VEGDOG Secures
€9 Million in
Series A to Scale
Vegan Pet Nutrition Across Europe

• Investment enables VEGDOG, the category leader in the vegan dog food segment, to expand its position as European leader

• European Circular Bioeconomy Fund (ECBF VC) led the investment round, together with existing investor Green Generation Fund

• Further financial support comes from Select Alternative Investments as well as renowned business angels and VEGDOG's existing shareholder SFO 

Munich, 02. June 2025 – VEGDOG, the pioneer of vegan dog nutrition in Europe, today announces the successful completion of its Series A financing round. The Munich-based company, which was founded by Tessa Zaune-Figlar and Valerie Henssen, received growth financing totalling around 9 million euros. The food tech start-up offers the first vegan, gluten-free and 100 percent complete dog food range, developed in collaboration with specialist vets. 

A significant portion of the investment was contributed by the European Circular Bioeconomy Fund (ECBF VC), a venture capital fund dedicated to supporting companies in the bioeconomy and circular economy sectors, together with the existing investor Green Generation Fund (GGF). Further capital comes from the business angels Dominique Locher, Attollo S.A. and Andrea Skersies (The Nutriment Company, ex-Zooplus). The investment platform Select Alternative Investments and the existing shareholder SFO are also involved in the financing round. 

Profitability and responsibility go hand in hand

‘Nowadays, no animal has to die to give our dogs the best food – we have the technological means to develop high-quality, tasty, animal-free recipes. And because we can never do enough good, we take responsibility and save 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. VEGDOG invests around 1 percent of its turnover in animal welfare measures. 

Valerie Henssen, co-founder and CEO of VEGDOG adds: ‘Our vision is a world in which healthy dog nutrition is no longer at the expense of other animals or the environment. This financing round enables us to accelerate innovation and growth. The bigger VEGDOG is, the greater our impact on dog health and animal welfare. We want to make ‘DO GOOD. FEED BETTER.' as the standard that combines uncompromising quality, ethical responsibility and genuine animal welfare.’

A future proof pet food market

ECBF is investing in VEGDOG because of the company's enormous potential to disrupt the dog food market with sustainable and healthy solutions. “As consumer demand for ethical and environmentally friendly products rises, VEGDOG is well-positioned to challenge the status quo for the European pet food industry. The stellar founding team combined with a clear and bold vision have secured VEGDOG the market leading position in Europe. We are grateful for the opportunity to lead their series A round which enables them to further scale and make an exceptional impact”, explains Mathias Brink Lorenz, Investment Director of the ECBF.

Peter Dorfner, Principal at the Green Generation Fund, explains: "From the very beginning, we recognised VEGDOG as the market leader in product quality. Their unwavering commitment to excellence in quality, innovation, and sustainability sets them apart. At Green Generation Fund, we believe that when market conditions align and a visionary founding team is driven for growth, outstanding products ultimately prevail – and VEGDOG is the perfect example. We are proud to support a company that not only leads its category but is also reshaping the pet food industry for the better.”

In 2024, VEGDOG not only reached EUR 10 million in annual sales but also achieved an impressive 66% growth year-over-year. The team is planning growth rates of up to 80% for the coming years. The start-up has demonstrated the resilience of its business model amid recent global challenges. This clearly sets VEGDOG apart from its competitors in the industry. 

The VEGDOG team is set to double in size in 2025 in order to realise the planned expansion into the entire DACH region and the Netherlands as well as other European countries in 2026. VEGDOG's products are currently available D2C in Germany and Austria as well as via Amazon and stationary trade. VEGDOG has listings with FUTTERHAUS, Zoo&Co, dm drogerie and recent VEGANUARY promotions with ALDI Suisse and Hofer in Austria, among others; signs of targeted expansion. 

The addition of Kai Naujoks as Managing Partner in January 2025 is another important step on the way to expanding the company's European market leadership. Naujoks, who previously played a key role in building up the international business of toy manufacturer Tonies, is responsible for scaling the operating business at an international level at VEGDOG.

About VEGDOG
VEGDOG was founded in 2015 by Tessa Zaune-Figlar and Valerie Henssen and offers the first vegan, gluten-free and 100% complete dog food, which was developed in collaboration with specialist vets. After all, according to consistent scientific findings, dogs need protein and not meat. Not only animal protein is excluded from the recipes, but also all other main allergens in dogs, making VEGDOG ideal for people with food allergies or dogs with leishmaniasis. VEGDOG offers a comprehensive range of dry and wet food, nutritional supplements and a variety of snacks. Several well-known investors are involved in VEGDOG, including the EU-funded Green Generation Fund (GGF) and the European Circular Bioeconomy Fund (ECBF). You can find more information about VEGDOG here.

Press contact | VEGDOG
Natalia Fritz | natalia.fritz@cleopr.com | +49.176.84.609.659

About European Circular Bioeconomy Fund (ECBF VC)
The European Circular Bioeconomy Fund (ECBF VC) is a private venture capital fund dedicated exclusively to the bioeconomy and circular economy. Launched by the European Commission, it invests in visionary European entrepreneurs driving the transition from a fossil-based to a bio-based economy. The ECBF aims to catalyse the transition to a sustainable future by investing in later-stage companies with high innovation potential, favourable returns and sustainable impact. Founded in 2020 and with a total of €300 million under management, ECBF is focused on deploying capital in attractive and impactful companies based in the EU-27 or 16 HORIZON 2020 associated countries. Based in Luxembourg, the fund is managed by Hauck & Aufhäuser Funds Services S.A. as Alternative Investment Fund Manager (AIFM) and advised by the experienced investment team of ECBF Management GmbH based in Germany. www.ecbf.vc

Press contact | ECBF Management GmbH
Cornelia Mann | pr@ecbf.vc| +49.160.892.774.4