Articles written by
Amber Yu

Véronique Steiner’s journey in fintech reflects the sector’s dynamic growth and her entrepreneurial spirit. Since joining J.P. Morgan, she has played a pivotal role in driving innovation and establishing J.P. Morgan’s fintech, media, telecom, and payments services across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. With a commitment to innovation, diversity, and philanthropy, Steiner’s leadership has been instrumental in navigating the complex fintech landscape, supporting clients with cutting-edge solutions, and fostering a robust fintech ecosystem.

Essento is on a mission to revolutionize the food industry by harnessing the power of insects. This innovative company produces various delicious and nutritious food products, all crafted using sustainably sourced insect protein. A Taste of the Future With a focus on taste and sustainability, Essento offers a variety of options to cater to different lifestyles. From hearty burgers and meatball alternatives to convenient protein shakes, bars, and snacks, there’s something for everyone. Their new sports line, designed and developed in Switzerland, promises to provide athletes with high-quality nutrition to fuel their performance. Why Insect protein? The decision to incorporate insect protein into their products was driven by a deep concern for the environment and a desire to find sustainable solutions to global food challenges. ” After the release of the FAO report in 2013 with the ecological and sanitary potential of edible insects, it was clear that we needed to bring this protein source to the European market,” Christian Bärtsch, the CEO&Founder said. A Team of Passionate Innovators in insect protein Essento’s team is a diverse quartet comprising individuals with expertise in economics, marketing, animal welfare, food science, and biology. Their combined knowledge and passion fuel the company’s commitment to crafting exceptional products that are delicious and planet-friendly. Targeting a Conscious Consumer Essento’s target audience is young, urban, and environmentally conscious individuals who seek high-quality, sustainable food options. By offering a wide range of products and building a strong network of partners, the company aims to differentiate itself from competitors and become a leading player in the insect protein market. Building a Sustainable Future Boasting a robust product line and a burgeoning customer base, Essento is primed for substantial expansion in 2024. The company has successfully secured listings for 6 SKUs in over 200 stores operated by Coop, Switzerland’s retail behemoth. Moreover, Coop’s online platform has facilitated the distribution of Essento products across the EU, particularly emphasizing the German market. Essento’s participation in the SIAL Startup Village demonstrates its ambition to reach a wider audience and establish partnerships with major European retailers. The goal for this year is to grow their business and increase the number of outlets and sales partners in Germany and Switzerland. Showcase Your Brand at SIAL Paris 2024: Fill Out Our Exhibitor Form Today!

