FoodTech Pitch Lounge Brings Together Startups & Investors in First Dubai Event Dedicated To FoodTech/AgTech

Key Takeaways:

• First in-person pitch event in Dubai dedicated to FoodTech, AgTech, and Sustainability.
• Held on May 8, 2025, at MAKTABI, DWTC, with 3 startup pitches and 5 investor-advisor panelists.
• Startups included Frigo (smart vending), Plantaform™ (fogponics), and EcoEdge AI (green energy).
• 33 attendees, 40 registrants, and 100+ interested reflect growing demand in the UAE.
• Organized by Pitch Lounge, Foodpreneurs Collective, MAKTABI, and EIT Food with a focus on food security and early-stage support.

First-Ever Pitch Lounge Held in Dubai Focuses on Food Tech/AgTech/Sustainability

Dubai hosted its first dedicated in-person FoodTech/AgTech/Sustainability pitch event on May 8, 2025, at the MAKTABI Business Centre, with participation from founders, investors, and sustainability professionals across the region. The event was organized by Sascha Dutta (Foodpreneurs Collective), Jamal Maxey (Pitch Lounge), Sofia Pereira (MAKTABI), and José Francisco Fernández Serna (e-motionfoods & EIT Food).

The event builds on past efforts, including Gulfood Green 2024 and a Breakfast Pitch & Networking session with PepsiCo External Innovation in December 2024. According to Sascha Dutta, the strong turnout and engagement highlight the growing interest in food innovation in the UAE.

“There is a need for more support towards, and frequency of, events for early-stage startups here in UAE… as shown by the increasing interest and attendances at Foodpreneur Collective events and the growth of the community I’m building here,” said Sascha Dutta.

Pitching Startups

Three startups presented their solutions at the event:

• Frigo (NadEat) – Smart vending retail for the UAE market (Presenter: Ibrahima Diame, CEO).
• Plantaform™ – Fog-based indoor gardening platform (Presenter: Arvin Gulati, 28 Acres, on behalf of CEO Alberto Aguilar).
• EcoEdge AI – GreenTech AI startup for energy and sustainability optimization (Presenter: Samar Hasan).

Investor-Advisor Panel

The evening featured a high-level panel of advisors and investors with deep domain expertise:

• Edward Janes – Senior Consultant, Source Capital; Capital-Raising & Business Exit Specialist; Angel Investor.
• José Francisco Fernández Serna – MD, e-motionfoods; Expert, EIT Food; Board Member, Spanish Business Council (UAE); Council Member, World Agriculture Forum.
• Nadine Benchaffai – Partner, DeserTech Ventures; Co-Founder, Fab Food Co; Co-Chair, MELBA (Middle East LBS Business Angels); Angel Investor.
• Sinda Zak – VC Investor, Tau Capital; Specialist in FoodTech, TechBio, and NextGen Computing; Member, Global Women in VC; Former Entrepreneur.
• Thea-Isabella Otto – COO, Foundrise; Contributor, AgTech Media Group; Strategic Planner & AgriFood Consultant.

Event Metrics

The May 8th event achieved significant traction:

• 3 startups pitched
• 5 investor-advisor panelists
• 33 attended in person
• 40 registered
• 100+ expressed interest

Community Recognition

In addition to networking and pitching, the German Ice Cream Factory presented Pitch Lounge with a Sustainability Certificate, recognizing its support for environmentally responsible innovation.

“The creativity, passion, and innovation I witnessed reminded me just how dynamic and inspiring this industry truly is.” — Nura Nur, Founder, VabyNura

To pitch or participate in upcoming events, visit the website or email jamal@pitchlounge.net.