
Tyson Ventures
Description
Tyson Ventures, established in 2016, serves as the corporate venture capital arm of Tyson Foods, one of the world's largest food companies. Its primary mission is to identify, invest in, and partner with early to growth-stage companies that are developing disruptive technologies and innovative business models across the food ecosystem. This strategic investment approach allows Tyson Foods to gain insights into emerging trends, foster innovation, and potentially integrate new solutions that align with its long-term growth and sustainability objectives. The fund operates with a clear mandate to support advancements that can shape the future of food production, processing, and consumption.
The investment focus of Tyson Ventures is broad yet strategic, encompassing areas critical to the evolving food industry. Key sectors of interest include alternative proteins, such as plant-based and cultivated meat technologies, which represent a significant shift in consumer preferences and sustainable food sources. Beyond protein innovation, the fund also targets advancements in food safety, supply chain optimization, sustainable packaging solutions, and digital technologies that enhance efficiency and traceability from farm to fork. Tyson Ventures seeks companies that offer scalable solutions and possess strong management teams, aiming to provide not just capital but also strategic guidance and access to Tyson Foods' extensive industry expertise and global network.
Tyson Ventures typically invests between $500,000 and $10 million in its initial checks, participating in seed to growth-stage funding rounds. This flexibility allows them to engage with promising startups at various points in their development, from nascent ideas requiring early validation to more mature companies seeking to scale their operations. Their portfolio includes notable investments in companies like Upside Foods (cultivated meat), MycoTechnology (fungi-based ingredients), and Future Meat Technologies (cultivated meat), demonstrating their commitment to pioneering new food frontiers. By leveraging its parent company's resources, Tyson Ventures offers portfolio companies unique opportunities for market access, research and development collaboration, and potential commercial partnerships, accelerating their path to market and impact.
Investor Profile
Tyson Ventures has backed more than 30 startups, with 5 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 11 rounds, about 37% of its total and boasts 1 exits across its portfolio.
Investment Focus Highlights
- Concentrates on Series Unknown, Grant, Series B rounds (top funding stages).
- Majority of deals are located in United States, Israel.
- Strong thematic focus on Food and Beverage, Biotechnology, Organic Food.
- Led 5 rounds in the past year.
- Typical check size: $500K – $10M.
Stage Focus
- Series Unknown (30%)
- Grant (17%)
- Series B (10%)
- Series A (10%)
- Series C (7%)
- Corporate Round (7%)
- Seed (7%)
- Convertible Note (3%)
- Series E (3%)
- Series D (3%)
Country Focus
- United States (87%)
- Israel (13%)
Industry Focus
- Food And Beverage
- Biotechnology
- Organic Food
- Advanced Materials
- Alternative Protein
- Software
- Food Processing
- Manufacturing
- Meat And Poultry
- Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
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