The aim of the Morning Talks series of interviews is to present the impact of Dealflow.eu partnerships on the EU innovation and investment ecosystem.
For this article, we met with Nora Alonso, a seasoned entrepreneur and executive with over 20 years of experience in agribusiness and biotech, specialising in company structuring, fundraising, and international partnerships, and currently serving as a partner at DnA Advisory Services and General Partner at Swanlaab Agrifood-Tech Fund.
Nora teamed up with Dealflow.eu as a jury member in our e-pitching event dedicated to University Spin-offs, held in September 2024.
Can you describe your role in your organisation and tell us a bit about your background?
I am an experienced entrepreneur, CEO and Adviser with over 20 years in executive, management, and business development within the agribusiness and biotech sectors. I co-founded Iden Biotechnology, where I served as CEO and board member, leading the development of biological products with bio-stimulant or biocontrol activity. Through these years, I honed my expertise in company structuring, fundraising, and international partnerships. I am partner of DnA Advisory Services, providing strategic guidance to companies in agrifood and biotech and General Partner at Swanlaab Agrifood-Tech Fund, investing and supporting the growth of start-ups in the agrifood area. My background in scientific research, combined with a strategic focus on business growth, enables me to bridge science and entrepreneurship, empowering teams and fostering innovation.
What is unique about the company and what is the ambition behind it?
Swanlaab stands out for its ambition to become a leading venture capital fund in the AgriFoodTech sector. Our expertise, fund size, and access to a robust deal flow, position us uniquely to drive meaningful impact within this industry. Beyond financial investment, Swanlaab is committed to transforming the AgriFoodTech space by actively supporting startups in scaling innovative solutions, growing strong teams to achieve sustainable growth and navigating complex regulatory landscapes. Our goal is to be a transformative force in the sector, leveraging our experience and resources to empower companies that address the critical challenges in agriculture and food technology.
What key areas/markets are you currently looking into, and which funding stages do you aim for?
Our investment focus encompasses the entire AgriFoodTech value chain, including primary production, food processing, and logistics and distribution. In primary production, we are interested in technologies that drive innovation in inputs, agricultural practices (including digitalisation), and crop systems. Within food processing, our focus includes new ingredients, product innovations, and enhanced production processes. Lastly, in logistics and distribution, we aim to support advancements in packaging, quality and safety processes, and automation. Additionally, we seek opportunities in cross-cutting areas such as waste reduction and management across the value chain and water management.
Swanlaab AgriFood Tech Fund invests in early-stage companies, from pre-seed and seed stages through to Series A. Our approach is to accompany startups from the proof-of-concept phase through validation, market entry, and growth. By providing both financial and strategic support, through our venture factory approach, we aim to bridge critical funding gaps and help startups achieve sustainable growth and international competitiveness.
What are the main challenges you face when looking to invest in EU startups or scaleups?
EU startups, particularly in AgriFoodTech, face significant challenges that Swanlaab aims to address.
One of the primary issues is access to sufficient funding, as there are few funds in Europe that are entirely focused on the AgriFoodTech sector. Additionally, many startups lack the industry and market access to scale their solutions effectively focused to provide solutions to the market needs. Structural challenges also arise, as many startups begin as small companies with limited business development teams. Moreover, for some companies, aligning innovative products with existing regulatory frameworks remains a complex barrier, often slowing the path to market.
This makes Swanlaab AgriFoodTech key player for driving innovation and supporting growth in this field. Through our Venture Factory approach, we work closely with startups to build robust companies, supporting them not only financially but also with strategic guidance to help them become sustainable and competitive players on a global scale.
As an investor, what strengths and skills do you look for in companies when assessing a potential investment?
When evaluating potential investments, we look for companies with strong leadership and a well-structured team ready to scale. We prioritise startups that bring disruptive innovations with the potential to deliver significant value to the AgriFoodTech sector. Specifically, we seek innovations that address one or more of the following objectives: improving productivity, enhancing environmental sustainability, advancing economic viability, and supporting rural development. These goals are essential to create long-term, meaningful impact. Additionally, we value transparency, a commitment to measurable outcomes, and the capacity for international expansion.
Can you think of important investment achievements for you, so far? Is there a success story that you can share with us?
We are currently in the process of finalising our first two investments, which we expect to complete by the end of the year. The first investment focuses on innovative ingredients and production systems, aiming to bring new value to food industry. The second is in the area of animal farming, targeting advancements that can enhance efficiency and sustainability within the sector. These initial investments represent an exciting start for Swanlaab AgriFoodTech, reflecting our commitment to supporting disruptive technologies with high potential to impact the AgriFoodTech landscape.
Do you find it easy to bring EU-funded startups or scaleups into your ecosystem?
Yes, we have strong access to target companies through multiple channels, thanks to our active presence in the innovation ecosystem. Swanlaab collaborates with key stakeholders, such as universities, technology centres, and accelerators, including partnerships with organisations like EIT Food at both national and European levels. We also participate in industry events, which enhances our visibility and enables us to connect with high-potential startups. Additionally, many companies approach us directly, recognising Swanlaab as a valuable partner for growth and sector-specific expertise.
What efforts do you make to fill the gap between European companies and private investment (Private Equity, VC funds, infrastructure sectors, etc.)?
Our approach involves not only providing capital but also acting as a strategic partner. We leverage our extensive network within the innovation and industrial ecosystems to connect startups with industry players. By fostering these connections, we enable startups to better understand and respond to market demands, thus enhancing their success.
What motivated you to join forces with Dealflow.eu in search of an investment match?
Partnering with Dealflow.eu allows us to access a high-potential startups deal flow across Europe. This collaboration enhances our ability to identify unique investment opportunities that align with our mission of supporting technology-driven solutions in sectors such as AgriFoodTech, thereby contributing to the growth and resilience of the European agrifood sector.
Dealflow.eu is all about supporting innovation and providing a unique matchmaking platform. Can you tell us how you have leveraged from it and its high-potential portfolio to increase visibility and scaling-up opportunities?
In a sector with limited funding opportunities, it is crucial for AgriFoodTech companies to be aware of initiatives like Swanlaab that provide not only financial, but also highly specialised support. Dealflow.eu helps us reach a broader audience, particularly among startups and scaleups that may not have extensive access to dedicated funding resources. Through Dealflow.eu’s platform, we are able to increase our visibility within the AgriFoodTech community, making it easier for high-potential companies to connect with Swanlaab and gain the support they need for scaling and growth.
What are syndicate leads lacking in Europe?
In Europe there is a need for more experienced syndicate leads in the AgriFoodTech sector, who not only bring capital but also provide strategic insights and networks that help companies growth and consolidation in this sector. Swanlaab addresses these needs directly, leveraging the extensive expertise of its management team to support companies with funding, but also understanding the technologies, the sector and how to bridge the connections between them.
What do you see as the main advantages of companies that have been funded by the EU?
EU-funded companies benefit from a strong foundation of credibility and initial capital, which allows them to develop innovative solutions minimising financial risk for private investors, attracting additional capital and therefore providing these companies with greater access to financing opportunities. Additionally, EU-funded projects receive exposure and visibility across the sector, further increasing their reach and potential for partnership.
This combination of credibility, funding access, and visibility offers EU-backed companies a significant advantage in scaling and securing private investment.
Article published by EurA AG.
Read also our last Morning Talks with Orily Pratt: Guiding innovators on their journey to success
More about Dealflow.eu
Supported by the European Commission, Dealflow.eu discovers and supports the most promising EU-funded innovators and connects them with relevant investors and corporates. The initiative was launched to help groundbreaking innovations secure the funding needed for their future commercialisation by offering them tailored support and matchmaking services.
To learn more about Dealflow.eu, visit https://dealflow.eu/
Disclaimer: Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
