Key Takeaways:
- Pitch Lounge-led in-person pitch event in the UAE focused on 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).
- 38 attendees, 40 registrants, and over 100 expressions of interest reflect growing demand in the UAE.
- Organized by Pitch Lounge, Foodpreneurs Collective, MAKTABI, and e-motionfoods with a focus on food security and early-stage ecosystem support.
Pitch Lounge Hosts FoodTech/AgTech/Sustainability Pitch Event
On May 8, 2025, Pitch Lounge hosted an in-person pitch event in the UAE exclusively focused on FoodTech, AgTech, and Sustainability. Held at the MAKTABI Business Centre in Dubai, the event brought together founders, investors, and industry professionals to spotlight early-stage innovation across the food value chain.
The event was organized by Sascha Dutta (Foodpreneurs Collective), Jamal Maxey (Pitch Lounge), Sofia Pereira (MAKTABI), and José Francisco Fernández Serna (e-motionfoods).
Building on previous community-focused initiatives such as Gulfood Green 2024 and a pitch session with PepsiCo External Innovation in December 2024, the May 8 event marked a milestone in the UAE’s growing ecosystem of food innovation.
“There is a clear need for more frequent and targeted support for early-stage startups in the UAE, as shown by the increasing engagement at our Foodpreneurs Collective events and the community we’re building here,” said Sascha Dutta.
Pitching Startups
Three startups were selected to pitch their innovations:
- Frigo (NadEat) – Smart vending retail tailored to the UAE market (Presenter: Ibrahima Diame, CEO).
- Plantaform™ – Fog-based indoor gardening system using fogponics (Presenter: Arvin Gulati, 28 Acres, on behalf of CEO Alberto Aguilar).
- EcoEdge AI – AI-powered green energy optimization platform (Presenter: Samar Hasan).
Investor-Advisor Panel at Pitch Lounge
The evening featured a high-level panel of advisors and investors with a diverse range of expertise:
- Edward Janes – Senior Consultant, Source Capital; Capital-Raising & Business Exit Specialist; Angel Investor.
- José Francisco Fernández Serna – MD, e-motionfoods; Expert; 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.
- Thea-Isabella Otto – COO, Foundrise; Contributor, AgTech Media Group; Strategic Planner & AgriFood Consultant; Founder Women in CEA.
Event Metrics
The event received strong traction and interest:
- 3 startup pitches
- 5 investor-advisor panelists
- 38 attendees (including organizers and venue hosts)
- 40 registered participants
- Over 100 additional expressions of interest
Community Recognition
During the networking segment, Pitch Lounge received a Sustainability Certificate from the German Ice Cream Factory, recognizing its support for environmentally conscious innovation.
“The creativity, passion, and innovation I witnessed reminded me just how dynamic and inspiring this industry truly is,” shared Nura Nur, Founder of VabyNura.
To pitch or participate in upcoming events, visit the Pitch Lounge website or email jamal@pitchlounge.net.
