The company plans to expand with the new funding, opening a second plant.

PawCo Foods, the AI-powered plant-based pet nutrition brand, has secured $2 million in seed funding led by Elevate Ventures and supported by angel investors, including Arash Ferdowsi, co-founder of Dropbox. Founded by former Impossible Foods scientist Dr. Mahsa Vazin, PawCo aims to revolutionize pet nutrition by offering high-quality, sustainable and scientifically-formulated plant-based food for dogs.

With the funding, PawCo plans to open a second production facility in the Midwest, complementing its existing California location. The investment will also support growth, research and development, and marketing efforts to raise awareness in the plant-based pet food category.

Christopher Day, CEO of Elevate Ventures, expressed excitement about PawCo’s vision to bring innovation to pet nutrition and democratize access to nutritious and eco-friendly pet food. Dr. Vazin’s expertise, as a former scientist at Impossible Foods, led to the integration of AI technology for nutrition optimization and the creation of GreenMeat, the first fresh plant-based meat for dogs.

PawCo’s core products include InstaBites, a shelf-stable, plant-based dog food for convenience and affordability; LuxBites, a premium option for gut health and immunity; and GreenBites, featuring fresh frozen meals with essential nutrients in flavors like Peanut Butter & Apple or Blueberry & Veggies.

Dr. Mahsa Vazin, CEO and founder of PawCo, highlighted its commitment to providing healthy and sustainable options for pet owners while contributing to a safer planet. Traditional, meat-based dog foods have been linked to health issues, and PawCo offers a plant-based alternative without compromising taste.