Better-for-you soft drink brand, bobby, has completed a crowd-sourced funding (CSF) campaign of more than $546,000 through OnMarket, supported by over 350 investors. The raise will be used to increase the company’s marketing budget threefold, tackling the challenge of getting the bobby name out there and attracting a larger consumer base.
The company successfully completed a raise of more than double the minimum subscription, allowing for increased working capital, marketing, NPD, and key hires – specifically full time business development and head of marketing roles.
Born from seeing the success of US brands like Olipop and Poppi taking on huge companies like Coca-Cola head on, bobby launched onto the scene in 2022 – just as the functional beverage trend was really gaining steam in Australia. Since then, the company has expanded from four to 13 flavours, and secured national ranging across major and independent retail.
Bobby’s comprehensive flavour range includes Grape, Vanilla Cola, Doctor Bobby, Lemon Lime, Lemon, Orange, Cola, Ginger Beer, Passion Fruit, Berry, and Creamy Soda. Last year it also branched out into limited-edition collaborations, including a Strawberries & Cream flavour with founders of the Happy Hour podcast, and a flavour inspired by Italian Chinotto, with Freddy’s Pizza.
Described as sitting in the white space between nostalgic corner-store favourites and modern functional wellness, the company has validated the product-market fit, proven retail demand and built brand equity. Now, it's ready to move from an emerging to established brand.
