At The Food Innovation Studio, we highly value the protection of privacy for all individuals whose data we collect. We take every possible measure to protect personal data provided to us against loss, destruction, disclosure, unauthorized access, or improper use. In this privacy policy, we outline who we are, why and when we collect your personal data, the types of data we process, how long we retain it, who we may share it with, your rights, and how you can exercise them.
The Food Innovation Studio is an integrated platform that combines strategic investment, expert consulting, and comprehensive education to accelerate transformation in the global food system.
We operate through three synergistic business pillars:
Founded on the principle of humanizing food innovation, we combine unique expertise with systematic approaches to create measurable impact while generating attractive financial returns. As part of our activities, The Food Innovation Studio processes personal data of individuals, including those who use our services, visit our websites, employees, job applicants, investment partners, consulting clients, program participants, and more. The Food Innovation Studio adheres to a stringent privacy policy that aligns with GDPR regulations and other applicable privacy laws.
If you have any inquiries, requests, or complaints regarding the processing of your personal data at The Food Innovation Studio, please reach out to us at privacy@foodinnovation.studio
The Food Innovation Studio processes personal data necessary for executing agreements and contracts related to its activities across our three business pillars. This may include your name, contact details, language preferences, company name, VAT number, bank details, mobile number, email address, professional background information, financial qualification data, business plans, pitch decks, educational credentials, and other communications exchanged with The Food Innovation Studio as an investor, consulting client, program participant, job applicant, or other related party. Additional details may be collected through various communication channels such as phone calls, emails, meetings, conferences, trade fairs, or events. Publicly available information may also be utilized for data verification, due diligence, and business development purposes. Our websites can be accessed without providing personal data. However, we may collect usage data through website tracking technologies, and public data from social media profiles may also become visible to us. Additionally, you may voluntarily provide personal information when filling out forms on our website, applying for programs, or requesting consulting services. The Food Innovation Studio does not process sensitive personal data as defined by the GDPR unless explicitly required for specific program accommodations or legal compliance.
The main legal basis for processing personal data at The Food Innovation Studio is for the fulfillment of intended or existing agreements and arrangements across our investment, consulting, and education services. For investment activities, we collect data to evaluate opportunities, conduct due diligence, manage investor relations, and comply with securities regulations. For consulting services, we process data to deliver contracted services, develop customized solutions, and manage client relationships. For innovation hub programs, we collect data to process applications, deliver educational content, facilitate networking, and track program outcomes. We may also process data based on ‘legitimate interest,’ such as informing you about relevant new services, programs, or investment opportunities. We always ensure this is done in a reasonable, non-intrusive manner that respects your preferences and privacy rights.
The Food Innovation Studio obtains personal data either directly from individuals or through affiliated companies and partners. For investment activities, initial personal data may be provided through investment applications, referrals from other investors, or partner organizations. For consulting services, data is typically provided directly by clients or through referral partners. For innovation hub programs, data may be provided by applicants directly or through partner organizations, educational institutions, or employers sponsoring participants. We may also use third-party services that apply website tracking technologies to analyze interactions, preferences, and technical data such as IP addresses. Additionally, we collect public information from online sources and social media platforms such as LinkedIn for business development and due diligence purposes. We handle this data responsibly and do not misuse it.
The Food Innovation Studio retains personal data for as long as necessary to fulfill the intended processing purpose and comply with legal and regulatory requirements. We prioritize data security, integrity, and confidentiality, ensuring information remains accurate and relevant. For investment activities, we retain data throughout the investment lifecycle and for up to seven years post-investment to meet securities law requirements. For consulting clients, we retain project-related data for up to five years after project completion unless ongoing relationships require longer retention. For innovation hub participants, we retain program data for up to seven years to support alumni services and program evaluation. For employees, identification, service, salary, and other employment-related data are stored for up to seven years post-employment, unless legal proceedings require extended retention. Sensitive information such as medical accommodations is retained only for the necessary duration to fulfill legal or contractual obligations.
