“We are thrilled to close this latest funding round with the continued support of Btomorrow Ventures and a new partnership with BDC,” says Adam Deremo, CEO and founder of Awake Chocolate. “This investment is a testament to the incredible growth we’ve achieved and the strong demand for our functional and delicious chocolates. With this infusion, we’re focused on further scaling our operations, innovating our product line, and reaching even more consumers across North America.” 

The new capital will be strategically deployed to support key initiatives designed to position Awake for long-term growth and market leadership, according to the company. A significant portion of the investment will aim to enhance supply chain efficiency through expanded co-manufacturing partnerships and new supplier relationships, ensuring the brand can meet escalating consumer demand. The company says it will dive deeper into research and development to foster new product innovation and continue to expand its internal team to support its growth trajectory. Awake will also focus on marketing efforts, such as influencer partnerships, ambassador programs, participation in key industry events, and expanded sampling initiatives, all aimed at driving brand awareness and reaching new customer segments, it adds.

"Our continued investment in Awake reflects our strong belief in its performance and the depth of the management team,” said Lukasz Garbowski, BTV’s chief investment officer. “As consumers increasingly look for more from their food, the 'wellness and stimulation' sector, particularly functional food and beverages, is a key focus area for BTV to deliver on BAT’s mission to create A Better Tomorrow.'"

Related: Awake Chocolate debuts caffeinated dark chocolate variety pack