OLALA!, a young and vibrant company founded in France in 2021, is pioneering the world of 100% plant-based seafood alternatives. Driven by the urgent need for sustainable food solutions, they offer a delicious and innovative range of 6 products, including plant-based smoked salmon, salmon flakes, raw salmon and tuna, tuna crumbles, and tarama. All their products are crafted with natural-origin ingredients, boasting a taste that rivals the real deal. More Than Just OLALA! – It’s Scrumptious! “We believe plant-based food shouldn’t be a compromise on flavor,” says their team, a passionate mix of food enthusiasts, researchers, and chefs. We’ve spent 18 months perfecting our recipes to ensure an unparalleled taste experience. Produced in Boulogne-sur-Mer, France, near some of the country’s largest fishing ports, we are strategically positioned to understand the industry and its impact. Why “OLALA!”? This memorable name reflects our French roots and perfectly captures the delightful surprise their products evoke. “It’s a universally recognized expression of wonder – exactly the reaction we aim for when people experience OLALA! for the first time, “Simon Ferniot, the CEO & Co-Founder, explained. Why Plant-Based Seafood? Overfishing and climate change pose a serious threat to our oceans. By offering a delicious and sustainable alternative, they empower consumers to make a positive impact with every bite. “If we don’t radically reduce overfishing, there won’t be any fish left in the ocean by 2050,” they said. Their products boast a significantly lower carbon footprint than traditional seafood, making them a win for your taste buds and the planet. A Global Mission with Local Roots “Our team of 23, including 7 specialized food engineers, operates across multiple locations in France—from state-of-the-art production facilities to R&D labs in Paris, and an export team based in Amsterdam. This international presence allows us to cater to a global audience while maintaining a strong connection to our French heritage.” the team said. Who We Serve OLALA! primarily targets the food service industry and the B2B sector, both in France and internationally. They partner with distributors and restaurateurs seeking to diversify their menus with innovative and sustainable plant-based options. Their end consumers include everyone from flexitarians and vegans to curious foodies who appreciate delicious and responsible food choices. Standing Out from the Tide While competitors exist in the plant-based seafood and meat space, their unwavering focus on taste sets us apart. They believe that deliciousness is key to driving long-term change, “Our meticulous recipe development, extensive taste testing, and collaboration with chefs ensure our products are not just good for you and the planet, but truly satisfying to eat,” the team said. Making Waves: Traction and Recognition Since launching in May 2023, OLALA! has gained the trust of key players in the French market. They collaborate with distributors (Vegetal Food, PrevoGel, Foodex, Pomona) and restaurant chains (EXKI, Google, Bloom Sushi, Land&Monkeys), with their first retail presence at Kumo. Their reach extends to other European countries like the Netherlands, Germany, and Israel, with the UK soon to follow. Positive media coverage, participation in trade shows, and a podcast series (“Un pavé dans la mer“) have further solidified their brand recognition. Why SIAL Startup Village? “Participating in SIAL Startup Village aligns perfectly with our commercial and marketing strategy, having seen the success of trade shows like Taste of Paris, we are eager to leverage SIAL’s vast network and media opportunities. ” the team said. They believe this participation will significantly enhance their visibility, open new business avenues, and solidify their presence in the market. Showcase Your Brand at SIAL Paris 2024: Fill Out Our Exhibitor Form Today!

As inflation fuels the private label surge in Europe, retailers and wholesalers struggle to find reliable manufacturers for their store-brand products. Torg, a Berlin-based startup, solves this challenge by offering a simple and efficient private-label sourcing solution. Bringing 20+ years of global experience in leading companies across e-commerce, food tech, and consulting, Hans Kristian Furuseth, Ben Holdham, and Rita Kerbaj founded Torg to solve the inefficiencies of the sourcing process. The company provides a one-stop marketplace connecting food and beverage buyers with over 100,000 verified suppliers across the continent. AI-Powered Sourcing Revolution “Scaling up sourcing would have been impossible without machine learning,” Torg’s founders recently told Tech. eu. They leverage the power of machine learning to transform vast amounts of data into Europe’s most comprehensive and high-quality database for private label sourcing. This AI-powered approach allows buyers to quickly and easily find the perfect suppliers. Streamlined Workflow for Buyers Unlike some competitors, Torg goes beyond basic search functionality. Taking a cue from Furuseth’s experience in e-commerce, the platform allows buyers to request introductions, compare quotes directly, and even negotiate prices with suppliers – all in one place. Success Stories Speak Volumes The value proposition is clear. Lanch, a German food tech startup, struggled to find suitable manufacturers through traditional methods. “With Torg, we received 15 quotes from top producers in just 2 weeks, most below the target price,” said Lanch CEO Jonas Meynert. This efficiency allowed Lanch to forgo a dedicated sourcing team. Benefits for Suppliers Go Beyond Visibility Torg isn’t just about buyers. Suppliers benefit from increased online presence, faster payments, improved workflow management, and access to new sales opportunities. This win-win approach fuels Torg’s growth alongside the rising demand for private labels. Early Traction and Ambitious Goals Founded in 2021, Torg has secured €2.7 million in seed funding and boasts a growing user base. Their current revenue model utilizes connection credits for suppliers to connect directly with buyers. Looking ahead to 2024, the company aims to secure partnerships with major retailers and wholesalers while solidifying its revenue stream. Participation in SIAL Startup Village reflects their desire to connect with key industry players, gather valuable feedback, and refine their technology to serve the food & beverage sector better. Showcase Your Brand at SIAL Paris 2024: Fill Out Our Exhibitor Form Today!

