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London’s pioneering foodtech ‘game changer’ Wheyhey selected for THRIVE accelerator

Wheyhey, the creators of the world’s first high-protein and sugar free ice cream, have been selected to take part in the agricultural and food technology-focused THRIVE accelerator, in Silicon Valley.

The London-based brand, which is currently stocked in a number of major retailers including Holland & Barrett and Odeon, saw off the challenge from hundreds of competitors from 35 countries to seal a place on the accelerator which is to take place in Salinas, California.

The eight-week programme is backed by SVG Partners, Forbes Magazine and telecommunications giant Verizon, and will see Wheyhey, who are the only UK startup to be selected for the accelerator, compete against 11 other agtech and footech innovators for up to $5m (approx. £3.4m) in venture capital funding.

Wheyhey’s ice cream is made from a whey protein isolate and is naturally sweetened with xylitol, with a 150ml tub containing as much protein as a medium sized chicken breast.

Damien Kennedy, Co-founder of Wheyhey, commented: “We are delighted to be part of the THRIVE ecosystem. We have developed a truly innovative and unique proposition.

“Our goal with Wheyhey is to tackle some of the world’s major health and nutrition problems head on, and to change what it means to eat healthily.”

Co-founder Greg Duggan said: “Our ice cream is a great tasting, indulgent and truly healthy alternative to anything else on the market. It is incredible to be recognised by one of the leading Food and Agtech programmes at the heart of Silicon Valley and by some of the biggest food companies in the world”

John Hartnett, Chief Executive Officer of SVG Partners, said:“Leveraging the technology expertise in Silicon Valley and the agriculture expertise in Salinas, Thrive is an ecosystem that is bringing together a global network of innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers, as well as technology and ag companies.

“These entrepreneurs are bringing some incredible energy and disruptive innovation to one of the world’s most important industries, and have been drawn together by the opportunity that arises from a huge challenge; feeding the world.”