Astanor

This Friday, March 14th, Pavlos Kalaitzoglou, Scientist in Residence at Astanor, will be a jury member at the 2025 MIT Climate and Energy Prize International Semi-Final in Munich! ?? The event brings together the brightest minds in climate tech, featuring groundbreaking university innovations, startup pitches, and inspiring discussions with entrepreneurs, investors, corporate leaders, and researchers. Pavlos will be joined on the jury by: - Ellen Smeele, Investment Manager, SET Ventures - @Shahnaz Khan, Associate, 2150 - Lars Eiermann, Chief Sustainability Officer & MD, TUM Venture Labs - Claudia Doblinger, Associate Professor, Technical University of Munich Don't miss this opportunity to connect with the future of climate innovation! ?? Online tickets are still available: https://lnkd.in/etpbwQQU

?? Join us at Hello Tomorrow for a deep dive into The Future of Sustainable Farming! We’re excited to share that Laetitia de Panafieu, Investment Principal at Astanor, will be speaking on a panel discussion at Hello Tomorrow this Friday, March 14th, from 3:45 PM to 4:30 PM. She’ll be joined by an incredible lineup of experts: - Guy Coleman (University of Copenhagen (K?benhavns Universitet)) - Eva Van Hende (Biotalys) - Christine R Gould (Thought For Food) Together, they’ll explore the innovations shaping the future of agriculture—from cutting-edge biotech to regenerative practices and investment strategies driving real impact. If you’re passionate about building a more sustainable food system, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss! See you there ??

Once again this year, Astanor dedicated an evening to supporting people in need in Brussels through Operation Thermos Operatie A.S.B.L. This Tuesday, our Brussels team cooked and served 160 meals at Botanique metro station.It was a powerful reminder of the importance of solidarity—and a fantastic team-building experience that blends purpose with action. A huge thank you to Operation Thermos Operatie A.S.B.L. for this meaningful opportunity! If you’d like to support their work, don’t hesitate to visit their website and get involved. https://lnkd.in/eQQ2WrK ?? ??We’re always looking for impactful causes to support in agrifood and beyond—if you know of a nonprofit we could collaborate with, let us know!

Astanor in San Francisco! ?? Next week, Astanor will be in San Francisco for two of the most impactful gatherings in agrifood innovation: ?? World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit – March 11-12 ?? Future Food-Tech – March 13-14 As Silver Sponsors for both events, we’re excited to support the global conversation on sustainable food and agtech solutions. Our incredible team will be on the ground, ready to connect: Christina Ulardic, Partner George Powlick, Partner Harry Briggs, Partner Peter Eckes, Operational Partner Thomas Nagy, Operational Partner Valerie Christy, Investment Associate A special highlight: Christina Ulardic will be moderating a must-attend session at Future Food-Tech on Friday, March 14 from 11:55 AM – 12:30 PM: ?? "Mapping the Microbiome to Unlock Health Benefits Across Life Stages" ?? Featuring expert speakers: Sam Schatz, CEO, Biohm Technologies Gerardo V. Toledo, CEO & Co-Founder, Solarea Bio Sabina Bruehlmann, CEO, Nimble Science Join us for an inspiring week of discussions, collaborations, and game-changing innovations in food-tech, sustainability, and health. ?? Don’t hesitate to reach out or pass by room Pacific H—we’d love to connect!

Exciting News! ?? ? Laetitia de Panafieu, Investment Principal at Astanor, will be speaking at Tech Tour Growth50 Europe 2025 in Paris on March 4th! ??? ? She’ll be joining an insightful Workshop on Earth from 12:00 to 1:15 PM, alongside leading experts shaping the future of sustainability and innovation: ? ?? Dominique Mégret (CEO, Ecorobotix) ?? Ollie Cohen (VP Strategy, Meatable) ?? Isabelle Laurencin (Venture Partner, European Circular Bioeconomy Fund (ECBF)) ?? Jennifer McCloskey (Investment Director, Swisscom Ventures) ?? Karl D Collins (Director & Senior Program Lead, LifeHub Monheim Bayer) ?? Tuomas Mustonen (Co-founder & CEO, Paptic Ltd) ?? Matteo Vanotti (CEO, xFarm Technologies) ?? Boris Dorin (Partner, First Imagine! Ventures) ? This session will dive into key innovations driving a more sustainable future—don’t miss it! ?? If you're attending #TechTourGrowth50, be sure to join the conversation and connect with Laetitia. See you there! ?? Registration and agenda: https://lnkd.in/d7FtysiF

