CREATE HISTORY & BE A PART OF THE CHANGE

Gulfood Green will provide an indispensable global platform for the entire food ecosystem to exchange on technology, regulations, practices, solutions and changes in consumer food culture.

The overarching goal is to achieve sustainability in all its dimensions: from farmers, to supply chains, food production, mindful consumption and Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain and smart agriculture.

How can you be a part of Gulfood Green?

Register as an investor

Providing a curated business-to-Investors matchmaking programme set in a private section of the show, register to be a part of the Investor Lounge

Register as a visitor

Join this year's event and delve into the hottest consumer trends, empowering you to explore the future of food first-hand at Gulfood Green

Elevator Pitch Lounge

Already a speaker/judge at Gulfood Green or

Startup Zone exhibitor (who applied to Pitch Competition)?

See details here + email us for a free Day 3 pitch on stage!

Email Us

WHAT TO EXPECT?

Groundbreaking Innovation from the Food, Beverage and Agriculture sectors

STARTUP PITCH COMPETITION

Thought leadership panel discussions from leading global experts

PANEL DISCUSSIONS

Entrepreneurial workshops by global mentors to support innovation

ENTREPRENEURIAL WORKSHOPS

Networking and visibility opportunites for the global food industry

GLOBAL EXPOSURE

AGENDA

WORKSHOP

Investor Pitch Decks - Crafting A Story That Secures Funding

Join to gain hands-on experience and insights into creating an effective investor pitch deck. You will be guided through the essential elements of successful pitches, from structuring your story to de... Learn More->

PANEL

Scaling Your F&B Startup - Tried & Tested Tips

Have you developed a product but are unsure about how to launch or scale it? Are you uncertain about your key financials or how to get funding? Don’t miss this panel discussion with high-growth startu... Learn More->

Green Shoots Startup Pitch Competition

SEMI-FINAL 1

Join us for the 1st of three Semi-Finals featuring five shortlisted startups competing to qualify for the Day 2 Grand Final and to win the $50k cash prize. Each startup will pitch for just 3-minutes f ... Learn More->

PANEL

GCC Investment & Impact Investing - Advising FoodTech Startups

Do you want to learn about the latest trends on raising investment as a FoodTech startup in the GCC region? Which categories are getting the most investment and what are investors looking for? Don’t m... Learn More->

Green Shoots Startup Pitch Competition

SEMI-FINAL 2

Join us for the 2nd and second-last Semi-Final featuring five shortlisted startups competing to qualify for the Day 2 Grand Final and to win the $50k cash prize. Each startup will pitch for just 3 min... Learn More->

WORKSHOP

Partnership Management - Tools & Strategies for Agrifood Sector

This workshop will begin by highlighting some well-known companies in the food industry that have an effective partnership strategy. The first group activity will involve participants being asked to d... Learn More->

WORKSHOP

Investor Pitching - Training for Pre-Seed Founders

In this workshop, you will be shown the good and the bad when it comes to pitch decks. You will have the chance to pitch your startup and receive advice on how to improve your pitch. In this workshop... Learn More->

PANEL

FoodTech Innovation - Regional Partnership Management

Join our visiting partnership expert, Mikel Mangold, moderate a panel filled with founders, ecosystem builders, and academics from six countries and three continents discuss effective management from... Learn More->

Green Shoots Startup Pitch Competition

SEMI-FINAL 3

Join us for the 3rd and last Semi-Final featuring five shortlisted startups competing to qualify for the Day 2 Grand Final and to win the $50k cash prize. Each startup will pitch for just 3-minutes fo.... Learn More->

PANEL

Innovation & Trends - Plant-based New Products & Industry Growth

Do you want to learn about the latest regional and global trends in plant-based innovation? Which markets should you enter and scale in based on consumer demand, resources and ecosystem available? Don... Learn More->

Green Shoots Startup Pitch Competition

GRAND FINAL

Join us for the Grand Final featuring the three winning startups from the Semi-Finals competing to win the $50k cash prize. Each startup will pitch for just 5-minutes followed by Q&A rounds with the... Learn More->

PANEL

Marine & Agrifood Startups - Addressing Food Security

Join our locally-based and experienced moderator, Greg Wright, as he speaks with six founders from the UK, US, and the UAE about their Marine and Agrifood startups to learn how they are innovating in... Learn More->

WORKSHOP

Pocket-Friendly and Stress-free Brand-building

ELEVATOR PITCH LOUNGE

Are you a Gulfood Green speaker, judge, or Green Shoots Startup Pitch Competition applicant?

