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In this episode, Linn-Cecilie’s journey and insights on impact investing in climate tech showcase the unique role venture capital can play in driving real change. By focusing on intentionality, collaboration, and value-driven goals, LUMO Labs is setting a new standard for sustainable investing across the Nordics and beyond.

Heading to MIF(Made in France) Expo next week, November 10-13th, Paris Porte de Versailles – and looking to dive straight into the trends defining the future of food & beverages? Streamline your visit with this curated list of must-see startups:  Food Plant-based alternatives Functional foods Spicy products Anti-waste Socially-engaged foods Low-glycemic index options Better-for-you spreads Drinks Pre- and probiotic drinks Botanical drinks Solid drinks Responsible wine If you’re interested in a more tailored startup itinerary focused on specific topics or sub-trends with additional startup recommendations, feel free to reach out! I’m actively sourcing startups and can quickly create a custom plan for you. Just contact me at sandra@sesamers.com. 

As a tech event media deeply rooted in the startup ecosystem, Sesamers stays on the pulse of events that drive the future of business innovation. This September, we were thrilled to organize the B2B Rocks World Pitch Contest as part of B2B Rocks 2024. The event that brought together startup founders, investors, and industry experts dedicated to advancing B2B innovation. Here, we’ll recap the highlights of the event and dig into why pitch competitions like this are essential for startups. What is B2B Rocks? B2B Rocks has been a go-to event for startups in the B2B space, offering a platform for founders and executives to exchange strategies, insights, and innovations to drive business growth. Held in Paris, the 2024 event maintained its reputation for high-quality networking and cutting-edge content from the heart of the B2B ecosystem. This year Sesamers were organizing the B2B Rocks World Pitch Contest, which saw a pool of talented startups compete for recognition, investor attention, and valuable feedback. Hosted on our platform, app.sesamers.com, we managed the communications, from attracting applications to selecting 10 finalists and preparing their pitches, with the event brought to life by our CEO, Ben Costantini. This contest wasn’t just a competition; it was a launchpad for startups looking to gain momentum in a competitive market. Highlights from B2B Rocks 2024 The event was packed with exciting sessions that covered everything from scaling customer acquisition to the future of enterprise tech. Here’s a breakdown of some of the key sessions. Mastering Growth Strategies A standout panel focused on growth strategies for B2B companies, highlighting the importance of data-driven decision-making, building effective sales funnels, and aligning marketing efforts. Top CEOs and CMOs from high-growth companies shared actionable tips on scaling without compromising product quality or customer experience. Tech Innovation in B2B SaaS One of the most anticipated sessions was on technological innovation within SaaS platforms. Industry leaders discussed how AI, automation, and advanced analytics transform how B2B companies serve their clients, offering personalized experiences at scale. The conversation also touched on product-market fit and how startups can accelerate innovation cycles in a competitive market. Investor Perspective: What B2B Startups Need to Succeed Investors took to the stage to provide their insights on what they look for when evaluating B2B startups. Among the top factors were strong market potential, a clear path to profitability, and visionary leadership. Investors emphasized that today’s funding landscape seeks sustainable growth and a solid business model over quick wins. Why Should Startups Join Pitch Competitions? In a rapidly evolving tech landscape, startup competitions like the one at B2B Rocks offer startups much more than just a stage. Why every ambitious startup should consider joining similar events? Key Takeaways for Startups Founders B2B Rocks 2024 left us with several crucial lessons for B2B startups looking to scale: Why Events Like B2B Rocks Matter for Startups At Sesamers, we believe that events like B2B Rocks are critical for fostering innovation and growth in the B2B tech ecosystem. The knowledge, connections, and inspiration from such gatherings help shape the next generation of market leaders. As a media platform, our mission is to provide our readers with up-to-date insights on the most impactful trends and breakthroughs in tech. B2B Rocks 2024 offered cutting-edge content and exemplified the collaborative spirit necessary for startups to succeed in today’s competitive landscape. Stay tuned to Sesamers Linkedin as we continue to bring you exclusive recaps, interviews, and insights from the tech events that matter most!

