WeWork Labs, New York, announced plans to launch WeWork Food Labs, an innovation lab dedicated to powering the future of food.
Opening in the spring, WeWork Food Labs will support growing startups by bringing together entrepreneurs, industry experts and investors to build an innovative community to address the biggest challenges facing food.
"How we approach food and sustainability today will have an impact on us for generations to come, and as a global community, we are uniquely positioned to drive real change in this industry,” says Roee Adler, global head. “WeWork Food Labs will empower innovators across the food and agricultural space, giving them the tools and resources they need to create sustainable solutions that address challenges both within our own community and on a global scale. We are incredibly inspired and excited to embark on this journey and change the way people approach food today, and for the future.”
WeWork Food Labs is designed for innovators across the food and agriculture space, from startups creating sustainable and edible goods, to software developers and more, all working to create solutions that will significantly advance the food industry.
The space in New York City will include custom features such as a custom R&D space and food pantry, dedicated workspace, merchandising area, outdoor space for events and more.
WeWork Food Labs will operate two simultaneous tracks designed to address the unique needs of each startup. WeWork will also seed $1 million in equity investments for its first Food Labs accelerator cohort.
Global investment firm Unovis Partners, New York, and venture capital fund New Crop Capital, San Francisco, will join the space along with their portfolio companies and review WeWork Food Labs startups for potential future investments in sustainable and plant-based solutions. To help guide the direction of the program, WeWork Food Labs also created an advisory board comprised of leaders, innovators and educators within the food realm.