Scrumbles Secures £6M Funding Boost from BGF for Pet Food Expansion
March 13, 2023
Natural pet food brand Scrumbles, headquartered in London, recently announced a significant funding boost of £6 million, courtesy of growth capital firm BGF. This investment is earmarked to bolster Scrumbles' team and further propel its omni-channel expansion strategy.
Founded in 2018 by Aneisha Soobroyen and Jack Walker, Scrumbles has quickly gained traction in the pet food market by offering nutritious, natural, and 'gut-friendly' food options for cats and dogs. Soobroyen, serving as CEO, alongside her husband Walker, embarked on this venture after witnessing their own pets' struggles with poor digestive health. This personal experience fuelled their mission to provide pet owners with high-quality, health-conscious alternatives.
Since its inception, Scrumbles has experienced remarkable growth, with revenues tripling and securing prominent listings in major UK retailers such as Tesco, Waitrose, Sainsburys, and Pets at Home. Additionally, the company has successfully established a direct-to-consumer channel and fortified its online presence, catering to the evolving needs of pet owners seeking premium nutrition options for their furry companions.
The infusion of £6 million from BGF is poised to be a game-changer for Scrumbles, allowing the company to reinforce its senior management team with key hires, notably a new Finance Director. Moreover, increased marketing initiatives will be pivotal in sustaining Scrumbles' expansion across diverse sales channels, ensuring broader accessibility to its product range.
A notable aspect of this funding round is the involvement of industry veterans in Scrumbles' governance structure. Mike Brehme, renowned for his leadership at Clipper tea, will assume the role of non-executive chairman, bringing valuable expertise to the board. Additionally, Daria Polunina from BGF will join Scrumbles' board as a non-executive director, further enriching the strategic vision of the company.
Commenting on the partnership with BGF, Aneisha Soobroyen expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "We are delighted to have the support of BGF, an experienced growth investor, as we embark on the next stage of our journey." She emphasised the increasing awareness among pet owners regarding the pivotal role of nutrition in pet health, underscoring Scrumbles' commitment to promoting digestive well-being in pets.
Daina Spedding from BGF echoed Soobroyen's sentiments, highlighting Scrumbles' position in a burgeoning market. "Pet nutrition is a resilient and growing market, and Scrumbles is well-positioned to serve the increasing demand for healthier, natural food for pets," remarked Spedding. BGF is poised to provide unwavering support to Scrumbles as it continues its trajectory of growth and innovation.
In addition to its financial milestones, Scrumbles achieved B Corp recertification this year, underscoring its unwavering commitment to sustainability and ethical business practices. Originally certified in 2018, this recertification reaffirms Scrumbles' dedication to fostering positive social and environmental impact across its operations.
Founded in 2011, BGF has emerged as a prominent player in the investment landscape, deploying over £3 billion in funding across more than 500 companies. Operating as a minority, non-controlling equity partner, BGF focuses on nurturing the growth trajectory of dynamic businesses, exemplified by its partnership with Scrumbles.
In conclusion, Scrumbles' recent funding infusion underscores its steadfast commitment to revolutionising the pet food industry with its natural, health-conscious offerings. With the backing of BGF and seasoned industry professionals, Scrumbles is poised to embark on an exciting phase of expansion, bringing its premium pet nutrition products to a broader audience while championing sustainability and ethical business practices.