Wild Earth

High-Level Overview

Wild Earth is a biotechnology and technology company founded in 2017 in Berkeley, California, specializing in vegan, plant-based pet food and nutritional products for dogs and cats.[1][2][3] It develops clean, high-protein treats, kibble, and supplements using innovative ingredients like Koji fungi and cultured proteins, targeting pet owners seeking healthier, cruelty-free, allergen-friendly alternatives to traditional meat-based foods that reduce environmental impact.[1][2][3][4] The company serves direct-to-consumer (DTC) customers via its e-commerce platform and has raised over $50 million in funding, demonstrating strong growth momentum with expansions into new products, digital marketing, and a satellite operation in Durham, North Carolina.[2][3][6]

Origin Story

Wild Earth was co-founded in 2017 by Abril Estrada, Kristin Wuhrman, Ron Shigeta (Chief Science Officer, Ph.D., with expertise in cellular agriculture), and Ryan Bethencourt (CEO, applying "vegan biohacking" principles to pet nutrition).[1][2] The idea emerged from pioneers in cellular agriculture and sustainable food tech, aiming to reinvent pet food amid rising demand for humane, eco-friendly options—starting with Koji-based dog treats as a renewably sourced, high-protein alternative enjoyed by humans globally.[1] Early traction came quickly: In 2018, it secured $650,000 in seed funding led by Mogul, with investors like Founders Fund and Peter Thiel; this expanded in 2019 with $550,000 from Mark Cuban and an $11 million Series A led by VegInvest, featuring Mars Petcare and Felicis Ventures.[1][2] Later rounds included a $23 million Series A extension in 2021 and $10 million debt financing in 2022 from Espresso Capital, fueling product development and market penetration.[2][4]

Core Differentiators

• Innovative Protein Sources: Uses Koji fungi, cultured clean proteins, and plant-based formulas for complete nutrition, free from common allergens, meat, and antibiotics—proven to improve dog health (e.g., reduced itching, better breath).[1][2][3][8]
• Sustainability and Humane Focus: Cruelty-free products with lower environmental impact than conventional pet food, aligning with omnivore biology of modern dogs.[1][3][4][8]
• Science-Driven Development: Backed by biotech expertise, 5 patents in dietary supplements, nutrition, and proteins; featured on Shark Tank and at events like SuperZoo.[3][4][8]
• DTC Growth Model: Fast-scaling e-commerce with subscriptions, digital marketing investments, and nutritionally complete kibble/treats for dogs and cats.[2][5][8]

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

Wild Earth rides the wave of cellular agriculture and alternative proteins, disrupting the $30 billion pet food market amid trends like plant-based diets, sustainability demands, and pet humanization—where owners prioritize health, ethics, and eco-friendliness.[1][2][3] Timing is ideal post-2017, with consumer shifts accelerated by climate awareness and vegan pet food demand; market forces like rising meat costs and regulations favor its low-impact model.[2][3] It influences the ecosystem by pioneering DTC pet tech, inspiring competitors in pet technologies (1,377 startups) and direct-to-consumer brands, while expanding U.S. manufacturing and biotech hubs like Durham.[3][5][6]

Quick Take & Future Outlook

Wild Earth is positioned for expansion with its $50M+ funding, recent credit facilities, and product innovations like refreshed packaging and new lines slated for 2023 onward—focusing on customer acquisition via digital channels.[2][3][4] Trends like cultivated proteins (e.g., peers BlueNalu, Believer Meats) and premium pet nutrition will propel growth, potentially capturing more of the allergy-friendly, sustainable segment as pet ownership booms.[3] Its influence may evolve through scaling biotech R&D, retail partnerships (e.g., Mars), and global reach, solidifying its lead in humane pet tech from a seed-funded innovator to market disruptor.[1][2]