Jessica Acree is a brand builder, influencer and relevant expert in the culinary industry, identifying trends and creating strategic marketing initiatives for the upper-echelon of brands and key players in the landscape for over 10 years. Enjoying her deeply rooted role within the coterie of New York’s culinary circles, for over a decade she has observed the industry evolve and adapt to change, and continues to grow her own career along with her peers – sharing both the challenges and opportunities of working in such a fast-moving and demanding yet incredibly rewarding industry.

Jessica recently transitioned from working in Executive positions for Global luxury brands to follow a more entrepreneurial mission – a natural fit for her passionate spirit and outgoing character. In mid-2014, she founded Food Startup Labs, redefining her leadership role to focus on giving back to the culinary industry – a place she calls “home”. Food Startup Labs provides the support & expertise for any food/food-tech related startup or budding entrepreneur to turn their dreams into a brand and a business plan with a tangible outcome. Food Startup Labs has already consulted and built business plans, pitch decks and brand identities for Celebrity Chefs, Retail/CPG Products, emerging restaurants, food science/food-tech equipment for foodservice, and smaller, local specialty food stores & craft brewery tasting spaces.

Jessica is also Founder/CMO of FoodAngels.co, the only Angel Investment Firm in the US focused solely on food & food-tech investments.