Aarhus University Seal

Networks and investments cut across national boundaries

The European Food Venture Forum (EFVF) recently took place for the fourth year in a row. This international event was held for the third time in Aarhus, and it attracted about 100 participants, including representatives from Finland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium and Denmark.

[Translate to English:] Marc Beermann fra UrbanFarmers præsenterer sine ideer og produkter for coachene. Han var én af de mange iværksættere ved European Food Venture Forum. Foto: Anne Mette Skovbo Rasmussen

A natural and healthy food ingredient that can make people smarter. A vegetable that contains omega-3 and omega-6, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Or what about a machine that can automatically tap sap from palms the same way cows are milked by machines?

These were some of the ideas that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) presented for potential investors at the fourth European Food Venture Forum. This international network event was held on 3 and 4 September 2014, and the first sessions took place at Aarhus University. The aim was to create relationships between entrepreneurs and investors.

Each entrepreneur had eight minutes to convince the investors that their company was the right one to invest in.

The eight-minute presentations mainly consisted of introductions to the different companies, including the products and ideas on the drawing board that they wished to expand to the European markets.

- The participants get feedback from both an expert panel and an investor panel who assess their presentations. But they also have the pleasure of seeing each other’s presentations. The participants get to be part of the development of a European network of SMEs in the food sector. So they can learn a considerable amount from each other and discover potential future business partners, says Michelle Williams, head of the Department of Food Science, Aarhus University.

Aarhus University as host

The event was held in collaboration with Food Festival 2014 as part of the Aarhus Festival. This provided participants with an opportunity to take a look at the cultural life in Aarhus. This also meant that the city of Aarhus had the pleasure of the events that took place in connection with the European Food Venture Forum. Aarhus University also gained a great deal out of its partnership.

- We have an opportunity to strengthen our collaborations with the other hosts, sponsors and partners connected with the event. And we also have an opportunity to profile our expertise in food, as we’re hosts for the events on the first day at iNano House, says Michelle Williams.

A number of companies are hosts of the European Food Venture Forum, including Foodbest, Invest in Denmark, Future Food Innovation and the Aarhus City Council. Arla is a sponsor, and the partners include Aarhus University, Danish Food Cluster and Kromann Reumert.

- Aarhus University is a partner in this event because we recognise the importance of investments, growth and success for SMEs in the food industry. This forum brings companies together in Aarhus, and provides the ideal opportunity for networking with European SMEs and investors in the food sector, says Michelle Williams.

For more information, please contact

Head of Department Michelle Williams
Department of Food Science
michelle.williams@food.au.dk
+45 8715 7957/8715 8335, mobile +45 2517 0049