Explore the future of our food system in this inspiring episode of Food Tech Junkies! Host Sharon Cittone sits down with Swedish innovator and investor Daniel Skaven Ruben to discuss his impactful journey in food and agriculture and his role in driving sustainable and nutritious practices worldwide. This conversation covers a broad spectrum of critical topics, including local food system improvements, policy collaboration, and cutting-edge technologies like CRISPR and food system digitalization.
Throughout this episode, Daniel and Sharon discuss the pressing need to support farmers, the transformative potential of True Cost Accounting, and the global pursuit to eliminate hunger and improve nutrition. Tune in to understand how technology, policy, and collaboration shape an equitable and resilient food system. Don’t miss this chance to uncover new perspectives and join us toward a sustainable food future. For more thought-provoking discussions, like and follow!
Daniel Skavén Ruben helps advance the future of food in a number of ways. He's a 10x advisor to - and 30x angel investor in - global FoodTech and AgTech startups. He's a venture partner/operating advisor to VCs Mudcake (Sweden), Nordic FoodTech VC (Finland) and Blume Equity (UK). He mentors at accelerators Big Idea Ventures, Katapult, and Norrsken Accelerator. He's the Founding Editor of the newsletter FoodTech Weekly, and the Founding Partner of Solvable Syndicate, which invests in early-stage impact FoodTech and AgTech startups globally. He also co-founded the foodtech podcast The Appetizer. Daniel was a consultant to The Rockefeller Foundation Food Initiative during 2017-2021, supporting the Foundation’s work to advance a more nourishing and sustainable food system. Daniel has also worked as an expert for the World Bank in Washington D.C. (2015-2016) on issues around technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Prior to that, he served in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark in various roles in Stockholm and New York for more than half a decade, helping Danish tech companies to internationalize. Daniel holds a BSc in International Business (Copenhagen Business School), an LLM in Public International Law (Stockholm University), and an MSc in Foreign Service (Georgetown University).
Timestamp Highlights:
00:00 – Intro to True Cost Accounting
01:18 – Daniel’s Journey into Food & Agriculture
02:16 – The Rockefeller Foundation and Food Tech Innovations
03:20 – Advising Startups & Angel Investing
05:11 – Stockeld Dreamery: From Concept to Reality
06:59 – Returning to Sweden and Dual Citizenship
08:13 – Challenges and Opportunities in Food Systems
11:10 – The Complexity of Food Systems & Local Solutions
25:43 – The Role of Farmers & True Cost Accounting
28:39 – Consumer Expectations & Regulatory Standards
29:25 – Behavioral Changes and Local Shopping
30:49 – Nutritional Quality and Food Transportation
32:32 – Technological Innovations in Food
34:36 – Food System Challenges
36:34 – The Future of Food and Technology
38:50 – Sustainable Agriculture Innovations
44:28 – Alternative Proteins & Food Waste Solutions
48:56 – Consumer Behavior & True Cost Accounting
53:01 – Final Thoughts and Call to Action
