Online ordering platform eBev has secured $2m in a Series A funding round, major institutional investor, Artesian VC, which will be used to accelerate its growth.
The fresh capital will be used to further push the company’s recently launched trade credit service, eBev Trade, and significantly accelerate its growth trajectory towards its goal of having all Australian licensed premises with an eBev account.
Ian Harris, CEO of eBev, said: “The huge hit by COVID to the on-premise beverage market on both the Venue and supplier side cannot be understated. eBev Trade will assist businesses get back on their feet quicker with improved cash flow and limited risk in selling to venues who are themselves struggling to get back to normal trading.
“Our platform offers tangible benefits to both sides of the beverage trade, with the further investment we now have the runway for our platform to really benefit the Beverage Trade community.
“This capital raise positions eBev well to support our plans for aggressive growth in engaging both suppliers and licensed premises. We welcome the addition of the new shareholders and the deepening of relationship with our existing shareholders including the Artesian VC fund.”
The latest round follows eBev’s first seed raise led by Sydney Angels in 2016, which helped with the platform’s expansion to Melbourne and other states and adding other beverage types such as beer, spirits, cider and non-alcoholic.
Adrian Bunter, Non-Executive Director and Sydney Angels lead investor said: “Since the first investment in eBev, we have seen it develop to become Australia’s leading online beverage marketplace covering almost all suppliers in the entire market and used by Australia’s leading venue groups. eBev Trade is solving a real problem in the market and has been getting fantastic feedback. It will be instrumental to suppliers and venues, helping them recover from the impacts of COVID shutdowns, and helping them grow their business.”