Highline Beta Partners with AB InBev for Second Cohort of 100+ Sustainability Accelerator
TORONTO—SEPTEMBER 4, 2019 Highline Beta has announced they have partnered with the world’s largest brewer, Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev), to support the second cohort of 100+ Sustainability Accelerator, a program designed in 2018 to create a more sustainable world by providing funding and guidance to startups that aim to solve the world’s most urgent environmental and social challenges.
“We are excited about AB InBev’s commitment to sustainability, and we are thrilled to support a second cohort of great startups,” said Highline Beta Founding Partner Ben Yoskovitz. Highline Beta’s involvement in this year’s 100+ Sustainability Accelerator, launching this week, will entail sourcing and vetting companies, as well as advising and mentoring participants throughout the program. Applications for the program will be accepted until October 30th, with successful applicants announced at the end of the year.
“It is amazing to see the progress that startups can make in just one year whether it’s improving lives for thousands of farmers, reducing our carbon footprint, saving gallons of water or increasing recycled content in our packaging,” said Maisie Devine, Global Director, 100+ Sustainability Accelerator. “We are inspired and in awe of our founders every day and the impact that they can make through their dedication to solving our world’s most pressing challenges. After the success of last year’s program, we are excited to open applications for our next cohort and very eager to see what innovative solutions the next class will bring.”
The program itself will kick-off at AB InBev’s headquarters in New York City, followed by 6 months of remote programming structured to accelerate the collaboration and growth of cohort companies. Participants will have access to a mentor network, including NGOs, venture capitalists and successful entrepreneurs, as well as AB InBev’s own experts and executives. In addition, each startup will also receive up to $100k toward pilot execution upon selection, as well as the opportunity for follow-on investment from AB InBev and partners at a demo day in 2020.
Alumnae from the inaugural cohort of the 2018 100+ Sustainability Accelerator include: Shanghai Yushuo Energy, which deals in electrochemical energy storage; EcoWorld Technologies, which works on the green replacement of caustic soda for CIP cleaning purposes, and SmartHop, an autonomous agent for truckers to plan, search and book loads.
Yoskovitz is looking forward to reviewing this year’s applicants. “With AB InBev, Highline Beta is going to find the best startups out there, globally, to solve immense challenges for AB InBev and the world. And we hope to find one or two that represent Canada and our growing tech startup community.”
About Highline Beta Highline Beta builds and funds new ventures alongside forward-thinking global enterprises like Aviva, AB InBev, Anheuser Busch, and RBC. Combining the industry experience of enterprises, agility of startups, and methodology of investors, Highline BETA is building a new model for corporate innovation and venture capital. They help assess market and industry opportunities, kickstart accelerators, initiate strategic collaborations and spark venture investment to unlock new markets and drive growth.
About AB InBev Anheuser-Busch InBev is the leading global brewer and one of the world’s top five consumer products companies. For 2008, the combined company would have generated revenues of 39 billion USD. With a dream to become The Best Beer Company in a Better World, the company has a strong, balanced portfolio. With four of the top ten selling beers in the world, Anheuser-Busch InBev holds the number one or number two position in over 20 key markets. It has a key presence in both developed and developing markets.
For more information or to request an interview with Ben Yoskovitz please contact: Jenna Illies [email protected] 416.877.1973