In this episode, Cecilie Skjong from Skyfall Ventures explores the Norwegian startup ecosystem, sharing her insights on early-stage investments, team dynamics, and the growing interest in Nordic tech innovation during Oslo Innovation Week.

This year’s World Summit AI (WSAI) not only set the stage for global thought leaders to discuss the most pertinent subjects in industry right now, but it also served as a marketplace of ideas where startups from around the globe showcased their technologies.

Returning to Amsterdam for its eighth edition, the World Summit AI opened this year with another awe-inspiring, eye-opening welcome video. Exciting music boomed across the hall as a variety of famous film clips addressing AI flashed across the large stage screens. The video culminated with a clip of Sam Altman delivering his now-iconic response to the potential dangers and threats posed by technology developed by OpenAI, a topic first addressed in February last year. The Spectacular Opening of World Summit AI 2024 “My worst fears are that we cause significant harm to the world […] and that could happen in a lot of different ways […] I think if this technology goes wrong, it could go quite wrong. But we try to be quite clear-eyed about what the downside case is and what the work is that we have to do to mitigate that.” — Sam Altman This blend of both wonder and alarm set the tone for the two-day event, where thought leaders from around the globe gathered to discuss industry developments in Generative AI. After a strong opening by Sarah Porter, founder of Inspired Minds, the headliner ‘Black Box’ stage featured talks from some of the most notable and relevant industry players today. Mark Heaps, Groq’s Chief Tech Evangelist and VP of Brand, spoke on the potential of LPUs (Language Processing Units), Darren Hardman, Microsoft’s Corporate VP of Enterprise & Industry, addressed business transformation in the AI era, and PepsiCo’s Executive VP of Strategy & Transformation, Dr. Athina Kanioura, shared her perspective on how robotics will transform the consumer packaged goods industry — just to name a few. Industry Leaders Share AI Innovations and Insights The event boasted a packed schedule, with multiple talks, panels, fireside chats, and workshops running in parallel. This year, participants could choose from over ten unique topic tracks across both days, tailoring their experience to the most relevant content. Tracks covered a wide range of subjects, from Humani-AI Convergence, exploring questions like what it means to be human in the age of AI and safeguarding fundamental human rights, to deep dives into Generative AI & LLMs, Money AI, Responsible AI & Governance, and Intelligent Health. Other key tracks, such as Economy, Employment & Equity, explored potential new economic models. On day two, the focus shifted to Accelerating AI Adoption, Deep Dive Tech Talks, Managing Cybersecurity, Privacy & Risk, and AI for Good. Key Tracks: Exploring AI’s Role Across Industries Two new tracks grabbed significant attention this year. The Mediaverse track explored maximizing gaming content relevancy through automation and how AI is bringing marketing to life by creating ‘sentient brands.’ Janina Lorenci, founder of MAIA Art Agency, addressed how AI is challenging our traditional notions of originality and the artist’s integrity. Lorenci, leaving the crows with her quote of “A paintbrush is not biased, AI is”, also hosted a stunning gallery exhibition promoting the collaboration between local Amsterdam creatives and AI tools. A key takeaway from this track was that while AI is pushing the boundaries of art and creativity, ethical considerations must guide its application in these areas. Additionally, the “Moonshot Mothership” track focused on AI and space exploration. Alicia Kavelaars, Co-Founder and CTO of OffWorld, delivered a keynote speech on AI and the new space age, inspiring the audience with a vision of how AI will turn science fiction into reality through its critical contribution to creating autonomous robotic workforces capable of working in extreme environments, such as underground mines or space, with minimal human intervention. Ethical AI and the Road to Global Regulation A clear message from this year’s World Summit AI was the growing emphasis on ethical AI and responsible development. Jeannette Gorzala, CEO & Founder of Act.AI.Now, stressed her concern that Europe’s attention towards the prevalent rise in cybercrime and malicious acts with AI has faded as the topic of the EU’s AI Act dragged on this year. Similarly, in a headline talk on the threats posed by AI by Section Chief in the Science & Technology branch of the FBI, Katie Noyes, an uncomfortable crowd sat, confronted, by the concerning rise in abusive and exploitative content created by genAI.  A related headliner panel on this topic, with experts across industry and academia, addressed the question of if a global consensus on AI regulation will ever be reached. The key takeaway was that while global AI regulation may be difficult to achieve in the short term, region-specific regulatory frameworks can be a stepping stone toward a broader consensus on AI safety. The first two days of World Summit AI 2024 showcased how deeply AI is influencing every facet of our lives. From transforming business models to redefining creative industries, the event highlighted that AI’s potential is vast, but so are the responsibilities that come with it. Whether through enhancing cybersecurity or pushing the limits of space exploration, AI is becoming the driving force behind human and organizational evolution. The challenge ahead is clear: businesses and leaders must embrace AI not only for automation but as a tool that amplifies human creativity and innovation. Core Takeaways from the Event What about the Startup Scene? As always, Sesamers had their eyes on all things startup at the event, especially in the Startups, Scaleups, & Unicorns track. The WSAI startup cohort doubled in size this year, moving to a larger, dedicated floor space with over 30 startups in attendance. The City of Amsterdam continued to impress, showcasing the creativity and quality of its startup scene. Startups pitching ranged across industries, from EdTech with Digital Bricks and GreenTech from Antfarm, to creative city planning from Playground City, and Swipework, a Gen Z-targeted job recruiting platform. Curious for more? Check out our article on the Amsterdam startup scene here.

