The Munich foodtech startup Vegdog has successfully completed a Series A funding round. A total of around nine million euros flows into the company’s account, which specializes in vegan and gluten-free dog nutrition. The aim of the funding is Europe-wide expansion as well as further development of the product portfolio.
A significant portion of the fresh capital comes from the European Circular Bioeconomy Fund (ECBF VC), which focuses on investments in circular economy and bioeconomy. Existing investor Green Generation Fund (GGF) also participated again. Additionally, several business angels engaged, including Dominique Locher, Attollo S.A. and Andrea Skersies, former executive at Zooplus. The round was complemented by the investment platform Select Alternative Investments and shareholder SFO.
Strategic focus: growth and responsibility
Vegdog was founded in 2015 by Tessa Zaune-Figlar and Valerie Henssen and positions itself as a pioneer for vegan dog food in Europe. According to the company, the products are developed in collaboration with specialist veterinarians and offer a complete, purely plant-based nutritional concept for dogs.
“No animal needs to die today so our dogs get the best food – we have the technological means to develop high-quality, delicious, animal-free recipes. And because we can never do enough good, we take responsibility and rescue farm animals like our flock of 27 sheep. For us, that means: Do Good. Feed Better”,
says Tessa Zaune-Figlar, CEO and founder of Vegdog. The Munich startup invests approximately one percent of its revenue in animal welfare measures.
Valerie Henssen, co-founder and CEO of Vegdog, adds:
“Our vision is a world where healthy dog nutrition no longer comes at the cost of other animals or the environment. This funding round enables us to accelerate innovation and our growth. Because the bigger Vegdog becomes, the greater our impact on dog health and animal welfare. We want to make ‘Do Good. Feed Better.’ the standard that combines uncompromising quality, ethical responsibility and genuine animal welfare.”
“Sustainably transforming the entire pet food industry”
The Munich company ended 2024 with revenue of around ten million euros – a 66 percent increase compared to the previous year, according to the company. For the coming years, the team is planning growth rates of up to 80 percent. The team size is expected to double in 2025 to prepare for planned expansion in the DACH region, the Netherlands and other European countries.
Investors are also convinced. Mathias Brink Lorenz, Investment Director of ECBF, says:
“Given increasing consumer demand for ethically and ecologically sound products, Vegdog is well positioned to challenge the current standard in the European pet food industry. The highly qualified founding team combined with a clear and bold vision has secured market leadership in Europe for Vegdog. We are grateful for the opportunity to accompany their Series A round, which will enable them to continue growing and achieve exceptional impact.”
And Peter Dorfner, Principal at Green Generation Fund, explains:
“From the beginning it was clear: Vegdog stands for outstanding product quality. Their relentless pursuit of excellence in quality, innovation and sustainability makes them unique. At Green Generation Fund, we are convinced: when market conditions are right and a dedicated founding team acts with foresight, quality always prevails in the end – and Vegdog is the best proof of that. We are proud to support a company that is not only globally leading in its segment, but will sustainably transform the entire pet food industry.”
