Big Idea Ventures acquires Vevolution to expand global agrifoodtech reach

Big Idea Ventures (BIV), a prominent global investor in food technology, has acquired the assets of Vevolution, a digital platform that connects agrifoodtech startups with investors. The deal, announced this week, is aimed at reinforcing BIV’s infrastructure and expanding its capacity to support innovation across a broader range of technologies.

Founded in 2017 by UK entrepreneurs Damien Clarkson and Judy Nadel, Vevolution started as an events and media company focused on plant-based business. With the backing of tech entrepreneur and alternative protein investor, Michiel van Deursen, the company transitioned in 2020 into a digital investment platform. Since then, it has become a recognized player in the agrifoodtech landscape, helping more than 2,200 startups connect with over 1,000 investors globally. According to Vevolution, the platform has facilitated over US$60 million in capital raises for companies including MeliBio, Fermify, Boston Bioprocess, POSEIDONA, Opalia, and De Novo Foodlabs.

The platform now boasts more than 8,000 registered users and has become a notable hub for early-stage innovation in food and climate technology. Vevolution’s leadership team, headed by CEO Erik Amundson and CTO Tristan Hartman, built out the company’s investment matching and data tools, establishing a digital infrastructure for connecting startups and capital across the globe.

Commenting on the acquisition, Clarkson, Nadel, and van Deursen said in a joint statement, “Today marks a major milestone for Vevolution. We're excited for the platform's new chapter with Big Idea Ventures, a great partner to boost its global reach and assist more startups and investors.”

BIV manages more than US$150 million in capital and counts over 150 companies in its portfolio. The firm has built accelerator programs and investment infrastructure across several regions, with a strong focus on emerging technologies in food, agriculture, and sustainability.

With the acquisition of Vevolution, BIV aims to integrate the platform into its wider network of resources and partnerships, reinforcing its strategic presence in key global markets. “Our mission is to support entrepreneurs, scientists, and engineers to tackle the world’s biggest challenges,” said Andrew D. Ive, Founder and Managing General Partner of Big Idea Ventures. “We believe bringing together the global innovation ecosystem is essential to supporting the breakthrough solutions the world needs. As we build ecosystems in key regions around the world, Vevolution will be a powerful platform to support innovation and collaboration – across agrifoodtech, climate tech, biotech and other key sectors in the bio-economy.”

While financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed, the move highlights BIV’s ongoing commitment to not only funding startups but also building the technological and community infrastructure to support them at scale. It also reflects an increased emphasis on cross-sector integration, with the firm noting ambitions to expand support for next-generation materials and sustainable artificial intelligence technologies alongside its core focus areas.

For Vevolution, the acquisition represents an opportunity to access broader international resources and further professionalize its services. With Big Idea Ventures’ backing, the platform is expected to play a more prominent role in facilitating startup investment and collaboration in sectors critical to climate resilience and sustainable food systems.

Big Idea Ventures and Vevolution have both expressed enthusiasm about what lies ahead. While no immediate changes to the platform’s operation have been announced, BIV’s stated intent is to enhance its functionality and user base through strategic partnerships and regional expansion efforts.