The Upstate Capital Association of New York hosted its third annual event to highlight the food and agtech industry and innovation in Upstate New York. This event brought together members from established food and beverage companies, suppliers, investors and dealmakers together with entrepreneurs and startups. Check out the videos below!

Future of Food: Part 1

Exploring Venture Capital & M&A Investing with Constellation Brands
Blair Veenema, Vice President, Corporate Development at Constellation Brands
Marissa Wiley, Partner at Nixon Peabody

The Future of Beer: Evaluating the 2020 outlook for the craft beer industry in New York and across the US
Paul Leone, Executive Director, New York State Brewers Association

Future of Food: Part 2

Startup Showcase: Innovations and advancements in the food and agtech sectors

Future of Food: Part 3

Fragility of the Food Supply Chain during a Pandemic: a discussion on the disruptions in the food supply chain and highlight Natural Upcycling, LLC a company utilizing innovative solutions with food waste to create green energy.
Tim Moag, Managing Director, Freed Maxick

Growth Story: Leep Foods: Building a brand is about more than just a good logo. Leep Foods’ CEO Jeff Adair and 29 Design Studio’s Maureen Ballatori will talk about strategically marketing and scaling this Rochester, NY-based premium food and agriculture brand. Leep’s story from fresh mushroom production and sales to their latest innovation, blended meat products is the underdog story you don’t want to miss.
Maureen Ballatori, Founder & CEO, 29 Design Studio
Jeff Adair, CEO, Leep Foods

Failure & Success in Food: The Rise, Fall and Rise of Mr. Bing
Brian Goldberg, Founder & CEO, Mr. Bing
David Spungen, Regent Atlantic

Launching & Growing Foodnerd: Building a venture-backed breakfast company in Buffalo.
Sharon Cryan, Founder & CEO, Foodnerd – confirmed
Jack Greco, Executive Director, Techstars – confirmed

Leveraging Resources: how leveraging resources available at Cornell Agritech can give companies in Upstate New York a leg up on starting and growing in the region.
Bruce Rasa, CEO & Co-founder, AgVoice
Cathy Young, Executive Director, Center of Excellence for Food and Agriculture at Cornell AgriTech