
The Plantbased Business Hour
Focused on the innovation companies working in food systems transformation, tune into The Plantbased Business Hour with Elysabeth Alfano to hear from venture capitalists, CEOs, investors, analysts, entrepreneurs, and start-ups who are launching new initiatives for sustainable and profitable food companies. The world is set with a daunting task: make more food in a shorter amount of time that is more nutritious while using fewer resources and while creating less planetary and personal health damage. What are the innovations that will get us there? Grab a front row seat to the profitable and solution-oriented business arena of Sustainable Food Systems on The Plantbased Business Hour.
Latest episodes

May 2, 2024 • 37min
Future of Protein Production 2024
In a thought-provoking discussion, Aleh Manchuliantsau, the visionary founder of Planetarians, and Fengru Lin, the innovative CEO of TurtleTree, dive deep into the future of protein production. They explore how repurposing food waste can combat food insecurity and the role of biotech in producing animal-free milk. Their insights on the importance of partnerships and resilience in supply chains reveal the shifting landscape of food technology investments. The conversation highlights the urgency of sustainability amid global challenges, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of food.

Apr 25, 2024 • 39min
Why Is a Former Meat Company Owner Investing in Cultivated Meat? With Davide Dukcevich
Davide Dukcevich, a former owner of Daniele prosciutto, is now transforming his legacy as an impact investor focusing on cultivated meat. He discusses the shifting landscape of the meat industry, alongside the potential of cultivated meat to tackle ethical and environmental issues. Dukcevich shares his emotional journey from traditional meat to innovative solutions, stressing the need for continual investment in sustainable practices. He also highlights the vital role of the younger generation in driving change within the food sector.

Apr 18, 2024 • 52min
Will Investors Embrace Food Systems Transformation? With Mahesh Roy of IIGCC
Mahesh Roy, Investor Strategies Programme Director at IIGCC, dives into the critical connection between investment and food systems transformation. He discusses the financial benefits of plant-based practices in combating climate change and the urgent need for systemic changes in agriculture and land use. Roy highlights innovative food technologies and the profitability within sustainable investment, emphasizing the role of responsible finance in achieving net zero goals. Personal anecdotes, such as his love for falafel, add a relatable touch to this pressing topic.

Apr 11, 2024 • 36min
Bloomberg Intelligence's Jen Bartashus at the Farm, Food, & Fuel Summit
Jen Bartashus, a Senior Research Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, sheds light on the evolving plant-based sector. She discusses key predictions for the next decade, focusing on emerging megatrends like sustainability and AI in food. Jen emphasizes the strategic importance of collaboration between traditional and alternative protein industries for resilience. She also highlights investment opportunities that intertwine food security and climate technology, showcasing the financial potential of the plant-based movement.

Apr 4, 2024 • 22min
Plant-based Innovation In Napa Valley with Chef James Corwell
In this episode of the Plantbased Business Hour, Elysabeth discusses the future of food with Chef James Corwell at the Culinary Institute of America's event in Napa Valley. Subscribe! For plant-based media/branding consulting and public speaking, reach out at elysabeth@elysabethalfano.com. For more information, visit ElysabethAlfano.com. For more information, visit ElysabethAlfano.com. Connect with Elysabeth on Linked in here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elysabeth-alfano-8b370b7/ For more PBH, visit ElysabethAlfano.com/Plantbased-Business-Hour. Archive only. VegTech™ LLC ceased providing investment‑advisory services, and the EATV ETF was liquidated on May 7 2025. No investment advice is offered.