An opportunity for any investment company representatives, startups, and industry specialists to take to the stage and give an elevator pitch (no slides) in an informal setting followed by Q&A. 1:1 fo... Learn More->

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Join us on 24th & 25th September at The Green Shoots Startup Pitch Competition

Are you and investor, consultant, founder or a startup enthusiast, then join us on the 24th & 25th of September at the Dubai World Trade Centre in Dubai to witness innovative startups transforming the global food systems at the Green Shoots Startup Pitch Competition.

Attend The Event

Will shortlisted startups be provided a pitch rehearsal and/or live pitch coaching?

Yes. Shortlisted startups will each be afforded a 1-on-1 free coaching hour with the Pitch Lounge team to rehearse their live pitch.
Are there available slides and/or a recording from the online Info Session (8th August 2024)?

Presentation Deck Zoom Recording
If I win, what happens next?

The team will be in touch directly during Gulfood Green.
What is the judging criteria?

The general judging criteria is broken down into five main areas. Please keep these in mind as you design your pitch deck, pitch video, and deliver your Semi-Final and Final pitches!  Innovation: How groundbreaking is the idea? Does it disrupt the status quo?  Market: Is there a clear market need? How big is the opportunity (size & growth)? Can it scale widely?  Business Model: Does the solution have a clear path to profitability? Who are their target customers and pricing strategy?  Traction: Have they achieved any early wins (revenue, customers, funding)?  Team: Does the team have the skills and experience to succeed? (FULL) Judging Criteria
What should my pitch deck include?

Check out the following reference sites for the Guy Kawasaki framework and an AI Pitch Deck Feedback Tool (featured on pp. 38-57 of the Info Session Presentation), and more: 1. What should be on your pitch deck? 2. Guy Kawasaki 10:20:30 Rule 3. http://bestpitchdecks.com 4. Self-Assessment Pitch Deck Scoring 5. AI Pitch Deck Feedback Tool 6. https://slidebean.com/blog/pitch-deck-structure 7. Pitch Deck Branding & Development Support
What are the prizes?

USD 50,000 Prize Fund: secure vital funding to accelerate your startups’ growth and development. Investor Introductions: showcase your businesses to a diverse group of international investors, enhancing your chances of securing additional investment and expert feedback. Exclusive Networking: engage in one-to-one networking with industry leaders, advisors, and mentors, fostering valuable connections and collaborations. Growth Strategies: dedicated workshops and panel discussions designed to equip you with the tools and strategies needed to scale your startup globally
Who is eligible to apply?

Agri or F&B startup (early- or growth-stage) Impactful Exhibiting in the Green Shoots Startup Zone at Gulfood Green 2024
When will I find out if I have been shortlisted to pitch in the semi-finals?

The announcements of the shortlisted startups for the semi-finals will be announced on Friday, 30 Aug 14:00 GST.
I have applied to pitch, what next?

After initially expressing your interest in the Pitch Competition, the Pitch Lounge team will be in contact with you to request your Pitch Deck, 60-second Pitch Video and further information required to score your application. Self-help resources are available via the links and other support is available from Pitch Lounge to help you prepare your application. Contact Pitch Lounge early to secure their support.
What happens if I still have questions? Who can I communicate with?

Jamal Maxey from Pitch Lounge is the project manager for the Green Shoots Startup Pitch Competition. Connect and message him on LinkedIn here. OR Email: jamal@pitchlounge.net OR Book a Short Call
When is it taking place?

Tuesday 24th and Wednesday 25th September 2024 (Day 1 and Day 2 of the three-day Gulfood Green 2024).
If I am not shortlisted to participate in the semi-finals, what can I do?

