A startup on a mission to improve the lives of our furry friends!

Wednesday, 6 October 2021

There is a reason we call them our fur kids! Amanda Falconer is the founder of Bestie Kitchen, a startup which believes our pets have just as much right to a healthy and fulfilled life as we do.

With the backing of science, peer-reviewed research and clinical veterinarian experience, and by partnering with organisations such as CSIRO, Amanda expanded her product line and established a manufacturing factory in Newcastle. In just over two years, using their own whole foods formulations, vitamins and supplements, the team have gone global, increased their revenue 300% each year and developed a Bestie Health Club app that supports pet-parents in caring for their pet far beyond just food.

Bestie Kitchen are driven to improve the health and wellbeing of all of Australia’s pets by feeding dogs and cats like family. Bestie Kitchen mix whole foods, herbs and science to help you create a great diet for your pet to improve their health and well-being.

Catch up on Startup Stories with Amanda Falconer

Top Takeaways:

  • Moving from a contract manufacturer to manufacturing, although challenging, resulted in many unforeseen benefits, such as enabling further product development and having have more control and flexibility over production and demand, which has expanded and increased the quality of our IP. This means that when we return to contract manufacturing, we will have developed far better products and services.
  • If retailers are not interested in your product, prove the value of it through direct-to-consumer selling, and the retailers will then start knocking on your door.
  • Tap into and get to know and understand the R&D processes behind your industry. Researchers can be helpful if you understand how to work with them effectively to improve your production and commercialisation, as well as their research.
  • Technology is your friend to navigate funding; get comfortable with applying for grants and familarise yourself with thegrant ecosystem online AND in person. Staying connected with key contacts and organizations in the region, such as I2N helps to keep you in the know.
  • Amanda has been working to scale up her business through the I2N Venture Mentor Service (VMS). If you would like to learn upscaling strategies from successful entrepreneurs make an application into VMS.

The University of Newcastle's I2N works with individuals and organisations from across the Hunter region and beyond to turn ideas and challenges into opportunity. As a leading driver of economic and business growth, the I2N cultivates an entrepreneurial mindset that is behind many of the region's most innovative businesses and leaders.

Keep up to date with future I2N events, programs and opportunities by subscribing to I2N's monthly newsletter or visit www.newcastle.edu.au/i2n

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