Q&A with Grow-NY Judge Anthony Colangelo

Each year, the Grow-NY competition selects 20 food and agriculture innovators to present at the Grow-NY Summit for the chance to win a share of a $3 million prize fund. A panel of expert judges evaluates the pitches, probes the innovators with questions, and selects the winners. Anthony Colangelo, a new Grow-NY judge this year, recently shared his advice and insights to success in the food and ag industry.

Colangelo leverages his finance background to support emerging agriculture businesses in his position as a Senior Relationship Manager at Farm Credit East and during his time on the board of several agriculture organizations. Currently, he serves as a board member of the Ag and Farmland Protection Board.

Colangelo received a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Marketing from Marist College and continued his education through The Entrepreneurs Network, Cornell University’s Academy for Dairy Executives, and LeadNY. He channels his expertise into fostering growth in the Northeast food system to make positive change in the community.

Question: What makes the Grow-NY region an excellent place for startups working in food and ag? 

Our region offers a dynamic food and ag ecosystem with direct access to processing, distribution, and consumer markets. We’re fortunate to have a balanced mix of natural resources to support diverse farming, from dairy and apples to vegetables, grain, and grapes. 

The Grow-NY region leverages well connected venture networks, reliable financial services through member-owned cooperatives like Farm Credit East, as well as world-class research from institutions like Cornell University. Additionally, established food and agribusinesses provide infrastructure that startups can use to scale their operations efficiently. 

A strong network of stakeholders ensures a reliable, diverse, and secure food system, allowing startups to focus on growth. The region’s unique blend of resources, markets, and support makes it an ideal environment for food and ag innovators to thrive.  

Question: What advice do you have for food and agriculture innovators launching their businesses? 

First, immerse yourself in the practical realities of farming and food production. Spend time on farms, in processing facilities, and with consumers to listen and learn about the unique challenges they face. Develop a deep understanding of their purpose and business needs.

Next, use technology to quantify these insights alongside data analysis, but don’t lose sight of the human element behind the numbers. Take an outcomes-based approach to building a business model. Focus on solving specific problems first and let these solutions drive the value proposition for your business. 

Most importantly, have a clearly defined personal and professional purpose. When times get most challenging during your journey as an entrepreneur, let your purpose guide you to the other side. Remember, at the end of the day, we are people investing in people. Your purpose will not only drive your business but also resonate with those you aim to serve. 

Question: Why did you agree to become a Grow-NY judge? 

It’s extremely humbling to serve as a Grow-NY judge. 

This role connects a diverse network of esteemed professionals, enabling the rapid exchange of expertise and insight. Such collaboration supports startup growth and drives industry-leading innovation within the Grow-NY region. 

Serving as a judge allows for a tangible impact on our food system while offering invaluable learning experiences and extensive networking opportunities. 

The mutually beneficial nature of contributing to and gaining from this role makes it an exceptionally rewarding opportunity. It aligns closely with my purpose of inspiring growth and innovation in the region’s agricultural community. 

Question: As an investor, what are the most exciting opportunities you see in food and agriculture today? 

The integration of artificial intelligence with human expertise has immense potential to optimize food production and resource management. As our industry adopts more advanced tech throughout food production and distribution, we’ll see a surge in highly skilled jobs in data science, engineering, and robotics. 

This tech evolution will spark innovative products and services tailored to changing industry and consumer needs. For instance, producers could use Artificial Intelligence to implement data-driven crop management, livestock nutrition, and labor efficiency plans. Such innovations will enhance the industry’s resilience and agility, allowing us to better anticipate trends, meet rapidly changing customer demands, and drive profitability. 

It’s invigorating see the Grow-NY region at the forefront. The future of food and ag is bright, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to support these innovators as part of this competition. 

This year’s Grow-NY Summit will be held November 6 and 7 at the Ithaca Downtown Conference Center in Ithaca, NY. Register now at https://cvent.me/MwgDZb.