In this episode, Björn Lapakko shares his experience navigating the startup ecosystem from the U.S. to the Nordics. He delves into his passion for building communities, the lessons learned from running tech conferences and startups, and his views on innovation and leadership in the ever-evolving world of tech.

A One-of-a-Kind Natural Vegan Sauce Versatil is not your ordinary condiment, it’s a 100% natural vegan sauce that brings flavor to almost any dish, from eggs to sushi. What makes Versatil stand out is its simplicity—no preservatives, no colorants, not even pasteurization. “Our sauce is completely natural and vegan-certified by ICA-RD,” explains the founder Sorin Butnariu. He has turned a family recipe into a promising international business. From a Family Recipe to a Global Ambition The story behind Versatil begins in the Sorin’s own kitchen. “We were preparing this sauce in the family for years, and I thought I should transform it into a worldwide business because of the extraordinary reaction of people who tasted it.” The decision to take this beloved family recipe and scale it into a global venture came naturally after seeing how people reacted to its unique taste. The product is versatile, fitting seamlessly into a variety of dishes, from burgers to sushi. A Sauce for Every Cuisine As the name suggests, Versatil is more than just a sauce — it’s an ingredient that enhances any meal. “Our product can be used with different foods like eggs, meat, cheese, or together with burgers, hot dogs, sushi, pasta. The sauce’s adaptability across cuisines makes it a must-have for anyone looking to add flavor without sacrificing health or quality. It’s a natural, healthier alternative to traditional sauces, giving consumers the flexibility to decide how they like it. A Bold Plan for Global Expansion With its unique product, Versatil is setting its sights on global expansion through a master franchise model. The founder explained, “I am looking for companies to start production of Versatil sauce in their own country under a master franchise agreement.” This business model is central to Versatil’s vision for growth, allowing local companies to produce and distribute the sauce while maintaining its natural and vegan qualities. By expanding in this way, Versatil aims to become a household name worldwide. Looking to the Future: A Taste Revolution 2024 is poised to be a big year for Versatil, with the company aiming to secure at least five master franchise agreements. “At least five Master Franchises started” is the goal, according to the founder, as they work toward building a global network. But more than anything, the driving force behind this growth is the enthusiasm for spreading their unique sauce to the world. SIAL Paris 2024 Wrap-Up: What You Missed! SIAL Paris 2024 just wrapped up yesterday, and if you couldn’t attend, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! Head over to our socials on Sesamers YouTube and LinkedIn to catch up on the recorded live streams. Don’t miss out on the future of foodtech!

