THURSDAY GATHERING #53 Food Security = National Security
TO REGISTER GO TO: venturecafeberlin.gatherus.app
Can innovation in foodtech help Europe to build geopolitical resilience?
As geopolitical tensions, climate shocks, and supply chain disruptions reshape global power dynamics, food is no longer just a matter of sustainability — it’s a matter of sovereignty. This Thursday Gathering brings together founders, policymakers, investors, and innovators to explore how foodtech can strengthen Europe’s resilience and reduce strategic dependencies in an increasingly fragmented world.
Expect a dynamic mix of expert insights, founder conversations, and hands-on exchanges — all designed to reframe innovation not just as a market opportunity, but as a strategic lever for long-term stability.
🧭 Sessions
1. Founder Coaching: Clarity, Leadership & Decision-Making in Uncertain Times
🕔 17:00 – 18:30
Speaker: Arianna Spaggiari — Senior Growth & Operations Manager, Neggst
Building a company can be intense — and often isolating. These 1:1 coaching sessions offer founders a space to step back, reflect, and reconnect with their leadership approach. Whether you’re navigating key decisions, team dynamics, or strategic direction, this is an opportunity to gain clarity and move forward with confidence.
2. Outliving Your Diet: Metabolic Flexibility & Healthspan
🕠 17:45 – 18:30
Speaker: Dr. Maya Fehling — Co-Founder & Chief Medical Officer, The Longevity Practice
What if longevity isn’t about strict diets, but adaptability? This session explores the science behind metabolic flexibility and the role of protein intake in extending healthspan. With a focus on personalized and gender-specific health, you’ll gain practical insights into sustainable, evidence-based wellbeing strategies.
3. Mentor Hours: From Idea to Scalable Business
🕕 18:00 – 20:00
Speaker: Michelle Calios — Founder, KoRo
An open, no-filter mentoring space for founders. Bring your real challenges and questions around procurement, supply chain, and leadership. From building resilient supplier relationships to making decisions under uncertainty, this is a rare chance to get direct, practical input from an experienced founder and investor.
4. Panel: Can Foodtech Strengthen Europe’s Resilience?
🕡 18:45 – 19:30
This high-level panel explores whether foodtech innovation can help Europe reduce dependencies and build geopolitical resilience. Featuring perspectives from policy, startups, and investment, the discussion brings a much-needed macro lens to the future of food systems.
Speakers:
Ivo Rzegotta — Head of Public Affairs (DACH), GFI
Felix Leonhardt — Managing Partner, Oyster Bay
Benjamin Thake — Senior Manager, Agora Strategy
Melina Gerdts — Founder, BioCircular Loop
Nadim Choucair — Pilot Cities Programme Holder, Dark Matter Labs
Olena Tokar — Founder, LOL&POP
🎟️ Free & open to all
Full agenda will be announced at venturecafeberlin.org