Annick Verween, Head of Biotope startup accelerator, discusses the evolving funding landscape for agrifood startups in 2026. Challenges include a risk-averse investment climate, with longer due diligence processes and slowing capital deployment. Investors are more cautious, seeking derisking from early-stage startups, which must articulate their value proposition clearly and quantifiably.

Practical insights for fundraising in 2026 include the importance of not relying solely on a term sheet, securing a lead investor first, preparing a detailed data room, managing fundraising as a full-time job, asking for clarity and honesty from investors, and diversifying the capital stack with grants, convertible notes, and early revenues. Mutual reality checks are necessary for aligning with heightened investor expectations and preventing unnecessary failures in the changing agrifood startup landscape.