Carozzi Announces the Launch of $6 Million CVC Fund

Carozzi, the Chilean food processing company, has officially launched Carozzi Ventures, a Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) initiative aimed at fostering innovation in the food and agricultural sectors. This new venture, backed by a $6 million investment fund, focuses on identifying and supporting startups with disruptive solutions in areas such as agritech, foodtech, supply chain, advanced manufacturing, and pet care.

Carozzi Ventures is designed to not only provide financial backing but also offer startups access to the company’s extensive distribution networks, strategic assets, and operational expertise. The initiative seeks to create synergies that benefit both Carozzi and the selected startups, as they collaborate to drive mutual growth. The CVC plans to invest in up to ten startups over the next three years, with investment sizes ranging from $300,000 to $1 million per startup, and Carozzi capping its equity stake at 10%.

The investment committee, composed of industry experts including Rocío Fonseca of Emprende tu Mente, Lorena González of Aurus Capital, and Carozzi’s own José Manuel Muñoz and Pedro Fernández, will be responsible for evaluating and selecting startups for investment.

Gerardo Zañartu, Carozzi’s CVC Manager, highlighted the company’s intention to focus on sectors that may be overlooked by traditional venture capital funds but are critical to the future of food production and sustainability. The initiative reflects Carozzi’s broader strategic goal of remaining at the forefront of innovation while contributing to the development of a more sustainable and advanced food ecosystem.

In addition to financial support, Carozzi Ventures will play an active role in co-developing new technologies with startups, aiming to diversify Carozzi’s product portfolio and optimize its processes. The company’s long-term vision is to enhance both its operational efficiency and its contribution to a more sustainable food system.

The appointment of Zañartu to lead the CVC was announced in June of this year.