Elevating Beverage Sweetening with Coconut-Based Innovation Coccola, created by SuiteFood, is changing how we sweeten our beverages with its unique coconut-based formula. Coccola’s coconut-based sweetener stands out from traditional options. It combines coconut water and milk powder to deliver essential electrolytes, magnesium, and potassium. This enhances not only the flavor of coffee and other drinks but also their nutritional value. “We wanted to offer more than just sweetness,” explains the founder Emmanuela Alesiani. “Coccola adds nutrients to your beverages, making it the first-ever nutrient-packed sweetener and beverage enhancer.” This product is more than just a sugar alternative — it’s a natural coconut-based sweetener that nourishes the body while offering a rich and delicious taste. The Italian Craftsmanship Behind Coccola And Coconut-Based Sweetener The name Coccola isn’t just about coconut-based sweetener; it’s also about bringing a sense of indulgence and comfort to consumers. Emmanuela explains, “We chose the name to evoke warmth and to reflect our Italian roots.” Coccola is crafted in Milan, combining Italian culinary traditions with a modern approach to nutrition. This fusion of authenticity and innovation has made Coccola’s coconut-based sweetener, a standout product in the growing market for healthy and natural sweeteners. The founder emphasizes, “It’s about creating a product that delights the taste buds and nourishes the body— without compromise.” A Health-Conscious Approach to Sweetening Health-conscious consumers are at the core of Coccola’s target audience. As wellness trends continue to grow, people are searching for alternatives that align with their health goals, whether it’s managing blood sugar, boosting energy, or maintaining a clean diet. “Our coconut-based sweetener isn’t just about cutting sugar,” Emmanuela shares, “It’s about adding something valuable to your coffee or drink — a source of nutrients that can support overall well-being.” Coccola’s unique formulation, which includes coconut-derived protein and natural antioxidants, turns every cup of coffee into a superfood. Its benefits extend beyond taste, offering health advantages like metabolism-boosting effects and improved hydration. Global Expansion and Strategic Partnerships for Coconut-Based Sweetener With an innovative product like Coccola, the path to growth is clear: expand globally through strategic partnerships. The founder shares their excitement about partnerships with Carrefour Italia, where Coccola will be featured both on shelves and in their café areas. “This is just the beginning,” they mention, “We are targeting international markets like France, Spain, and the UK, and we aim to expand our retail footprint.” The focus for 2024 includes closing a seed funding round of 1 million euros and establishing Coccola with its coconut-based sweetener as a leader in the European beverage market. This ambitious plan also involves scaling production and building a presence in the USA and Asia. Overcoming Challenges with Determination and Passion Starting a food tech company is no easy task, and the founder acknowledges the challenges they’ve faced along the way. “There were sleepless nights, rejections from investors, and market challenges,” they admit. But despite the hurdles, they never considered giving up. “We believe in Coccola and the positive impact it can have on people’s lives,” the founder adds. This passion drives them forward, eager to compete with established brands and even American startups in the same space. Their relentless determination to bring this Italian-crafted, coconut-based sweetener to the world is what keeps them going, day after day. SIAL F&B Exhibition Wrap-Up: A Celebration of Innovation The SIAL Paris 2024 just wrapped up, and we were truly amazed by the atmosphere, the inspiring pitches and speakers. If you missed the event, don’t worry — you can catch up on all the highlights, live streams, and wrap-ups on our socials! Check out our recorded sessions on Sesamers YouTube and LinkedIn to see what you missed, and experience the food tech industry’s future!