?? Europe's 120 VC Partners Investing in ClimateTech to Know After years of trailing behind the US in ClimateTech funding, Europe took the lead in 2024, securing?$38.8 billion?— a 45% year-over-year increase. But beyond the numbers, a deeper shift is underway. Investors aren’t just chasing sustainability—they’re betting on European startups for their economic edge, world-class talent, and game-changing innovations that deliver real impact. With a maturing market, world-class talent, and a growing focus on cost-cutting innovations, Europe’s Climate Tech sector is entering a new era. So who are the VC Partners to Know? Here's a pan-Europe snapshot: ???? Romain Diaz @ Satgana ???? Kevin Bone @ Lightrock ???? Bodil Sidén @ Kost Capital ????Christina Ulardic @ Astanor ???? Talia Rafaeli @ KOMPAS VC ???? Janneke Bik @ SHIFT Invest ???? Daria Saharova @ World Fund ???? Lucrezia Lucotti @ 360 Capital ???? Sandra Malmberg @ EQT Ventures ???? Lauri Reuter @ Nordic Foodtech VC ???? Kristin Aamodt @ ArcTern Ventures ???? Andrew Gray @ Tilia Impact Ventures ???? Rokas P. @ Contrarian Ventures ???? Andreas Schwarzenbrunner @ Speedinvest Check out this go-to list on European VC Funds (1 Partner per VC so make sure to get to know the rest of the fund!) https://lnkd.in/e22ciGVx

Delighted and flattered to have been selected as part of the Institut Choiseul 'Finance de demain?2025' group of young French leaders in Finance. This is a recognition of what we do at Astanor, financing sustainable and regenerative solutions to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. Now more than ever, it’s time to accelerate! #ChoiseulFinanceDeDemain

?? This is where meat processors, plant-based pioneers, regenerative farmers, precision fermentation startups, and food industry giants all pushing for the same thing! This is important. 80+ organizations from across the food system have come together to call for one clear, forward-looking solution: sustainable protein diversification. Why? Because for too long, the debate on food and protein has been stuck in false choices. But this coalition proves there’s another way forward. By embracing diversification, we can break the gridlock of polarization. This will benefit farmers, create resilient food systems, and make Europe a leader in sustainable food production. ?? AND THE TIME TO ACT IS NOW. The European Commission is currently writing its Food & Agriculture Vision—a roadmap that will set priorities for the next five years. Sustainable protein diversification should be included to ensure we create a food system that works for all. That’s why this broad and diverse coalition is stepping up to say: ?? @ Commissioner Hanssen: Make sustainable protein diversification a priority of your mandate Because when we get this right, the benefits are enormous: ? For farmers – New revenue streams, stronger businesses, and more resilient rural communities ? For food security – Reducing dependence on imported protein and strengthening Europe’s supply chains ? For public health – A more balanced, nutritious, and accessible food environment ? For the planet – Lower emissions, healthier soils, and a food system that regenerates rather than depletes This is a moment of opportunity. A moment for solutions, not polarization. ?? Read the position paper—link in the comments. #FutureOfFood #ProteinDiversification #EUAgri #BeyondPolarisation

Astanor's Investment Principal, Arnout Dijkhuizen, will be joining the conversation at EARA | European Alliance for Regenerative Agriculture’s Week in Brussels! As we work toward a more resilient and regenerative agrifood system, these events are crucial for bringing together pioneering farmers, investors, and thought leaders to drive meaningful change. Proud to support this initiative alongside a strong network of partners committed to a better future. ?? Register for the online event here: https://lnkd.in/ejgEi7Jq

?? We’re hiring! Astanor is looking for a Senior Associate to join our team and help drive growth equity investments in sustainable food and agriculture. If you have 6+ years of experience in private equity, consulting, or investment banking—and a passion for impact-driven investing—we’d love to hear from you! ?? Location: Paris ?? Why join us? Work on high-impact investments and help shape the future of sustainable food systems. Apply now or reach out for details: