Omni Appears on Dragons’ Den, Receiving “Highest Ever Pet Food Valuation”

UK-based alt protein pet food startup Omni appeared on Dragons' Den, receiving what is claimed to be the highest ever pet food valuation on the programme. Founders Dr. Guy Sandelowsky and Shiv Sivakumar secured a £75,000 investment from Dragons Steven Bartlett and Deborah Meaden in exchange for 2.5% equity. The Dragons were impressed by Omni's significant growth, serving over five million plant-based meals to pets in the UK with a 400% sales increase since its 2021 launch.

Despite challenges about the startup's numbers from some Dragons, Sivakumar explained the business model, highlighting the £400 lifetime value of customers. Meaden expressed enthusiasm for Omni's development of cultivated pet food and was impressed by the founders' approach in an open market. After negotiating the equity stake down to 2.5%, the founders were excited about the support received from the Dragons and optimistic about Omni's future with Meaden and Bartlett's involvement on board.