Toronto, ON — October 3, 2024 — ALT-PRO Advantage, a pioneering startup in the pet food industry, has rebranded from its HOPE and SNÜF brands and secured pre-seed funding to strengthen its leadership in the alternative protein pet food market. After bootstrapping its growth from its inception, the company has attracted key investments from BDC Thrive Lab and SheBoot, both well-known for supporting women-led, impact-driven, and sustainability-focused ventures. This pivotal funding will allow ALT-PRO Advantage to advance its mission of revolutionizing pet nutrition with hypoallergenic, nutrient-dense, and eco-friendly products, utilizing innovative ingredients like insects, algae, and fungi. The company is also developing proprietary ingredients that deliver essential nutrients for dogs and cats through science-backed formulations.
Bootstrapped Growth Leads to Investment from BDC Thrive Lab and SheBoot
ALT-PRO Advantage has reached a significant milestone in its journey as a bootstrapped company by securing pre-seed funding from key investors, including BDC Thrive Lab, UTEST and SheBoot. These investors are recognized for their dedication to fostering innovation and empowering women-led ventures.
“We are immensely proud of what we’ve accomplished as a bootstrapped company and are excited to take this next step with the support of BDC Thrive Lab, UTEST and SheBoot,” said Dr. Sofia Bonilla, founder and CEO of ALT-PRO Advantage. “Their belief in our vision validates our commitment to creating the next generation of pet food using novel ingredients, and our evidence-based approach to pet nutrition, promoting the health of pets and the planet alike.”
“As a national non-profit organization that champions and invests in women-led innovation, SheBoot is thrilled to support Dr. Sofia Bonilla and the ALT-PRO Advantage team as they revolutionize pet nutrition. Their commitment to sustainability and scientific rigour aligns perfectly with our mission at SheBoot, and we’re excited to see how their groundbreaking approach will transform the pet food industry while making a positive impact on the planet.” - Julia Elvidge, Co-Founder and Chair of SheBoot
“ALT-PRO Advantage is on a mission to lead the pet food industry into the future with science-backed, clean alternative proteins using superfood ingredients like insects, algae, and fungi,” said Sévrine Labelle, Managing Director of BDC Thrive Lab. “What their team is offering animal lovers is a sustainable option that is not only free from artificial preservatives, hormones, and antibiotics but one that significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional proteins. Working alongside SheBoot and UTEST, we’re thrilled to support the company’s growth as they position themselves as a leader in planet friendly pet nutrition. Investing in this woman-led, innovative company focused on sustainability is fully aligned with our mission as a development bank.” - Sévrine Labelle, Managing Director of BDC Thrive Lab
A New Identity with a Continued Commitment to Wellness
The rebranding to ALT-PRO Advantage underscores the company’s broader focus on alternative proteins and its mission to lead the pet food industry into the future. With the backing of BDC Thrive Lab and SheBoot, ALT-PRO Advantage is poised to accelerate its innovative product development, offering clean, hypoallergenic, and planet-friendly pet food solutions.
Looking Ahead
The pre-seed funding will be instrumental in fueling ALT-PRO Advantage’s growth, enabling the company to expand its research and development efforts while strengthening its presence in key markets, such as Grocery and Veterinary sectors. Additionally, ALT-PRO Advantage will continue to advance its work with novel ingredients, positioning itself as a leader in sustainable pet nutrition.
“We’re thrilled to enter this exciting growth phase,” said Bonilla. “With the support of BDC Thrive Lab, SheBoot, UTEST and other investors, we will continue to provide pets with top-tier nutrition while upholding our commitment to science-backed nutrition and environmental responsibility.”
About ALT-PRO Advantage
ALT-PRO Advantage is a leading innovator in pet nutrition, specializing in the use of alternative proteins and sustainable ingredients. Formerly known for their HOPE and SNÜF brands, ALT-PRO Advantage’s mission is to provide functional, clean, and hypoallergenic pet food that supports both the health of pets and the planet.
For media inquiries, please contact:
ALT-PRO Advantage
Email: info@altproadvantage.ca
Website: https://altproadvantage.ca/