Founded in 2016 in London, Brite is emerging as the UK’s top natural nootropic drink. Combining science-backed nootropics with natural ingredients provides a healthier alternative to traditional energy drinks. The company boosts focus and productivity without the caffeine crashes or sugar spikes common in other drinks. Founder Simas Jarasunas, a professional swimmer, and co-founder Andrius Ratkevicius, a chemical engineer, initially aimed to enhance mental performance while avoiding the common jitters associated with energy drinks.” We wanted a product that supports focus sustainably,” says Jarasunas. Brite’s all-natural formula, free from sugar and artificial sweeteners, has become a favorite among professionals seeking clear-headed productivity. The Growing Market for Functional Drinks The functional beverage market is booming, driven by consumers’ growing preference for health-conscious products. The global energy drinks market is projected to reach $84 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 7%, with demand increasing for clean-label products and healthier alternatives to sugary, artificially flavored drinks. Brite taps into this trend, providing a natural solution for enhanced focus and productivity. “Our target audience is those looking for increased productivity without the downsides of caffeine,” says Jarasunas. Brite stands out in the crowded energy drink market by incorporating nootropics- compounds that improve cognitive function. Key Partnerships and Retail Expansion Brite’s drink is widely available in major UK retailers, including Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury’s, and Whole Foods Market. In addition to its UK presence, the company has successfully expanded internationally, securing partnerships with SuperValu in Ireland and Carrefour in Belgium, further broadening its reach across Europe. The company is now becoming the go-to energy drink in corporate environments. Companies like Meta, Google, and LinkedIn stock Brite for employees seeking a productivity boost during the workday. “Our partnerships with tech offices have been instrumental in our growth, as companies prioritize employee well-being,” notes Lukas Chrimlis, Brite’s Sales Project Manager. Innovative Ingredients for Mental Clarity At the core of Brite’s formula are natural nootropics, known for their ability to support cognitive function. Key ingredients include guayusa, matcha, and guarana, which provide a steady energy source without blood sugar spikes or anxiety. “These ingredients work together to sustain focus over extended periods, making Brite ideal for people with demanding schedules,” says Jarasunas. Brite’s commitment to quality and transparency has resonated with health-conscious consumers. “We want to offer a product that people can trust, knowing it’s made from the best natural ingredients,” adds Chrimlis. With no artificial additives or unnecessary fillers, Brite has carved out a niche as a clean-label functional drink that consumers can rely on for focus and energy. Looking Ahead: Goals for 2024 Brite has ambitious plans for 2024, focusing on leading the nootropic drink category across Europe. “We’ve made incredible strides in the UK, and we’re now expanding our reach throughout Europe,” says Chrimlis. With a growing number of retail and corporate partners, it is well-positioned to achieve its expansion goals. Jarasunas and Chrimlis are eager to explore new partnerships that will accelerate growth. “We’re always looking for great talent to join our team as we scale,” Chrimlis adds. With their sights set on expanding globally, the Brite team remains committed to helping people stay productive and focused without the negative side effects.

Edgee, an innovative platform specializing in open-source edge computing, recently secured $2.9 million in funding. This investment will help Edgee tackle modern data processing challenges and provide developers with powerful new tools to build fast and scalable applications. Edge Computing Moves Data Processing Closer to the User Edgee is built around edge computing, a method that moves data processing to the “edge” of the network, closer to the end-user. This reduces latency and boosts performance, making applications run faster. As co-founder Sacha Morard explains, “We’re offering developers a full suite of edge services, from AI to cybersecurity, in an open ecosystem designed for speed and scalability.” By allowing developers to process data closer to the source, Edgee is surely revolutionizing the traditional approach to data handling. Tackling the Data Collection Dilemma: “The Big Lie” One of the main problems Edgee addresses is what the team calls “The Big Lie.” Traditional data collection methods lose 25% of users and 30% of data volume due to ad blockers, privacy regulations, and performance issues. Edgee’s solution brings data processing to the edge of the network, ensuring complete and reliable data collection. “Our platform guarantees that companies collect all the data they need, while maintaining performance and complying with user consent laws,” says Gilles Raymond, co-founder of Edgee. Open Source Edge Computing Solutions for Developers At its core, Edgee provides developers with an even more revolutionary way to collect data using open-source technology. Their platform offers customizable WebAssembly components, which developers can modify to suit their specific project needs. “We’re lowering the barrier to entry for developers,” says Sacha, “allowing them to build faster, more responsive applications without compromising on performance or compliance.” With a focus on flexibility, the open-source nature of Edgee empowers developers to innovate more freely. Serverless Architecture for Seamless Integration Edgee also features a serverless architecture that simplifies deployment, making it easier for companies to adopt and scale their platform. By offering a serverless option, Edgee ensures that businesses can quickly implement their solutions without extensive infrastructure needs. This approach allows companies to focus on innovation rather than on managing complex servers. Future of Open Source Edge Computing With the $2.9 million in funding, Edgee is undoubtedly well-positioned to expand its platform and continue innovating in edge computing. The company plans to grow its suite of services, including AI-driven analytics and cybersecurity tools, all powered by its open-source ecosystem. “This is just the beginning,” also says Sacha. “We’re committed to building a transparent, collaborative ecosystem that drives innovation in edge computing and beyond.” Edgee is not only providing developers with the tools they need to solve today’s data challenges but is also setting the stage for the future of edge computing. With its focus on performance, privacy, and scalability, Edgee is poised to become a key player in the tech landscape.

