It is no secret that food tech plays an important role in the future of our food system. From agricultural technology to patents, utilizing advancements in technology can be vital in the continuous evolution of our food system. Among these advancements, the increased use of AI or artificial intelligence in the food system is proving to be a powerful and useful tool. Sarah Lynch is the founder and CEO of Mama Gaia, a company building AI-powered, self-service Smart Fridges that are stocked daily with the freshest locally sourced grab-and-go food. Sarah and Mama Gaia were part of Cohort 6 of our accelerator, where Sarah was able to continue to grow and evolve her company even further. Recently, we discussed with Sarah the significance of being in our accelerator amidst the global pandemic, how sustainability plays into AI, and the future of her company.
“Going through the Food Future Co accelerator program during COVID 19 in the Spring of 2020 really helped us stay focused and driven, while surrounding us with a community of entrepreneurs”
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What inspired you to create your company?
We’ve made a few changes and pivots since the early days of Mama Gaia, but one constant is our involvement in the local food community. I ended up on a small start-up panel that meets bimonthly to discuss the challenges we’re facing - it’s almost all CPG companies, with Mama Gaia as the only retailer. I can honestly say that hearing the constant feedback and pain from entrepreneurs in CPG, specifically with their retail footprint, was one of the main drivers of our pivot last Spring to focus solely on solving retail problems for food companies. And I have a feeling it’s one of the reasons we’re finding such immediate interest from CPG & food companies nationwide, since our pivot. We’ve learned in-depth how to solve their problems, and speak their language.
What is your favorite characteristic of your brand?
I love the creative challenge of being in both the tech industry and food industry. In terms of branding, it certainly poses a challenge to use the terms “organic produce” and “artificial intelligence” in the same breath. Yet in order for retail and supply chains to evolve and deliver our customers’ demands while still upholding high quality and sustainable practices, tech must play a role. As a creative, I personally find a lot of pleasure in solving these branding and communication obstacles.
What was your main goal in participating in the FoodFutureCo accelerator program? Did you achieve it?
We started the program in February 2020, right before COVID 19 hit the US and lockdown ensued. Put simply, it was an extremely turbulent time to be a business owner. Most of our initial goals for the program went out the window as soon as the pandemic hit, and then it became about pivoting, listening to the market, and figuring out how to keep afloat through extreme uncertainty. Going through the Food Future Co accelerator program during COVID 19 in the Spring of 2020 really helped us stay focused and driven, while surrounding us with a community of entrepreneurs. So, looking back, this question is impossible to answer because our goals shifted so dramatically with the onset of this global crisis, but I think our response with the FFC community at large is a lesson in and of itself.
What was the most valuable thing you learned by participating in the FoodFuture Co accelerator program?
I’m not sure if this counts as something I learned during the program, but unquestionably the network connections and mentorship has been the most valuable aspect of Food Future Co - both of which we continue to benefit from over a year post-graduation.
What do you feel is the most valuable component when creating a food-based brand/company? **
To me, food companies have no excuse not to follow sustainable practices. Consumers demand responsibility from food brands everyday, and these market demands will only increase as millennials and Gen-Zers age. I read somewhere that close to 65% of consumers want their everyday actions to positively impact the environment - it’s our job as entrepreneurs to answer that call through the businesses we create.
How has your brand/company changed following the accelerator program?
We were essentially in the ideation phase during Food Future Co, and our graduation from the program essentially served as the impetus for moving into our development phase. Now, over a year later, we’re fundraising and strategizing the growth phase. Food Future Co gave us the tools, resources, and connections we needed early on to start moving forward in an upward trajectory.
What is your next goal for your brand/company?
Our next goal is to reach 25 signed MOU’s from food companies nationwide who want to white-label a fridge. We launched this B2B campaign only about 6 weeks ago, and we’re quickly on our way to accomplishing this milestone for our waitlist.
