Supporter Spotlight: FS6

In this new series, we highlight accelerators and incubators that are offering assistance to food startups across the country. This time we're featuring FS6, who is enabling entrepreneurs to revolutionize the way we produce and distribute food globally. Cofounder and Managing Director Renske Lynde told us a bit about what they do.

What type of companies do you assist?

FS6: FS6 supports early-stage, triple bottom line food system startups as well as nonprofit organizations. We work with companies who are working throughout the food and agricultural value chain ranging from production practices and technologies, to supply chain businesses and consumer products.

What’s your mission in doing this work?

FS6: FS6’s mission is to use our platform to accelerate the transition to what we call Food System Six—a system that is designed and optimized for environmental, social and physical health. We leverage our position at the intersection of impact, investment and innovation to enable our teams to optimize their customer, investor and partner base to enable their success in evolving our food system.

What attributes are you looking for in applicants?

FS6: FS6 is looking for entrepreneurs who want to combine their passion for having a positive impact in our food system with their capacity to build a financially resilient business model. We do not believe there is a compromise or tradeoff to be made in pursuing purpose and profit, and we support our entrepreneurs accordingly.

What one piece of advice do you have for entrepreneurs?

FS6: Determine what is core about your company—the unwavering elements that you won’t compromise in pursuit of building your business. Accept that everything else is open to change and iteration. Make sure that everyone in the company understands what those core elements are.

What is your favorite project to come out of your accelerator?

FS6: We don’t have a “favorite project.” We intentionally work with companies and organizations addressing different challenges across the full value chain. We are incredibly excited about the promise that all of our teams hold to positively impact the food system in the diverse ways in which they’re going about creating that change. We know that to bring about Food System Six there will be a wide and varied diversity of approaches and business models required.