‘s-Hertogenbosch, June 29, 2023 – The Happy Pear, Ireland’s foremost and one of Europe’s most inspiring companies in the plant-based food industry, is the first international company at sharefunding platform Broccoli. It successfully raised € 2.5 million of growth capital within a mere 10 hours time.
The Happy Pear’s products are available in over 600 stores across Ireland. With a diverse range of more than 75 plant-based offerings, the brand has already sold over 19 million units of its products. Furthermore, the company boasts of a thriving community of over 1.6 million followers on social media. Also The Happy Pear proudly owns its own plant-based café in the picturesque town of Greystones, along with a regenerative organic farm and an organic bakery.
The sharefunding campaign has proven to be an outstanding success, surpassing its goal within 10 hours raising € 2.5 million. In light of this achievement, The Happy Pear has decided to increase its funding target, thereby welcoming investors from all across Europe.
In the campaign video, co-founder David Flynn says:
“Eating more fruit & veg is one of the kindest things we can do for our planet and at The Happy Pear, we want to create a healthier and happier world. That’s why we make delicious and healthy plant-based food that’s better for you and better for nature.”
Good example follows good
Unique International Collaboration
The Happy Pear as an Irish company has consciously chosen to partner with Broccoli, a Dutch platform. Following a visit by the Broccoli team to Greystones and Dublin, an instant connection was established. The Happy Pear chose Dutch platform Broccoli, over numerous international competitors in the industry.
The Happy Pear co-owner Stephen Flynn:
“We've chosen for sharefunding via Broccoli because of our big community of followers who should be part of the company’s equity base and the ones to benefit from the share value increases in the future.”
He further emphasizes that the shared mission of both parties was key in their decision: “Broccoli exclusively collaborates with ethical companies that align with their values and mission. Their stringent pre-qualification process ensures they partner only with companies they respect and who are genuinely making a positive impact on the planet. This strong alignment made choosing Broccoli over other crowdfunding platforms a straightforward choice.”
Latest Developments at Broccol
Over two weeks ago, the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) granted the European Crowdfunding Service Provider (ECSP) license to Broccoli, establishing the green investment platform as an officially recognized financial institution. Notably, this also made Wouter Hagoort, co-founder of Broccoli, the youngest executive in the Netherlands’ financial sector.
Despite achieving this significant milestone there was no time for the Broccoli team to rest. Following the uplifting news, Yummygums became the first project to launch and successfully raised nearly € 1.5 million. Shortly after, De Fryske swiftly surpassed its € 750.000 target. On June 26, Spirited Union, the world’s first botanical rum, became the 10th project to go live on Broccoli. The Happy Pear joins as the eleventh client.
Together, 11 companies on the Broccoli platform have raised € 18 million of growth capital, bolstering their own financial resources. The platform’s user base has grown to nearly 15.000 motivated investors.
What unites all projects on Broccoli? They are passionate businesses within the agricultural, food, and beverage sectors, all committed to creating a more beautiful and sustainable world.
About Broccoli
At Broccoli, our mission is to make the world greener and healthier. We bring entrepreneurs and investors together. Through our platform, companies can utilize their equity capital for sustainable growth, ensuring that returns and impact go hand in hand.