Drogheda based company Omuu Petfood has won the Best New Start category in the Leinster finals of the InterTradeIreland Seedcorn Investor Readiness competition. Along with the regional trophy, Dr. Frank Clarke, Chief Executive and Founder of Omuu Petfood was also presented with €20,000.
Omuu Petfood aims to take dog nutrition to the next level with its hypoallergenic dog and will now advance to the All-Island final in Dublin on the 9th of Novemberm which has an overall prize fund of €300,000.
The Louth-based company will soon be launching a veterinary telemedicine consultation service. Sustainability is a key focus for Omuu Petfood as it uses premium insect proteins in its products and 100% recyclable packaging, minimising carbon emissions.
Dr. Frank Clarke, Chief Executive and Founder of Omuu Petfood, said: ”As a start-up company, we are delighted to win this award, it is amazing to get recognition for being a sustainable petfood business and trying to make a positive impact on our pets and the planet.
“The Seedcorn competition has taught me that in business, there is always more to learn. The Seedcorn prize money will go towards new product development, including an insect treat range and an insect wet food range for the pickiest of eaters.”
The leaders of the six innovative start-up and early-stage companies from across Leinster and Connacht (including counties Donegal, Cavan and Monaghan) took part in a competitive final on 18th October at the Hodson Bay Hotel, Athlone.
As part of the process, finalists presented their investment proposal to a panel of judges that included active investors. The winning entrants successfully demonstrated to the panel of judges why they believe their businesses are investor ready. The regional winners from Leinster & Connacht will have the opportunity to compete for the overall €100,000 prize at the final.
Connor Sweeney, Seedcorn Programme Manager at InterTradeIreland said: “This year’s Connacht and Leinster regional final was a very competitive process across the ‘Best New Start’ and ‘Best Early Stage’ categories. Both categories had three very innovative and ambitious entrants that showcased their business plans in a professional and engaging manner.
“Year-on-year the InterTradeIreland Seedcorn competition attracts start-up and early-stage companies that are entrepreneurial in their approach. Omuu Petfood impressed the judges with their vision and future business plans. On behalf of all of us at InterTradeIreland, I wish them the best of luck at the All-Island final on the 9th of November.”