Most people struggle to meet their daily water intake. Eau Exquise, a French water flavoring company, offers a convenient and sustainable solution to make water more enjoyable and encourage healthy hydration. Anne-Gaël Sadoun. Trained as a psychologist, the entrepreneur saw her mom struggle with drinking water, especially at the end of her life, because she didn’t find it enjoyable. This led her to start Eau Exquise in 2021, aiming to give water a new taste. Flavorful and Eco-Friendly Unlike sugary drinks or single-use flavored water bottles, Eau Exquise empowers you to personalize tap water with just a few drops. Their all-natural flavors, like yuzu & ginger or strawberry & raspberry, come in convenient 10ml and 27ml vials, flavoring up to 25 liters of water. This significantly reduces plastic waste compared to disposable options, making it a more sustainable solution. Plus, the company offers a range of organic flavors with surprising versatility, allowing you to enhance not just water but also hot drinks, sparkling water, and even yogurt. Flavored water on-the-go Ditch the sugary drinks and artificial sweeteners! Eau Exquise’s portable vials are perfect for refillable water bottles, aligning with the growing trend of eco-conscious consumers. Focus on Health and Transparency Unlike some competitors that add vitamins or artificial ingredients, Eau Exquise prioritizes natural flavors. Their sugar-free, sweetener-free, and artificial color-free drops are ideal for those seeking healthy hydration options, including diabetics. Health-conscious women above 50 who prioritize well-being and reducing sugar intake are a perfect target audience for Eau Exquise. Growth and International Expansion After a couple of years in the works, with a grant from Bpifrance and €200k in funding, the company launched in the summer of 2023 and now hopes to grow in France and beyond.  Its e-commerce site already supports orders from Belgium and Switzerland, and the company plans to use its participation in SIAL Startup Village to find partners for its international expansion, which is in line with its main goal for this year: To win new markets. Showcase Your Brand at SIAL Paris 2024: Fill Out Our Exhibitor Form Today!

With 70-90% of their scope 3 emissions in the fields, food chain companies increasingly need visibility over agricultural production to meet their sustainability objectives. On top of that imperative, the increasing volatility in agricultural production, mainly due to climate change, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical tensions, is a major pain point for the entire food chain.  By providing continuous data on field health, crop rotations, and yield estimates, Hyperplan provides food chain players with the real-time information they need to make data-driven decisions that allow them to meet sustainability objectives, mitigate risks, and, ultimately, improve agricultural outcomes. Founded in 2021, Hyperplan has since grown to a team of 22 employees. The company offers a unique value proposition: “We don’t just provide data at the end of the season,” says the team. “Our real-time monitoring covers everything from field boundaries to crop production practices, giving you the insights you need to make informed decisions throughout the growing cycle.” Real-time monitoring goes beyond season-end data Hyperplan provides continuous insights into field boundaries, crop rotations, yield estimates, vegetation status, and production practices (e.g., tillage, cover cropping, crop rotations). This granular plot-level data empowers all stakeholders to make targeted interventions, optimize resource allocation, and implement sustainable practices such as cover crops, all with the help of Hyperplan. “It’s more than software,” the team says. “We help you revamp your processes to gain a competitive edge.” Beyond Food Brands While initially targeting coops and input companies, Hyperplan had its first successful deployment with a global food brand in 2024. The startup has now this experience, use case, and service for food brands, and is ready to roll out at scale. The company is also looking to extend its technology for crop classification and yield estimates beyond Europe. Strong Backing and Future Expansion Having raised €4.1 million in seed funding last year, Hyperplan is backed by Demeter via its Agrinnovation fund, as well as BNP Paribas Développement, Polytechnique Ventures, PeakBridge, Techmind and Unilis Agtech, a joint venture between Arvalis and Unigrains. Hyperplan’s supporters also include Aerospace Valley, ESA BIC Sud France, France 2030, La Ferme Digitale, La Vega Innova, and Microsoft’s Environmental Startup Accelerator. The latter also allowed Hyperplan to present its solution at Microsoft’s VivaTech booth earlier this year. Buoyed by the support of recognized investors who validate the relevance and potential impact of their solution in agriculture, Hyperplan will leverage its participation in SIAL Startup Village this year to secure new commercial contacts. Showcase Your Brand at SIAL Paris 2024: Fill Out Our Exhibitor Form Today!

