Blog Archives

A Look at Austin's Composters & Compost Policies

9/29/2015

KUT recently aired an interesting segment about the state of composting in Austin, at both the private and public levels. The federal government has set a goal of a 50 percent reduction in food waste by 2030...

Travel + Leisure Raves about Austin's Food Scene

9/23/2015

It's no secret that the unique style and swagger of Austin's restaurant scene has been gaining the attention of foodies on the national level. And now, the venerable Travel + Leisure has has declared ATX as "America's Next Great Food Town." Click here to read more.

Alan Kapuler on GMO's

9/22/2015

Click here for an interesting video interview with molecular biologist and organic farmer Alan Kapuler, as he discusses his views on GMOs - genetically modified organisms.

Why 85% of New CPG Products Fail Within 2 Years

9/21/2015

Food Navigator reported that even the "big guns" that release new packaged foods don't often have a winning formula for long-term success. It seems the secret lies in starting small and tapping into new consumer trends.

Beetnik-Dewberry Deal a Model for Tech-Ag Ventures

9/9/2015

Addie Broyles writes in today's Austin Statesman how David Perkins of Beatnik Foods invested in local chicken producer Dewberry Farms, to both's benefit. Excellent example of what we hope to accomplish at AFI. Congrats David Perkins and Jane & Terry Levan!

Perdue Buys Niman Ranch, Expands Specialty Meat Business

9/8/2015

You know an trend - in this case sustainably and humanely raised market animals - is hitting its stride when major "traditional" players start buying in via acquisition. Yesterday Perdue, a major family-owned poultry company, announced it had purchased Niman Ranch.

The Local Economy Solution

9/7/2015

Economist Michael Shuman's third book on local economies focuses on "polinators": organizations such as AFI that pursue regional economic development functions. Kirkus reviews the book, which starts with a critique of mainstream economic development.

Click the image to order from BookPeople.

No Unicorns in Central Texas

9/2/2015

A "unicorn" is venture capital slang for a company with a valuation of at least $1B. Conventional wisdom says that one "unicorn" can "make" a fund, or a VC's reputation. One can argue that the majority of the VC industry is built around searching for, and swinging for the fences in hope of, that unicorn.

Case Study: Hops & Grain

9/1/2015

At Hops & Grain Craft Brewery they love to make beer and they love the beer they make. They live one day at a time, live with a passion for their craft and a passion for sustainability. Basically, they are living the dream.

FI Newsletter: September 2015

9/1/2015

Intake Meeting and Intro to Fundraising ~ Greenlights Mission Driven ~ Food Policy Board ~ Slow Money Harvest Weekend ~ Food Innovation in Austin ~ Slow Money Hoppy Hour ~ Social Capital Markets ~ Central Texas Angel Network ~ Angel Insights Exchange ~ AFI Dealflow Update Foodshed Investors Newsletter September 2015

Categories

Archives