agriculture industry. Harvest Returns facilitates capital raises for small to medium-sized farmers and ranchers while providing investors access to opportunities in sustainable farming businesses. Recently, Chris shared how his role in the Navy opened his eyes to the importance of sustainable agriculture and a diversified food system, his time in the accelerator program, and his continuous work to bridge the gap between investor and farmer.

Michael Conway is an Investment Manager at Food Future Co and a recent graduate of Bard College's MBA in Sustainability program. Michael's entrepreneurial journey began in Chile where he co-founded an English Language Institute after volunteering for a year with underprivileged high school students and he is most proud of the CSR initiatives he led with his business to serve underfunded schools and communities. Recently, Michael shared his thoughts on the role of food-based companies in the food system, what he has learned from his time at FFC and how his time in Chile prepared him for the world of business.