Update Dec 2023: Wild Earth’s $23 million investment has substantially accelerated the company’s product innovation and expanded its reach over the last few years. In March 2022, Wild Earth secured a retail partnership with Walmart in the United States for its koji-based superfood dry kibble. Soon after, a study was released that revealed the healthiest and least hazardous dietary choices for dogs are nutritionally sound vegan diets. In response, Co-founder and CEO of Wild Earth, Ryan Bethencourt, commented, “This study is further proof that not only can dogs survive on a vegan diet, but thrive.”
In August 2022, Wild Earth debuted a new product design and previewed an upcoming product line at SuperZoo, North America’s largest pet retail show. However, in October 2022 the company made a significant announcement that it had officially developed a cell-based meat broth topper for dogs, with plans to launch to consumers in 2023. It claimed this would be the world’s first cell-based meat product to debut on the pet food retail market.
While as yet there is no further update on the progress of the cell-based broth, Wild Earth has launched a new dry kibble line made from a blend of plants and fungi – Core Collection – which is available at various US retailers, including Walmart and Amazon. The company also signed an agreement with Zeigler’s Distributor to help expand its reach to the Mid-Atlantic US.
Leading plant-based dog food producer Wild Earth, founded headed by prolific vegan investor Ryan Bethencourt, announces it has secured more than $23 million from all-star investors as it reveals over 700% growth 2020 to 2021.
Wild Earth’s success escalated when Bethencourt closed a deal with Mark Cuban on Shark Tank in 2019. The Berkeley based company then went on to secure $11 million in Series A led by VegInvest just months later.
Wild Earth is now set to further disrupt the cruel and environmentally disastrous pet food industry and is on track to release new dog and cat food products in 2022. The company is currently developing beef, chicken, and seafood cell-based meats using its proprietary technology for these launches.
Leading the revolution
Bethencourt also reveals today that his company is launching a new initiative into cell-based pet food, joining a category with the likes of Because, Animals – stating, “cell-based meat is the future of meat, and pet food is leading the revolution! ”
The new funding round included high profile names including At One Ventures (founded by GoogleX co-founder Tom Chi), Veginvest (early investors in JUST foods and GOOD Meat), Big Idea Ventures (including Tom Mastrobuoni, an early investor and former board member at Beyond Meat), Bitburger Ventures (Venture firm of one of the world’s largest breweries), Gaingels (investing in the best companies that embrace LGBT+ leadership), actor and star of the Vampire Diaries, Paul Wesley, and Mark Cuban, who also acts as business mentor to the company.
Says Cuban: “Wild Earth is the leader in plant-based pet food. I’m excited about what they have accomplished and look forward to watching them become the leader in cell-based meat pet food.”
Says Tom Chi At One Ventures: “Meat production is the most climate intensive part of our food system, driving nearly as many emissions as the global energy sector. Wild Earth is changing the game by addressing the 20+% of meat consumption that goes to pets. Their team has a unique combination of consumer instinct and deep scientific skill, allowing them to create exceptionally healthy plant-based pet food that pets love. We’re excited to have led their last round and look forward to making a difference for the planet and your pets!” Tom Chi At One Ventures
