Marleybones, a UK-based premium dog food company, has successfully secured £2.5 million in fresh funding to expand its innovative pet food offerings. Led by TAW Ventures and with participation from JamJar Investments, Active Partners, and Animal Health Angels, the investment represents a significant step for the company. The funding round highlights the scarcity of female leadership in European venture capital, with Marleybones being a female-founded company supported by an all-female investor group. This accomplishment stands as a milestone for gender representation in the industry. The new funds are earmarked for expanding Marleybones’ reach and amplifying its mission of combining quality nutrition with sustainable practices in the pet food market.
Marleybones has witnessed significant developments against its previous achievements. Launching in 2020, the company sought to address a market gap by offering Pantry Fresh® meals — a line of pet foods that promise nutritional completeness and sustainability. Alongside slow-cooked meals packaged in eco-friendly cartons, Marleybones has expanded to include vet-approved supplements, omega oil, and air-dried treats, all made from local British ingredients. This approach of fusing quality with convenience has propelled the brand forward, complemented by a doubling growth rate and new retail opportunities.
What Drives Marleybones’ Growth?
The company attributes its growth to a clear understanding of consumer demands—high-quality, nutrition-packed dog food that also embraces convenience. A significant milestone includes its partnership with rePurpose Global, giving it a plastic-neutral certification by offering sustainable packaging solutions. Aiming to avoid single-use plastics, Marleybones utilizes recyclable Tetra Pak cartons for their entire product line, reflecting a commitment to environmentally conscious practices.
How Will the New Funding Be Utilized?
The recently acquired funds are intended to broaden Marleybones’ operational capacity and market reach. Plans include expanding teams within creative, customer experience, and retail sectors. Investment will also bolster brand awareness via influencers, PR, events, and other marketing campaigns. Enhancing customer acquisition strategies is a key focus to drive further sales and establish Pantry Fresh® as a mainstream choice among pet owners.
“We’ve built strong traction across D2C and retail, expanded into supplements, and proven category demand with triple-digit growth,” stated Mikala Skov, Co-founder of Marleybones.
Josephine Bager, another co-founder of Marleybones, emphasized that the new funding supports expansions required to meet consumer demands. Part of the strategy includes further shaping the fresh pet food category through targeted product and marketing innovations.
“The Pantry Fresh® meals demonstrate that nutrition and convenience can be delivered together,” Bager noted.
The £2.5 million investment in Marleybones highlights the potential growth for companies that position themselves at the intersection of health, convenience, and sustainability. While the fresh pet food market is becoming increasingly competitive, Marleybones’ innovations and sustainable practices provide a compelling market proposition.
For readers invested in sustainable and high-quality pet products, Marleybones represents a company to watch. With ongoing efforts to enhance brand visibility and product offerings, supported by influential investors, the company’s strategies may significantly influence the future of pet nutrition and sustainability.
