Functional beverage company, HOPR, has completed a capital raise of more than $3 million, marking the largest drinks-sector raise in Australia so far in 2025, according to the company’s advisors.
The equity round exceeded recent crowd-funded raises by Prohibition Liquor Co. and TWØBAYS Brewing Co. and was led by a group of sophisticated investors rather than venture capital.
HOPR was founded by Jose Ramirez in 2020 after developing a hop-infused functional drink designed as a non-alcohol alternative that supports relaxation without after-effects. It is now available nationwide through supermarkets and liquor stores. The company’s revenue has grown tenfold in two years.
The new capital will be used to increase production, expand distribution and retail partnerships, and scale HOPR’s sales and operations teams. The company recently moved into a facility almost three times larger than its previous warehouse to meet increasing demand.
Ramirez said traditional venture capital investors rejected the company, citing the challenges of scaling beverages compared to software or technology businesses. The raise was ultimately supported by private investors including New Zealand executive John Bromley, former Matildas goalkeeper Sue Read, and finance commentator Chris Titley.
HOPR’s growth aligns with global shifts in the better-for-you drinks category, including reduced-alcohol consumption and consumers looking for functional alternatives. The company is positioning its products within this trend and expects continued momentum as the category expands.
