Re-engineering the food system for good
Today’s food ecosystem has more players, more fluid dynamics, and a more fragmented consumer base than ever before. Our business is to anticipate what’s needed, navigate a course to success, and transform early-stage ideas into real-world solutions
What we can do for you
Whether you’re a startup or scaleup, a corporation, or an investor, we help you understand the big picture, make key decisions, and get hands-on to help you move forward (if you’d like us to)
Our leadership team
We have ideal mix of backgrounds, skills, and styles needed to re-engineer our food system
Jennifer Goggin, Partner
An entrepreneur in food tech for the last 10 years, Jenn founded 2 food tech ventures prior to Startle: FarmersWeb (still operating nationwide) and Pippin Foods (acquired). She has served as advisor and mentor to numerous other start-ups in the industry, ranging from supply chain logistics to waste transformation platforms.
Jenn is hardwired into the food ecosystem—finding, identifying, and creating otherwise elusive business connections and collaborations.
BA, Columbia University
Debra Strober, Partner
Deb has nearly 20 years of biotech, pharmaceutical, and food tech strategy and business development experience. She researches, identifies, analyzes, and executes new business initiatives in ways that meaningfully reach and resonate with the intended audience. Previously she worked as a creative director and communications lead in healthcare advertising where she honed her skills as a brand narrative builder and writer.
Deb loves translating complex scientific concepts into digestible and relatable stories for audiences of all types.
BA, Cornell University
MA, University of Chicago
Jean Van Damme, Partner
A food scientist - turned corporate executive - turned entrepreneur, Jean has 15 years of experience on the intersection between business, science and technology.
After a career in business consulting, Jean went on to lead R&D and innovation at a top food retailer in Europe. His move to New York meant the start of his entrepreneurial adventure, first with ESTER and now with Startle.
His strength and passion lie in navigating the unpredictable and uncharted waters of food innovation.
MS, University of Leuven
MBA, Vlerick Business School
