Foodtech

Jan 31 2025

Spanish Startup Gimme Sabor Wins 4th Prize at South Korean Accelerator Program

The company was the only European startup awarded and the only finalist with a foodtech project, marking an impressive milestone in plant-based food innovation in this Asian program

Spanish startup Gimme Sabor specialized in plant-based protein products, recently took home 4^th place at the K-Startup Grand Challenge, a special accelerator program for innovative companies and an initiative from the South Korean government.

It’s the only European startup to receive an award and the only finalist with a foodtech project. The company forged ties with major names in the Korean food industry, such as Medisola and CJ, and took home $50k.

Gimme Sabor is “shaping the future of food” by creating plant-based seasonings for food. Their range of flavors includes sour cream and onion, roast chicken, and bacon and cheese, among others. It also makes 100% vegetable canned tuna, free of allergens, additives, mercury, and microplastics.

Gimme Sabor’s journey in South Korea began last summer, when it was invited, as one of just 40 companies, to take part in the accelerator program. It was chosen to participate, after a screening process that involved 1.716 companies from 114 countries.

In the program, participants worked closely with local companies and venture capitalists in the Korean version of Silicon Valley. They had their own workspace, an intern to help them expand into the local market, a stipend, and mentoring services, all to support their reception in the Asian market. The startups also participated in a “demo day,” where they presented their projects.

This program offered Gimme Sabor a unique opportunity to gain a foothold in a new market and showcase the innovation of Spanish companies.