Food Tech Gift Guide, $32.3M Pumped into Food Tech in Oct + More

Every week we curate and deliver the latest food tech news, trends and startup resources to our readers’ inboxes. Tracking the top technology and innovation happenings across agriculture, CPG, retail, restaurants, cooking and health, our newsletter is the absolute easiest way to stay on top of the emerging sector.

From Dinner Lab’s innovative fundraising plans to Amazon launching restaurant food delivery, these are last week’s top food tech news and innovation stories. Like what you read? Feast your eyes on the full roundup here. Or better yet, sign up for Food+Tech Bytes and get the latest and greatest in food tech delivered to your inbox every week.

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1. The Ultimate 2014 Food Tech Holiday Gift Guide

Searching for the perfect presents for all the food nerds in your life? Have no fear, our Food Tech Holiday Gift Guide is here. We’ve culled together tons of food gadgets, books, subscription boxes and more that are sure to satisfy everyone on your list.

2. Food Tech Media Startup Funding, M&A and Partnerships: October 2014

Food Tech deal activity was robust in October with 8 acquisitions and 12 financings, as the sector reported an influx of $32.3 million.

3. Join us for “Fail Friday” on 12.11 in NYC

We’re partnering with Force Brands to launch a new event series dedicated to learning from failure. Join us at Force Brands HQ this Thursday, December 11 at 7 PM. Hear lessons learned from Plated, Sweet Loren’s, Health Warrior and Phin & Phebes. RSVP here.

4. Instacart Is Raising North Of $100 Million At A $2 Billion Valuation– TechCrunch

The grocery delivery service is raising a massive Series C and sources indicate that Kleiner Perkins is leading the round. The latest valuation is quadruple the $400M valuation of its Series B financing from June.

5. Amazon Has Launched A GrubHub Rival For Food Takeout & Delivery – TechCrunchM

Amazon has launched it’s new Takeout & Delivery service in Seattle.

6. Dinner Lab Introduces New Approach to Fundraising, Turns Members Into Investors – Forbes

The startup is allowing its members to invest in Dinner Lab through a Private Placement offering.

7. Vertical Farms Will Be Big, But for Whom? – Fast Company

Indoor farming might help feed millions, or at least make millions.

8. 5 Instagram Food Photographers Who Keep Fans and Brands Hungry for More – AdWeek

Niche, a platform that helps brands find social media influencers, highlights five top food-based marketing Instagrammers.