Description

• Food Centricity works with startups and emerging businesses from pre-revenue through early revenue growth, often up to millions in sales, helping them refine business fundamentals and accelerate market entry. 
  
  
• While not structured as a strict “pre-seed/seed investor,” the accelerator functions as a business development and strategic acceleration program to prepare companies for stronger retail presence and potential investment. 
  
  

• Historically, cohorts (like past accelerators) have run for ~6–8 weeks, combining hands-on mentorship with strategic planning and execution support. 
  
  

• Unlike traditional venture capital or standard accelerators (e.g., YC/Techstars), Food Centricity does not publicly advertise a standardized check size or uniform equity investment.
  
  
• Its core value proposition is strategic advisory, operational guidance, and network access — helping food brands structure their businesses to attract capital and retail opportunities — rather than acting as a direct check-writing investor with fixed equity terms. 
  
  

• There is no published fixed equity requirement tied to participation in Food Centricity programs. Any investment or equity participation would be negotiated directly with founders or follow-on investors, not automatically as part of the accelerator itself. 
  
  

• Equity Taken by Accelerator: None standard — Food Centricity’s model centers on consulting/acceleration support, not on taking a preset share of startups. 
  
  
• Equity from External Investors: Companies may, independently of Food Centricity, raise capital from angels, VCs, or strategic food investors after using Food Centricity’s services — equity terms in those rounds are decided per deal. 
  
  

• Food Centricity programs are typically joined through direct outreach or application via its website, referrals, or founder connections rather than a single global cohort portal. 
  
  
• Prospective companies usually share business details (team, product, early traction) and engage in discussions with the Food Centricity team to align on needs and program fit. 

Eligibility

• Food & Beverage / CPG Brands — including functional foods, plant-based products, health snacks, beverages, and other consumer food products looking to scale. 
  
  

• Pre-Revenue to Early Revenue / Up to ~$20M in Sales: Companies at the early growth phase that need support in brand strategy, product positioning, and retail or investment readiness. 
  
  

• Based in Los Angeles, California (USA), with a focus on Southern California food startups — though the model has relevance for U.S. food businesses more broadly. 
  
  

• Founders of consumer food brands who are committed to scaling beyond local or artisan stages into broader retail or direct-to-consumer distribution, and who are willing to collaborate on strategy and execution. 
  
  

Process

1. Intro & Inquiry: Company connects with Food Centricity via contact form or referral. 
   
   
2. Discovery & Alignment: Discussion of business model, needs, and strategic gaps. 
   
   
3. Acceleration Engagement: Collaborative mentorship, strategy sessions, and structured planning. 
   
   
4. Execution Support: Follow-up on go-to-market plans, investor presentations, and operational scaling steps. 
   
   
5. Ongoing Network Access: Alumni engagement and potential introduction to wider ecosystem partners. 

What an Applicant can Obtain

• Go-to-Market Strategy: Help crafting retail and revenue growth strategies tailored to the fiercely competitive food industry. 
  
  
• Brand Development: Guidance on positioning, storytelling, packaging, and product differentiation. 
  
  
• Financial Planning & Modeling: Assistance in building realistic financial forecasts and investor pitch decks that resonate with early investors or retail buyers. 
  
  
• Network Access: Introductions into industry networks — including CPG founders, retail buyers, consultants, and potential investors. Testimonials note connections that have accelerated sales and investor introductions for alumni. 
  
  

• Startups work directly with seasoned CPG operators and industry veterans, often leveraging decades of experience in food industry strategy. 
  
  

• Companies supported by Food Centricity include brands like Nutrition startups and plant-based CPG brands that have gained traction with retail channels and investor audiences after engagement.