The fast-growing SaaS-based platform, Gander, has won the prestigious Startup Tank award at the annual UVV Startup Investment competition in Brazil.
Acclaimed for its innovative approach to addressing food waste in the retail sector, Gander emerged as the winner.
The event was organised by UVV in partnership with the Capixaba Mobilization for Innovation (MCI), and the Brazilian Micro and Small Business Support Service (Sebrae), and the Government of the State of Espírito Santo.
The competition attracted hundreds of startups from across the nation, culminating in a final event held at the University of Vila Velha, with angel investors, entrepreneurs and investment funds in attendance to assess new technology-based products and services.
UVV Startup Investments aims to drive innovation and entrepreneurship, offering startups the chance to be evaluated based on impact, innovation, scalability, technical feasibility, compliance, and entrepreneurial quality.
The event also featured the presence of former Brazilian Minister of Finance, Paulo Guedes, Chancellor of the University of Vila Velha, who extended his congratulations to the participating startups.
Ricardo Salazar, CEO of Gander Brazil, said: “It is crucial for us to receive recognition from such a prestigious award like Startup Tank, particularly when the selection is made by such highly respected judges.”
Alessandro Coutinho, Pro-Rector of the University of Vila Velha and curator of the competition added: “Startup Investments serves as a vital platform to enhance the innovation ecosystem in our country. It presents an opportunity for startups and investors to collaborate, fostering an environment that encourages the creation of new business ventures.”
Gander’s real-time technology allows retailers to achieve significant cost savings by highlighting reduced-to-clear food items in retail stores. It reaches thousands of nearby shoppers, offering them great prices on selected products while enabling retailers to reduce their food waste.
But the Gander evolution hasn’t stopped there. Through its partnership approach, Gander collaborates with likeminded organisations to amplify its impact on the food, waste, and redistribution eco system.
One notable example is its collaboration with local sharing app Olio’s new Deals section, powered by Gander. The new Deals section gives food businesses an innovative way to drive sales of discounted food. Gander’s SaaS platform shows Olio’s users in the UK where to find cut-price groceries at participating stores in their area.
Gander has also integrated with Snappy Shopper, marking a first for a home delivery app. The partnership promises to reshape the grocery shopping experience and tackle food waste.
The company continues to expand its impact by partnering with organisations like WRAP, having signed the Courtauld Commitment 2030, a major initiative aimed at reducing food waste.