An Overview of FoodTech Innovations and Industry Insights NutrEvent 2024 brought together industry leaders, researchers, and innovative startups to explore the latest advancements in nutrition and food technology. Sesamers attended the event to gather critical insights and trends shaping the sector to share NutrEvent 2024 recap. This year’s edition showcased a dynamic atmosphere filled with expert knowledge and collaboration among participants focused on addressing current challenges and exploring future opportunities. Key Insights from FoodTech Startup Pitches at NutrEvent 2024 Key Trends and Topics Covered The startup pitch sessions highlighted several emerging trends that are influencing the industry:  Regarding the development stage of these startups, most of them were focused on finalizing regulatory aspects while actively seeking funding between €1 million and €2 million, as well as partners for application development. Promising FoodTech Startups That Caught Our Attention Among the innovative startups that presented their solutions, four particularly caught our attention: Top Investor Questions for FoodTech Entrepreneurs in 2024 During the pitch sessions, several questions frequently arise, highlighting key requirements and evaluation criteria for entrepreneurs. These included:  Major Challenges Facing the FoodTech Industry Throughout the conferences we attended at NutrEvent 2024, key challenges were highlighted. Below are the most significant issues discussed. Investment Landscape in FoodTech The food tech sector is currently experiencing significant challenges in securing investments, particularly for seed funding. B2B companies are attracting the majority of investments, while B2C startups find it increasingly difficult to penetrate the market. Disillusionment with Alternative Proteins There has been noticeable disappointment around alternative proteins, driven by high costs and unmet consumer expectations regarding taste. This has led to a decline in investments and growing skepticism within the sector. Investors expressed frustration, particularly with the slow pace of progress in fields like cellular agriculture, which may take up to 20 years to mature—far too long for funds looking to see returns within a 5-year window. The Shift to Nutrient-Dense Solutions In the current investment climate, venture capitalists are prioritizing solutions that promise mid-term profitability and align with evolving consumer demands. While alternative proteins that pass the critical taste test still hold some appeal, the real opportunity lies in delivering affordable, nutrient-dense food options for the mass market. Investors are keen to see startups innovate in this space to regain confidence and stimulate growth in the industry. Regulatory Aspects Navigating the regulatory landscape for novel foods poses significant challenges, particularly in entering the European market. Startups often seek alternative markets, such as the U.S. or GCC, to mitigate these hurdles. Consumer Acceptance Consumer acceptance poses a considerable challenge in the food tech landscape. Many meat protein alternatives that hit the market have fallen short of expectations, particularly in terms of taste. This underscores a critical point: some companies may neglect to prioritize flavor in their product development, which can significantly impact market uptake. Moreover, the perception of ultra-processed foods complicates matters. Many new protein alternatives are processed but viewed unfavorably by consumers who associate processed foods with being unhealthy. The industry must educate consumers on the nutritional benefits of these products, with clear labeling essential for fostering understanding and trust in their health implications. Explore the upcoming tech events and gain valuable insights from the forefront of technology and innovation. Don’t miss out on your chance to be part of the future of tech — there’s always something exciting happening!