The name “Active Label” was thoughtfully selected to emphasize its proactive, real-time temperature monitoring technology for temperature-sensitive products. “We wanted the name to capture the dynamic and continuous functionality of our labels,” said CEO Carlo Ricci. “Active” highlights continuous temperature tracking, while “Label” refers to the smart, non-electronic tags seamlessly integrated into packaging. Together, they ensure product safety and freshness throughout the supply chain, addressing concerns in industries like food and pharmaceuticals. Tackling Global Cold Chain Challenges Cold chain management inefficiencies result in the loss of about one-third of food produced for consumption, contributing to both economic losses and environmental impact. “Our innovative solution addresses these challenges by providing real-time temperature and time monitoring,” Carlo stated. Active Label’s patented technology ensures that products are stored and transported under optimal conditions, reducing waste, improving safety, and ensuring regulatory compliance. This applies to both the food and pharmaceutical industries, where temperature-sensitive medications also face storage issues. Research-Driven Innovation Active Label’s founding team consists of researchers from the University of Cagliari, united by their expertise in materials science and optical technology. “Our academic collaboration naturally led to the development of our smart label,” Carlo shared. With a strong partnership with the university, the team combines research with real-world applications to push the boundaries of temperature monitoring technology. This collaboration ensures the retention of intellectual property while leveraging valuable academic resources. Targeting Critical Industries Active Label’s smart temperature monitoring system targets industries where temperature control is essential. “Our primary audience includes food producers, pharmaceutical companies, logistics providers, and large retailers,” Carlo noted. The system ensures real-time, accurate data for temperature-sensitive products like dairy, seafood, medications, and vaccines. Additionally, insurance companies benefit from reliable data, which helps assess risks during storage and transportation, ultimately reducing costs and enhancing product integrity. Differentiating in a Competitive Market Around the Cold Supply Chain Active Label stands out in a market dominated by electronic temperature monitoring systems. “Our competitors, often use expensive electronic devices that offer limited data,” Carlo explained. Active Label’s patented system provides a cost-effective, non-electronic solution that monitors time and temperature, offering detailed product insights. It’s eco-friendly, scalable, and easily integrated into existing packaging for mass production. Poised for Expansion Since its 2023 launch, Active Label has rapidly grown through key partnerships and investments. Backed by Eureka! Venture SGR Spa and collaborate with industry leaders like Rovagnati and Smeralda, the company is conducting real-world testing of its technology. “These partnerships are crucial for commercial validation,” noted Carlo. Aiming for industrial validation by 2024 and commercial agreements, Active Label joined SIAL Startup Village to boost visibility, attract investors, and network with industry leaders. Focused on innovation and sustainability, they aim to revolutionize cold chain management for temperature-sensitive products.

B2B Rocks is celebrated as the 3rd largest SaaS event in the world and the 1st in mainland Europe. Held at Station F in Paris, this event connects over 1,600 attendees from 40+ countries, offering unparalleled opportunities for networking, learning, and growth in the SaaS industry.

Our list of the most exciting startup events and conferences to have on your radar in 2024. Whether you’re looking for GenAI or DeepTech, we’ve got you covered. We’ll be updating this list with new info so make sure to bookmark it & check back often!