If you are not shortlisted, there are still many opportunities for you: Notify the organisers of your willingness to be on reserve for the Semi-Finals in case of startup withdrawals Submit your Elevator Video Pitch in advance of the event and/or via the Pitch Lounge iPad stands during Gulfood Green 2024 Register for the workshops on pitching and other relevant startup support topics Engage with the Pitch Competition Jury, other investors, and the wider Gulfood Green audience digitally and in-person during the three-day event
How can I apply?

To participate in the Green Shoots Startup Pitch Competition, you must be an exhibiting startup at Gulfood Green 2024. We will notify you via email once the Green Shoots Startup Pitch Competition is open for applications. You can then submit your deck and 1-minute video pitch to the Pitch Lounge team who advise you on submitting a successful application. See startup support resource links in answers to FAQs below: "What should my pitch deck include?" and "What should my pitch video include?" Successful semi-finalists will be announced closer to the event (likely before 2nd September). Before applying for the pitch competition, please complete the Exhibition Package Registration Form by following the button below. One of our team will be in touch directly to secure your spot for Gulfood Green 2024.
How many startups are pitching?

Up to 15 startups will be shortlisted to participate in the Semi-Finals with three selected startups advancing to the Finals which will take place on Day 2 of Gulfood Green 2024.
Who are the pitch competition judges?

They are highly experienced, well-connected, and active FoodTech/AgriFood/F&B experts and startup-investor funding scouts, fund managers, and/or investors in their own right. Confirmed so far: Erich Sieber (PeakBridge VC) Daniel Skaven Ruben (FoodTech Weekly | Solvable Syndicate | Blume Equity) Jana Elkova (UAE Ministry of Economy) Sharon Cittone (Edible Planet Ventures | Naked Innovations | EIIS - European Institute of Innovation for Sustainability) Thomas Anderson (Crowdfoods | IBB - Investment Bank of Berlin) Jennifer Stojkovic (Joyful VC | Vegan Women Summit | MeliBio) Elena Suciu (RSVP Business Angel | Founder Institute | MassChallenge Switzerland | Pitch Lounge) The entire list of Jury Panelists will be announced soon and confirmed panelists announced on a rolling basis.
When is the application deadline?

The (extended and final) deadline to apply via the Pitch Lounge website is 23.59 GST on Wednesday 28th August.
What should my pitch video include?

Your Pitch Video must be UNDER 60 seconds or it will not be considered. Your Pitch Video must be in English and have a clear shot of your upper body (sitting or standing). And the video is allowed to feature more than one founder/member of your team OR can simple feature one person. The video can be a simple 60 seconds video selfie to camera OR can be something more elaborate - but the above conditions apply. Regardless, it is required that you begin with the founder(s) presenting on screen at the beginning and/or at the end, if not throughout. Submit your video via WeTransfer to the Pitch Lounge team (info@pitchlounge.net). Check out the following reference sites for 60-second pitch structures and AI live feedback on your pitch (featured on pp. 58-64 of the Info Session Presentation): 1. https://fi.co/pitch-deck 2. https://madcreativebeanstalk.com/2023/10/29/how-to-pitch-your-startup-in-60-seconds 3. https://pitch-practice.vercel.app/evaluator 4. Video Editing Support
What is the live pitching format?

3 x Semi-final rounds, up to 5 startups per round. *** Semi-finals: 3-minute live pitch (followed by 3 minutes Q&A with the Judging Panel) Top 3 going head-to-head in the final (one advances from each of the three Semi-finals). *** Final: 5-minute live pitch (followed by 3-5 minutes Q&A with the Judging Panel)
If I was selected to pitch previously but wasn’t able to attend, am I entitled to a spot in the semi-finals or finals?

No, in-person live pitching from the stage is essential at the Green Shoots Startup Pitch Competition. No remote live pitching or pre-recorded, submitted, full-length video pitches are possible. There will be a new selection process each year. You will have to apply to be considered again. Similarly, if you are shortlisted for the Final after pitching in the Semi-Final but you miss the pitch, you will be replaced with the next runner-up.