Goldman Sachs Honors UPSIDE Foods Founder for Entrepreneurship

Goldman Sachs has honored UPSIDE Foods CEO Uma Valeti as one of the Most Exceptional Entrepreneurs of 2026 at its annual Builders and Innovators Summit. The recognition highlights Valeti's leadership in pioneering the cultivated meat industry.

Valeti founded UPSIDE Foods in 2015 with the aim of producing real meat directly from animal cells, eliminating the need for animal slaughter. The company has developed proprietary technology to grow meat, positioning itself to expand consumer choice and enhance food security. UPSIDE Foods' cultivated chicken product was the first of its kind to receive regulatory approval from both the U.S. FDA and USDA for sale.

The Builders and Innovators Summit gathers leaders from high-growth companies across various sectors. Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon acknowledged Valeti for his agility and vision in redefining the food industry. The event is in its 15th year and is a notable gathering for founders and CEOs.

UPSIDE Foods has secured over $600 million in funding from investors including Cargill and Tyson. The company is focused on scaling its operations to provide a more sustainable and resilient alternative to conventional meat production through cellular agriculture.