The impact VC marks the start of its new initiative, the Food Circularity Network, supported by Denmark’s Green Development and Demonstration Programme (Grønt Udviklings- og Demonstrationsprogram - GUDP).
Copenhagen — June 18, 2026 — Rockstart, the early-stage impact venture capital firm, today announces the official launch of the Food Circularity Network. This initiative aims to transform the Danish and European food ecosystem by uniting startups, corporate partners, investors, public institutions, and research experts to move from waste reduction commitments to practical, scalable commercial implementations.
Rockstart is developing this network with the support of the Danish government under the GUDP framework. They will leverage its 15 years of international expertise in AgriFood tech investments to establish a collaborative platform designed to bridge the gap between high-level policy goals, such as Denmark's Green Tripartite Agreement (Aftale om et grønt Danmark) and the Entrepreneurial Package (Iværksætterpakken), and real-world commercial operations.
At Rockstart, we believe that systemic environmental change requires deep collaboration and rapid commercial validation among ecosystem partners. Having backed 74 AgriFood tech startups and supported many more alongside our corporate partners, we understand that true market transformation occurs when we connect visionary founders directly with corporate distribution channels, public infrastructure, and mission-driven capital. We are excited to launch the Food Circularity Network with the support of GUDP to turn Denmark's ambitious sustainability policies into concrete, measurable business actions that resolve food loop inefficiencies.Rune Theill, CEO and Founder of Rockstart
Global food supply chains currently suffer from critical systemic inefficiencies, resulting in substantial organic loss and avoidable greenhouse gas emissions. Food circularity represents a comprehensive shift away from linear “take-make-waste” dynamics toward a model where resources are continuously recycled, side-streams are valorised into functional inputs, and waste is designed out of the entire production loop entirely.
By implementing digital tracking tools, shelf-life extension technologies, and industrial biotechnology, food systems can transition into resilient, high-efficiency closed loops. Developing these commercial pathways is vital to secure the climate adaptation of Danish food production, allowing local infrastructure to remain highly competitive under tightening environmental demands.
The Food Circularity Network is dedicated to advancing the understanding and application of circular food systems while driving collaboration across the Danish food ecosystem. Open to all stakeholders, including startups, investors, corporations, research institutions, policymakers, NGOs, and other relevant parties, the network serves as a hub for knowledge-sharing and innovation in the industry. Participation in the Food Circularity Network is completely free, ensuring accessibility for all who wish to engage.
Rather than viewing sustainability as a regulatory burden, the network focuses heavily on creating viable business opportunities out of underutilised manufacturing side-streams and waste-streams, developing bio-based packaging alternatives, and reducing structural overhead across primary production. This commercial approach helps food supply chains remain resilient against shifting economic climates while actively driving sustainable sector growth.
The urgency of this work is highlighted by data from the Danish Environmental Protection Agency (Miljøstyrelsen), which reveals that Denmark generates over 800,000 tonnes of food waste annually, with the processing and manufacturing industries accounting for just over half of that amount. By aligning directly with the nation's Green Tripartite framework, the network will introduce cutting-edge innovations and data traceability tools to keep those valuable organic residues inside the economy, sharing these insights globally to position Denmark as an international pioneer in circular food loops.
As the main driving force behind the project, Rockstart will use its international AgriFood experience and investor network to mobilise key players across the circular food value chain, building an active community supported by targeted ecosystem reports and digital resources.
The network kick-off event will be hosted in Copenhagen this September 2026, bringing the community together in person for the first time. The event aims to provide a platform for discussion and networking to identify the ecosystem’s challenges and opportunities, highlighting the network’s importance in advancing Denmark’s food circularity transition.
Early in 2027, Rockstart will host its Forward event to create the sector's leading commercial gathering place. The event will also put the spotlight on some of the brightest minds in the industry, giving carefully selected European startups an opportunity to pitch directly to corporate partners and investors.