Last week, an inspiring foodtech startup event took place in Copenhagen, hosted by Kost Studio in collaboration with DI Bio and DI Startup. Titled Scaling Innovative Food Startups the gathering brought together visionary entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts to explore the future of sustainable food solutions and the funding dynamics for early-stage companies.
The event commenced with a warm welcome and drinks, followed by insightful startup stories from two pioneering founders: Randi Wahlsten of Matr Foods and Gerit Tolborg of Chromologics. Both founders are working at the forefront of food innovation. Matr Foods, led by CEO Randi Wahlsten, is transforming the food system by developing circular solutions focused on local resources, aiming to produce healthy and sustainable products through fermentation. Currently, Matr Foods said they are scaling their output to 3,500 tons annually, and also that they are actively seeking €37 million in investment to support a planned multi-European expansion.
Gerit Tolborg’s Chromologics, another standout startup, is addressing the demand for natural food colorants. Chromologics has raised € 12.6 million to date and is preparing for its Series A funding round, targeting an additional € 10-15 million to fuel further growth. The company produces natural pigments through a sustainable fungal fermentation process, catering to kosher, halal, and vegan markets, which aligns with the global trend toward clean and inclusive food options.
A fireside chat followed these inspiring startup stories, focusing on the challenges and strategies of making a startup fundable. Moderated by Mikael Wraae Valsted, Head of DI Bio, the session featured Sara Sande, Partner at EIFO, and Bodil Sidén, General Partner at Kost Capital. The discussion delved into how sustainable innovation attracts investors and how aligning a startup’s mission with measurable impact can elevate its appeal in the funding landscape.
The event concluded with an open networking session, where attendees mingled over drinks and snacks, engaging with the speakers and other professionals in the foodtech space. The event offered a compelling view into Copenhagen’s emerging foodtech ecosystem, underscoring Denmark’s supportive environment for startups and its potential to become a significant hub for sustainable food innovation.