Mar 28, 2024 • 53min
The Investment Thesis Behind Food Systems Transformation: Lombard Odier’s Thomas Hohne-Sparborth
Thomas Hohne-Sparborth, Head of Sustainability Research at Lombard Odier Investment Managers in Switzerland joins the Plantbased Business Hour. Host and CEO of VegTech Invest, Elysabeth Alfano, discusses with Thomas who pays and who benefits from food systems transformation. Subscribe! For plant-based media/branding consulting and public speaking, reach out at elysabeth@elysabethalfano.com. For more information, visit ElysabethAlfano.com. For more information, visit ElysabethAlfano.com. Connect with Elysabeth on Linked in here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elysabeth-alfano-8b370b7/ For more PBH, visit ElysabethAlfano.com/Plantbased-Business-Hour. Archive only. VegTech™ LLC ceased providing investment‑advisory services, and the EATV ETF was liquidated on May 7 2025. No investment advice is offered.

Mar 22, 2024 • 32min
New Products and Innovation at Expo West
This week Elysabeth comes to you from Expo West in Anaheim, California. She discusses the state of the plant-based sector with Noah Hyams, Founder of Vegpreneur, and Rodd Willis, Director of Natural and Specialty at Dot Foods. Hear about what kinds of products Elysabeth saw at Expo West and what the hot topic items were. Subscribe! For plant-based media/branding consulting and public speaking, reach out at elysabeth@elysabethalfano.com. For more information, visit ElysabethAlfano.com. For more information, visit ElysabethAlfano.com. Connect with Elysabeth on Linked in here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elysabeth-alfano-8b370b7/ For more PBH, visit ElysabethAlfano.com/Plantbased-Business-Hour. Archive only. VegTech™ LLC ceased providing investment‑advisory services, and the EATV ETF was liquidated on May 7 2025. No investment advice is offered.

Mar 14, 2024 • 58min
What You Need To Know Before You IPO: George Khalife of TSX
George Khalife, V.P. of U.S. Capital Formation on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) joins Elysabeth to discuss taking Plant-based Innovation brands public on the exchange. They breakdown what you need to know before you IPO. Subscribe! For plant-based media/branding consulting and public speaking, reach out at elysabeth@elysabethalfano.com. For more information, visit ElysabethAlfano.com. For more information, visit ElysabethAlfano.com. Connect with Elysabeth on Linked in here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elysabeth-alfano-8b370b7/ For more PBH, visit ElysabethAlfano.com/Plantbased-Business-Hour. Archive only. VegTech™ LLC ceased providing investment‑advisory services, and the EATV ETF was liquidated on May 7 2025. No investment advice is offered.

Mar 7, 2024 • 28min
Beyond Meat: Examining the Stock Surge and Sink After the Earnings Call
On this episode of The Plantbased Business Hour, Elysabeth discusses the recent rise in stock price for Beyond Meat after their Q4 2023 earnings call Subscribe! For plant-based media/branding consulting and public speaking, reach out at elysabeth@elysabethalfano.com. For more information, visit ElysabethAlfano.com. For more information, visit ElysabethAlfano.com. Connect with Elysabeth on Linked in here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elysabeth-alfano-8b370b7/ For more PBH, visit ElysabethAlfano.com/Plantbased-Business-Hour. Archive only. VegTech™ LLC ceased providing investment‑advisory services, and the EATV ETF was liquidated on May 7 2025. No investment advice is offered.

Feb 29, 2024 • 58min
How to Raise Capital in this Economy: Jeffrey Harris of Green Venture Advisory
How can you raise capital for your start-up or existing company in this restrictive economy? It is what is on almost every founder's mind. Jeffrey Harris, CEO of Green Venture Advisory, joins Elysabeth today on the Plantbased Business Hour to talk about the three things you need to know. Subscribe! For plant-based media/branding consulting and public speaking, reach out at elysabeth@elysabethalfano.com. For more information, visit ElysabethAlfano.com. For more information, visit ElysabethAlfano.com. Connect with Elysabeth on Linked in here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elysabeth-alfano-8b370b7/ For more PBH, visit ElysabethAlfano.com/Plantbased-Business-Hour. Archive only. VegTech™ LLC ceased providing investment‑advisory services, and the EATV ETF was liquidated on May 7 2025. No investment advice is offered.