ABOUT
Our mission
Evolv Ventures is a $100m venture fund backed by Kraft Heinz to invest in early stage technology companies disrupting the food industry.
Our approach
Evolv leverages the vast network of the world’s 5th largest food and beverage company, providing access to unparalleled market intelligence, strategic partnerships and industry influence. Led by a team of food, startup and venture capital veterans, we bring to bear invaluable relationships and operating support post-investment when required. Our financial independence enables a distinct emphasis on returns, while our deep integration within Kraft-Heinz allows Evolv to be the best strategic partner in the industry. Evolv’s focus on food technology and consumer marketing has allowed us to build profound sector expertise and relationships that create a material advantage over generalist partners.
Investment areas
Food Technology including food alternatives, next generation food production, agriculture technology, waste management and sustainability
Industrial Technology including logistics, warehouse optimization, robotics and food transparency
Marketing Technology including marketing and digital media tools, consumer data technology and consumer intelligence
Direct to Consumer models including eCommerce, marketplaces, consumer products, retail technology and distribution
TEAM
Managing Partner Bill Pescatello brings over 10 years of venture experience, where he helped build multiple top quartile funds.
Prior to Evolv, Bill was a partner at Lightbank, the venture firm started by serial entrepreneurs Eric Lefkofsky and Brad Keywell. While at Lightbank, Bill led and/or served on the boards of industry leading companies such as, Udemy, Fooda, Locu, Perblue, Ionic, CoffeeMeetsBagel, Ovia Health, and Snaptravel.
Steve Sanger is a Partner with Evolv Ventures. Steve has been a part of high-growth technology leadership teams identifying organic growth opportunities as well as through corporate development and strategic business development efforts. Steve's extensive network within the technology community, venture capital firms and corporate / business development professionals help companies leverage various strategic growth alternatives.
Smriti brings over 10 years of experience advising and investing in leading technology and consumer businesses to her role as a founding Principal at Evolv Ventures.
Annabel is an Associate at Evolv Ventures where she identifies and analyzes market opportunities, engages with entrepreneurs, conducts due diligence and executes on investments. She has corporate venture capital and investment banking experience across various tech-focused industries.
News
Evolv Ventures adds Seasoned Chicago Food-Technology Executive Steve Sanger as its Second Partner
NOV 29, 2018 -- Evolv Ventures, $100 million venture fund backed by Kraft Heinz, is proud to announce the addition of Steve Sanger as Partner. Sanger will be based in Chicago and will help lead investments for... Read more
Kraft Heinz Starts Food Technology VC Fund With $100 Million
OCT 5, 2018 -- Kraft Heinz Co. is joining the ranks of Big Food peers with a venture capital fund focused on concepts that are shaking up the food industry, such as supply chain technology and e-commerce... Read more