Hong Kong-based pet food startup Buddy Bites has secured $4.2 million in a Series A funding round, a move that signals its intent to scale operations across Asia and enter a new market by 2027. Digitalis Ventures led the investment, which follows a $1 million seed round from Leap Venture Studio in 2025.
The capital will primarily support growth in Hong Kong and Singapore, where Buddy Bites operates, and fund the launch of a shelf-stable fresh dog food line. This product release comes shortly after the company introduced its cat food range in June.
Buddy Bites offers premium options including salmon, lamb, and turkey, available in wet and dry formats. Over the past year, the company’s revenue increased by 68% year-over-year, and its customer base grew by more than 10,000 users. The cat food launch added 1,000 new customers within two months.
Revenue is heavily reliant on recurring subscriptions, accounting for more than 85% of total income. Co-Founder Chris Lee explained the strategy behind the cat food expansion to GlobalPETS.
“We’re a subscription-first business so everything we do gets filtered through ‘does this deepen that relationship with the customer,’ rather than just chasing one-off sales,” Lee said.
Lee noted that Buddy Bites is no longer a direct-to-consumer-only brand. Retail and veterinary channels now represent significant portions of the business. The customer base is split roughly 60% in Hong Kong and 40% in Singapore.
Taiwan is the headline expansion, Buddy Bites’ first market outside Hong Kong and Singapore. Lee said the company expects to enter the island nation in early 2027.
This strategy aligns with a broader trend in the pet food industry where Asian startups seek to export premium products to neighboring regions. Unlike traditional pet food manufacturers that rely on mass distribution, companies like Buddy Bites often prioritize direct relationships with pet owners through subscription models before opening physical retail spaces. By securing retail partnerships and veterinary channels, Buddy Bites attempts to bridge the gap between digital-first growth and physical market presence.
Buddy Bites aims to enter Taiwan by early 2027, marking the company’s first expansion beyond its current Asian markets. The startup plans to leverage its existing subscription infrastructure to penetrate this new territory. The entry strategy involves securing retail partnerships and veterinary channels to bridge the gap between digital-first growth and physical market presence.
Lee emphasized that the company is not chasing one-off sales. Subscription revenue accounts for more than 85% of total income. The Hong Kong-based firm has grown its customer base by more than 10,000 users over the past year.
The company offers premium options including salmon, lamb, and turkey, available in wet and dry formats. This diverse product lineup helps Buddy Bites compete in a crowded market.
Pet Prices Diverge Across Major Economies in July reflects the competitive nature of the Asian pet food sector.
