Non-alcoholic drinks startup Hopr raises $3 million Seed round

Sydney drinks brand Hopr has gulped down $3 million in a Seed round after being turned away by local VCs.

While consumer brands often turn to crowdfunding for capital, founder Jose Ramirez turned to boutique advisory firm TWIYO to build its cap table, which includes New Zealand exec John Bromley, former Matildas player Sue Read, and ex-Morgans broker and fintech commentator Chris Titley.

Ramirez launched Hopr in 2020, concerned about his own urge to drink during the Covid lockdowns.

“I’ve had family and friends pass away from alcohol-related issues and I freaked out in that moment. I wondered if I had a problem,” he said.

So he spent months working at nights in his kitchen, testing blends of hops, adaptogens and nootropics to get the recipe right. It’s not a beer, but sparkling hops-infused water, the tanginess of an IPA, and then citrus flavours as well.

Hopr has grown more than 10x over the past two years and is stocked in grocery stores and bottle shops nationally. Ramirez recently relocated to a facility almost treble the size of Hopr’s previous warehouse – its sixth move in just two years.

Raising capital for a consumer product in Australia is “nearly impossible”, Ramirez said, so he turned to his customers for support. 

“Every VC said no. So I bet on myself – and our community,” he said.

“The VC scene here is built for software, fintech, AI – not fizzy drinks. Investors want ‘high margins, low ops’. But building a beverage brand means logistics, manufacturing, distribution…real product stuff. 

“We sent decks everywhere. Most said ‘too early, too operational, not scalable enough’. Others liked the brand but still didn’t invest in drinks. The turning point was our community.

“This isn’t just about money. It’s proof that if you believe in what you’re building, momentum will follow. For every founder making something tangible: keep going. Even if they all say no.” 

The raise will be used to scale production, expand distribution, and for sales and marketing hires. 

Cornerstone investor John Bromley, a veteran of the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) category said Hopr’s revenue growth has exceeded his best expectations, and it was exciting to back Ramirez. 

“He is arguably the most impressive young entrepreneur I have ever met – with a unique mix of skills and an unbelievable work ethic,” he said.

“Add the exciting product concept, and my decision to invest was a no-brainer.” 

Chris Titley is a massive fan of the product

“Hopr works well as a natural delayer of that first beer and sometimes even replaces it altogether,” he said.

“The result? Better sleep, sharper mornings, and a clear-headed guilt-free way to unwind.”

Sue Read, now a psychologist in the ACT who was not only goalkeeper for the Matildas, but also competed nationally in weight lifting, discus and javelin, was chasing Ramirez to support him from earlier 2024. 

“As a former athlete staying healthy is important to me as having fun. Hopr helped me feel I could still have a ‘special’ drink in the evening and get the benefits of the relaxing ingredients,” she said.

“I wrote to Jose, the owner, 18 months ago asking if I could invest in his company. I am excited to invest in a brand that gives people healthy living options.” 

Analysts have projected sustained double-digit growth for the “better-for-you” drinks category, which combines health benefits with social appeal.