Over 480 initial investors have chosen to rally behind Western Australian agriculture start-up Australian Honey Ventures (AHV), which has landed a $1million cash injection in the space of 30 minutes following its launch on crowdfunding platform Birchal.
Shares from AHV’s crowdfunding campaign were quickly snapped up, as the 1256 Australians who registered their interest flocked in support of the social enterprise’s vision to revolutionise the honey industry, with the total now at $1.38million and counting.
In its initial crowdfunding raise last year, AHV caught the attention of 538 investors which contributed to the $790,000 raised. Today’s crowdfunding campaign provides an additional $1.38million in capital for AHV, marking an astounding $2.1 million raised in the space of a mere eight months — with more to come as the crowdfunding campaign continues.
The capital raised will support plans to scale AHV’s premium Australian medicinal honey production to meet growing international demand after the company landed two game changing export deals with the Kuwait and United Arab Emirates markets late last year.
AHV CEO, Jay Curtin said its humbling to see everyday Aussies choose change with AHV as the business continues its trajectory to surge the value of Australian medicinal honey in export markets and secure sweet returns for all.
“We are stoked that over 480 initial shareholders have jumped straight in and thrown their support behind our business as we continue to grow our global presence as a purpose-driven social enterprise,” said Curtin.
“The funds raised from our second crowdfunding campaign will help us scale our operations particularly for our Real Good Honey brand, which is expected to land on shelves in the Middle East in the coming months. It will also help us launch our domestic Australian offering, which is currently in the works with leading Australian supermarkets.
“With an overwhelming response in our initial 24 hours of the campaign, we expect a record sell out for our second ever crowdfunding round.”
AHV’s innovative business model gives Australian beekeepers the opportunity to earn income based on a percentage of the wholesale packaged price for their honey, rather than a fixed rate. With the company’s eyes fixated on growing the value of Australian medicinal honey, AHV promises to do good by stakeholders, investors and hard-working beekeepers.
Among the new shareholders who’ve revelled in the cause behind the business is renowned Group 1 racehorse owner and Vietnam war veteran, Geoff Grimish. Mr Grimish, who’s invested in a series of racehorses over the years — including a purchase from Queen Elizabeth II, confirmed a $500,000 investment in support of AHV’s vision as an anchor investor.
“AHV has a groundswell of potential behind its unique operating model, which is why I decided to dedicate half a million dollars in support of the business,” said Grimish.
“Among the immediate market opportunities in the Middle East, is the potential to incorporate Australian eucalyptus medicinal honeys with exceptionally high levels of hydrogen peroxide to develop a natural treatment for bacterial and fungal infections.
“This could make way for a revolutionary treatment of skin infections in both humans and animals — something I have also committed to funding through the West Meade University medicinal research program.”
The company has also caught the eye of ‘Honey Badger’ Nick Cummins, who remains a co-owner of AHV’s Real Good Honey brand.
Birchal managing director and co-founder, Matt Vitale said the platform is pleased to be supporting AHV in its second capital raise, as the business rapidly scales.
“After a hugely successful first offer, we’re thrilled to see AHV return to the crowd to fund its next phase of growth. AHV is pioneering a new model for Australian honey, designed to achieve better outcomes for producers, consumers and the Australian economy. So, it’s no surprise that thousands of Australians have supported Jay and the AHV team to shape a future we all want to see,” he said.