U.S. fund Siddhi Capital backs Israel’s Fresh Start foodtech incubator
The VC has made an estimated $9–$12 million commitment and is joining Tnuva, OurCrowd, and Tempo to help push Israeli foodtech into the global market.
In a move seen as a vote of confidence in Israel’s innovation economy amid wartime uncertainty, U.S. foodtech investment fund Siddhi Capital has joined the investor consortium behind Fresh Start, the government-backed foodtech incubator based in Kiryat Shmona.
Siddhi’s entry, involving an estimated $9–$12 million commitment in follow-on investments alongside existing partners and the Israel Innovation Authority, adds fresh capital and international reach to one of Israel’s most important foodtech programs. The fund replaces the outgoing partner Finistere Ventures, joining Tnuva, OurCrowd, and Tempo as part of the consortium.
Founded about five years ago, Fresh Start was designed to anchor Israel’s northern innovation ecosystem and help early-stage startups bridge science and commercialization in the global food industry. Since its launch, the incubator has supported 15 startups and facilitated over 135 million shekels in investments.
Among its portfolio companies are Blue Tree, which reduces sugar from natural beverages; Plantopia, which produces milk proteins from genetically modified plants; and Profuse, which develops cell-growth technologies for cultured meat.
The incubator’s activity has faced severe challenges since the outbreak of the Gaza war. Located near Israel’s northern border, Fresh Start, led by CEO Dganit Vered and CTO Dr. Tami Miron, has been operating from the country’s central region for the past year and a half, while evacuated companies continue their work from foodtech hubs across Israel.
The arrival of Siddhi Capital brings renewed international backing just as partners and the Israel Innovation Authority prepare to restore operations in the north.
Siddhi Capital manages roughly $250 million in assets and has invested in about 100 companies, including 50 foodtech startups across nine countries.
“We are proud to join Israel’s northern foodtech incubator,” said Steven Finn, Co-Founder and Co-Managing Partner of Siddhi Capital. “The fund will provide entrepreneurs not only with financial investment but also with comprehensive operational support, based on our experience working with hundreds of food and technology companies worldwide.”
