SnackFutures Ventures, the investment arm of Mondelēz International, has undergone significant changes since its inception in 2018. Originally focused on investing in young start-ups and creating its own brands, SnackFutures has shifted its strategy to purchasing stakes in businesses that offer valuable products, technology, insights, or other novel advantages to the company. This shift is reflected in the entity’s name change to SnackFutures Ventures.
The evolution of SnackFutures is part of a larger trend among CPGs, as companies adapt their approach to innovation in response to rising costs and other challenges. General Mills, for example, recently closed its in-house innovation unit and paused outside investments through its venture arm.
Luba Safran, a CPG industry veteran overseeing investing for Mondelēz’s SnackFutures Ventures, shared insights on the company’s innovation approach and how the current economic environment is impacting investment opportunities.
Initially driven by the concept of open innovation, SnackFutures aimed to launch products faster, better, and more agile than traditional CPG companies. The team created and launched its own brands, including Dirt Kitchen and CaPao, and started an accelerator called CoLab. However, the company realized the challenges of managing multiple initiatives simultaneously and refocused its efforts on venture investing.
Learning from the early days of SnackFutures, Mondelēz leveraged insights from the brands and accelerator to shape the direction of SnackFutures Ventures. The company is now focusing on venture investing while continuing open innovation through R&D. The goal is to build venture investing as a core capability and use it as a tool for sustainable growth.
SnackFutures Ventures is looking at investing in fast-growing CPG brands aligned with Mondelēz’s core product categories, such as chocolate, biscuits, baked snacks, and candy. The company is also interested in earlier-stage companies with unique routes to market or disruptive innovations in the snack space. Additionally, SnackFutures Ventures is exploring investments in enabling technologies that can enhance its product offerings.
As Mondelēz continues to evolve its innovation strategy through SnackFutures Ventures, the company remains focused on identifying opportunities that will drive growth and maintain its position as a leader in the snacking industry. Mondelēz, a global leader in the food industry, is constantly looking for ways to optimize its supply chain through the use of technology. One key pillar of their strategy is focusing on the tech side of things, with half of their attention dedicated to this area. This includes exploring marketing technologies and implementing AI across various aspects of their operations.
In the realm of food tech, Mondelēz is particularly interested in alternative ingredients such as sweeteners, fats, proteins, and packaging solutions for sustainability. They are also delving into the realm of AI applications for supply chain management, procurement, and even search engine optimization.
One of Mondelēz’s initiatives in the tech space is SnackFutures Ventures, a corporate venture capital group that makes strategic investments in startups. While they have made several investments in companies like Urban Legend, Celleste Bio, and Torr FoodTech, they have been very selective in their choices. The goal of SnackFutures Ventures is not just financial returns but also strategic benefits for Mondelēz.
In the current economic environment, SnackFutures Ventures is seeing a lot of opportunities for investment, especially in distressed companies. Traditional VC funds are tightening their purse strings, creating openings for corporations like Mondelēz to step in and provide much-needed capital. However, evaluating these opportunities can be challenging, especially when dealing with companies struggling to close funding rounds.
Despite the market uncertainties, SnackFutures Ventures remains actively involved in evaluating deals and seeking out innovative startups that align with Mondelēz’s strategic objectives. Their focus on technology and innovation continues to drive their efforts in optimizing the supply chain and staying ahead in the ever-evolving food industry landscape. The Benefits of Incorporating Yoga into Your Daily Routine
Yoga is a practice that has been around for centuries, originating in ancient India. It involves a series of physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation techniques that work together to improve both physical and mental well-being. Incorporating yoga into your daily routine can have numerous benefits for your overall health and wellness.
One of the primary benefits of practicing yoga regularly is increased flexibility. The various poses and stretches performed in yoga help to improve the range of motion in your muscles and joints, allowing you to move more freely and with greater ease. This can be especially beneficial for individuals who lead a sedentary lifestyle or suffer from conditions such as arthritis or back pain.
In addition to increased flexibility, yoga can also help to improve strength and muscle tone. Many of the poses in yoga require you to support your body weight in various ways, which can help to build muscle and increase overall strength. This can have a positive impact on your posture, balance, and overall physical fitness.
Yoga is also known for its ability to reduce stress and promote relaxation. The deep breathing techniques used in yoga help to calm the mind and body, reducing levels of the stress hormone cortisol and promoting a sense of inner peace and tranquility. This can be particularly helpful for individuals who struggle with anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues.
Another benefit of incorporating yoga into your daily routine is improved focus and concentration. The practice of mindfulness in yoga encourages you to be present in the moment and pay attention to your breath, body, and thoughts. This can help to enhance your ability to focus on tasks and improve your overall concentration and mental clarity.
Yoga has also been shown to have numerous physical health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure, reducing inflammation, and boosting the immune system. Regular practice of yoga can help to improve cardiovascular health, increase lung capacity, and promote overall well-being.
In conclusion, incorporating yoga into your daily routine can have a wide range of benefits for both your physical and mental health. From increased flexibility and strength to reduced stress and improved focus, yoga offers a holistic approach to wellness that can help you feel better both inside and out. So why not roll out your mat and give it a try today? Your body and mind will thank you.
