Aardvark

Summary

Aardvark's mission is to make pet ownership sustainable. Aardvark has developed food for dogs and cats that uses insects as the protein source. Our food meets the nutritional needs of our pets whilst creating a far smaller environmental footprint than pet food that uses animal meat. Aardvark requires capital for manufacturing their first batch of pet food and helping market the products to pet owners across the UK.

• Partnership with VC backed insect farm NextProtein.
• Black Soldier Fly Market estimated at $2.57 billion by 2030.
• Brand identity and design from award winning agency: B&B Studios.
• UK pet food market forecasted to grow to £2.9 billion in 2020.

Operations

The idea for Aardvark originated with our founder, Hugo and his search for sustainable food for his two cats. He found out pets are responsible for 1/4 of the environmental damage associated with the meat industry, but at the time couldn't find any sustainable food for them on the market. Cats are also obligate carnivores, meaning that a plant-based diet doesn't meet their nutritional needs.

• So, we created a sustainable range of dry kibbles for dogs and cats using protein from insects rather than animal meat.
• We developed our kibbles to be grain-free, contain nutritious ingredients like seaweed and we only use natural ingredients- no fillers.
• Insect protein is endorsed by the British Veterinary Association and their president; Simon Doherty, says it is even "better for pets than top steak".

We are a scalable business that is capital-light. We will initially sell DTC with plans to expand into Europe in 2021 and the U.S by 2024 and entering a global pet food market worth $74.6 billion (2019).

Increasing environmental concern, increased pet ownership and increased premiumisation, will help boost Aardvark sales in a world still affected by COVID-19, with a planned exit within 5-7 years through acquisition.

We require capital to assist in manufacturing our first batch of pet food and help market the products to pet owners across the UK.

Team

Hugo Walters - Founder & CEO - Graduate from Exeter University, he was inspired to set up Aardvark because he could not find sustainable food for his family pets.

Niki Turner - Head of Marketing (Part-Time)- Niki brings a wealth of marketing experience to Aardvark, she previously headed up the marketing team at luxury goods company, Mulberry.

Emma Passman - Head of Nutrition (Part-Time) - Brings a wealth of nutritional experience working with companies in the global pet food sector.

Anash Croker - Head of Sales (joining after Crowdcube raise) - Due to graduate from London School of Economics with a degree in political science and joining the Aardvark team.

Anthony Chadwick - Mentor and Veterinary advisor - Veterinary surgeon who is the founder and CEO of the Webinar Vet, serving a community of more than 45,000 vets worldwide in 147 countries.

NextProtein - French startup that supplies Aardvark with insect protein, led by Syrine Chaalala and Mohamed Gastil. Recently closed a $11.2 million Series A fundraising round.

B&B Studios - Award winning design agency that has created Aardvark branding and packaging. They have helped create Pip & Nut, Peppersmith and Bear and designed for brands such as Fevertree, Brewdog and Innocent.

Kota Creative - Leading digital agency that has built websites for M&C Saatchi, Simmons Bar & Penhaligon’s.