Plant-Based
Investor Summit
Join us at the upcoming Natural Products Expo West this March in Anaheim, CA for a groundbreaking event. The 4th Annual Plant-based Investor Summit, where innovation meets investment in the plant-based food, nutraceuticals, health & beauty, ingredient, and fashion industries.
Proudly hosted by: PlantBased Solutions – Daniel Karsevar CEO, in collaboration with VEGPRENEUR – Noah Hyams CEO and STEP Strategy Advisors – Sharona Justman Founding Managing Director.
Friday, March 15th
7:30 – 10:00 AM
- 7:30 AM: Investor Networking Breakfast
- 8:00 AM: Introductions & Investor Discussions
- 8:30 AM: VEGPRENEUR's Pitch For The Planet
- 9:30 AM: Awards + Networking
LOCATION: Sheraton Park Hotel, Anaheim Resort, 1855 S. Harbor Blvd. (5 min walk from Convention Center)
Limited seating available, first come-first serve.
A Unique Platform
This event promises a unique platform that includes an Investor Networking Breakfast followed by a Discussion on How to Present Your Financial Picture to Capture Investment Interest with pitch judges and this year will be highlighted by VEGPRENEUR’s “Pitch For The Planet” event, where a select group of six (6) plant-based founders will have the opportunity to pitch their brands to selected mission-driven investors and showcase their potential.
There will be an exciting judging panel of investors to ask follow up questions and provide greater insight into investor thinking. An Investor & Group Award will be presented to the winners.
VEGPRENEUR's Pitch for the Planet
What You Can Expect
- Apply below to present your plant-based plan
- Network with investors and your peers
- Showcase your brand, experience investor feedback
- Learn and gain invaluable knowledge to polish presentation
DEADLINE March 5, 2024
6 Finalists to be announced on March 7, 2024.
Presenting & Supporting
In a rapidly changing marketing ecosystem, you should learn from the best. Noah, Daniel and Sharona have proven track records.
Daniel Karsevar
CEO, PlantBased Solutions
Daniel Karsevar is a Problem Solver. He is a trained Executive Chef, restauranteur, serial entrepreneur, business consultant and product development expert. Daniel’s focus is on solving operational problems and he has worked with some of the largest co-packers in the country to enable his clients to scale to big box retail volume. He has launched brands at Natural Products Expo East & West and most recently, his work received both a NEXTY Award and nomination.
Noah Hyams
Founder, VEGPRENEUR
Noah Hyams is a serial entrepreneur who started VEGPRENEUR in late 2018 to support entrepreneurs and investors building sustainable, plant-based businesses. He is passionate about entrepreneurship and sustainability. Through VEGPRENEUR, Noah has interviewed and brought together leading founders, investors, and thought-leaders in the plant-based space to build a global community of innovators.
Sharona Justman
Founding Managing Director, STEP Strategy Advisors
Sharona specializes in developing the strategic direction for a company advising senior management to achieve revenue goals and expand market position. A results orientation supports facilitating key business growth and business development activities based on a clear plan of action to achieve measurable successes with an impact on company value so that bringing together strategic partners has a clear agenda to support new ventures and acquisitions.
We are thrilled to announce Lunar Solar Group as the lead sponsor for our Plant-Based Investor Summit at Expo West.
Lunar Solar Group stands as a beacon of innovation in e-commerce and digital marketing, driving transformative growth for their clients in both online and retail arenas. Recognized globally as a growth consultancy, technology studio, and full-service digital marketing agency, they have carved a niche in elevating Consumer Packaged Goods brands, particularly within the “Better for You” Food & Beverage sector.
Our Event Judges
Having a panel of investor judges with expertise in the CPG and natural products marketspace, and venture capital is invaluable for assessing the VEGPRENEUR Pitch for the Planet Summit. These professionals bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of the participating companies and their potential for success in the plant-based sector.
James Joaquin
Co-founder & Managing Director, Obvious Ventures
James works with creative founders to define new consumer categories across food, consumer goods, and modern work. He leads Obvious’ investments with a plant-forward approach to food like Beyond Meat (IPO) and Miyoko’s Creamery, “good for you goods” consumer visionaries like Olly (acquired by Unilever) and Welly, and companies at the forefront of how we find and do our best work with Incredible Health and Gusto. James has been working in venture capital since 2007, and has invested in a wide range of mission-driven startups including Plum Organics (acquired by Campbell’s Soup), TenMarks Education (acquired by Amazon), Opower (IPO), and Seventh Generation (acquired by Unilever).
Jennifer Stojkovic
General Partner, Joyful Ventures
Jennifer is the founder of the Vegan Women Summit (VWS), a media and events platform of over 60,000 women founders, investors, and advocates. She is the author of the bestselling book The Future of Food is Female, the world’s first book focused on women in alternative protein. Jennifer is an Independent Director of Natural Order Acquisition Co, a publicly-traded company focused on sustainable protein. She built her career under Ron Conway, Founder of SV Angel. Jennifer worked as the industry’s leading lobbyist for the world’s largest tech companies, including Google, Microsoft, and Meta.
Shen Tong
Managing Partner, FoodFutureCo
Shen Tong, a seasoned entrepreneur and influential impact investor, boasts a portfolio of over fifty investments spanning food, media, and various high-tech ventures. As the founder and Managing Partner of FoodFutureCo, he spearheads a pioneering food business accelerator and impact investment fund, targeting scale-up stage disruptions in food and agriculture. In 2014, he established FOOD-X, solidifying his commitment to fostering innovation in the food industry. Beyond his entrepreneurial pursuits, Shen is a dedicated social activist, avid film enthusiast, gastronome, intrepid explorer, and wordsmith. His shared insights at the TEDx Manhattan stage, where he's addressed crucial topics such as food and beverage, agriculture, personal well-being, and climate action.
Interested in Being a Sponsor?
Plant-Based Brand Sponsorship for Gift Bag Opportunities
Are you a plant-based brand looking to increase your visibility and reach a wider audience? We offer sponsorship opportunities for inclusion in our exclusive gift bags. Showcase your products to our audience and gain valuable exposure.
What We Offer:
– Inclusion of your products in our gift bags distributed at events, conferences, or other promotional activities.
– Exposure to our engaged audience who are interested in plant-based products.
– Opportunity to connect with potential customers and build brand awareness.
Commitment:
To participate, brands are required to commit 125 samples or coupons. If your products require refrigeration or freezing, please provide coupons.
Cost:
There is a sponsorship fee of $250 per brand.
Want to be a sponsor?
Click on the SPONSOR link below.
Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your plant-based products to a targeted audience and grow your brand presence!
- Focused recognition at the event
- Be seen by brands with a solid direction
- Stand out in smaller venue at Expo West