The Food Innovation Studio ensures comprehensive technical and organizational security measures to maintain the confidentiality, integrity, and security of personal data. We implement encryption of data in transit and at rest, secure server infrastructure with regular security updates, multi-factor authentication for system access, and regular security audits and vulnerability assessments. Administrative safeguards include employee training on data privacy and security, access controls based on need-to-know principles, and incident response procedures. Physical safeguards include secure office facilities with controlled access and secure disposal of sensitive materials. Data may be processed primarily at our headquarters but can be transferred globally when required by third-party services, always with appropriate security measures in place.
The Food Innovation Studio primarily processes personal data internally but may share information with third parties when necessary for our business operations. In such cases, only essential data is shared, and anonymization is applied where feasible. We may share your personal data with external services upon your request, such as LinkedIn, Google, or other professional platforms. Based on legitimate interests, personal data may be disclosed to partners assisting with our services, including legal counsel, accounting services, IT support, marketing agencies, program co-organizers, guest instructors, and industry experts. These third parties are granted limited access to the necessary data through contractual agreements and are not permitted to use it for other purposes. The Food Innovation Studio does not sell or rent personal data to third parties. We may disclose data to comply with legal obligations, ensure security, facilitate lawful investigations, or protect our rights and interests in any jurisdiction where we operate. Additionally, in the event of mergers, acquisitions, or business transfers, personal data may be transferred under appropriate confidentiality safeguards and with proper notification to affected individuals.
The Food Innovation Studio may transfer personal data to foreign entities, including those outside the EU, when required for service agreements, partner collaborations, or global program delivery. We ensure proper security measures and legal compliance for such transfers, including standard contractual clauses approved by relevant authorities, adequacy decisions for transfers to approved countries, and explicit consent for specific transfer purposes. We maintain equivalent protection standards in destination countries and provide regular monitoring of international transfer compliance with notification of any changes to transfer arrangements.
As a data subject, you have comprehensive rights under GDPR and other applicable privacy laws, including the right to access your personal data, correct inaccurate or incomplete information, delete your personal information subject to legal requirements, restrict processing for specific purposes, object to processing based on legitimate interests, and data portability. You also have the right to withdraw consent for marketing communications, opt out of automated decision-making processes, and file complaints with relevant data protection authorities. If you are located in California, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act including the right to know what personal information is collected, delete personal information, opt out of sale of personal information, and non-discrimination for exercising privacy rights. If you wish to unsubscribe from commercial communications, you can do so at any time through the unsubscribe links in our communications or by contacting us directly. To exercise your rights, contact us at privacy@foodinnovation.studio We may request identity verification for security purposes. In cases where legal obligations prevent compliance with certain requests, we will provide a clear explanation of the limitations and any alternative options available.
The Food Innovation Studio uses cookies and web analytics to improve user experience, understand website usage patterns, and provide personalized content. We use essential cookies required for website functionality and security that cannot be disabled without affecting site performance, analytics cookies that help us understand website usage and performance to improve user experience, and marketing cookies that enable targeted advertising and personalization with your explicit consent where required. Third-party cookies may be utilized for marketing purposes and social media integration. Most browsers allow cookie preferences to be managed through settings, but disabling cookies may impact website functionality. You can control cookies through browser settings, our cookie consent management tool, third-party opt-out mechanisms, or by contacting our privacy team directly.
For inquiries or complaints regarding data processing, contact privacy@foodinnovation.studio We are committed to addressing your concerns promptly and transparently. You also have the right to lodge complaints with relevant data protection authorities in your jurisdiction. In the European Union, complaints can be directed to your local supervisory authority. In the United States, you may contact relevant state attorneys general or federal agencies. If you suspect a data breach or security incident, report it immediately to privacy@foodinnovation.studio so we can investigate and take appropriate action to protect your information and notify relevant authorities as required by law.
The Food Innovation Studio may update this privacy policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, services, or applicable laws. We will post the updated policy on our website, notify you of material changes via email or website notice, provide the effective date of any changes, and maintain previous versions for reference. The latest version is always available on our website and takes effect immediately upon publication. We encourage you to review this policy regularly to stay informed about how we protect your privacy and handle your personal data.
Last updated: September 2025
By using our services or providing your information to us, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy and agree to the collection, use, and disclosure of your information as described herein.
