Proud Mary passes $1 million raised in expansion bid – BeanScene

Melbourne brand Proud Mary’s crowdfunding campaign to expand its presence in the United States (US) has passed a significant milestone, with Co-Founder Nolan Hirte taking to social media to celebrate US$1 million (AU$1.54 million) funded.

Proud Mary opened the crowdfunding campaign in June 2025 on capital market site StartEngine. At the time of writing, the funds have been raised by 199 investors.

“We’re super appreciative of all the support, the generosity, and belief in what we’re doing,” says Nolan.

“We’re excited to have Proud Mary out there in the world and make it easier to get involved in. Help us make more magic happen.”

The surpassing of US$1 million raised has taken the brand close to its goal of US$1.25 million in funding to help it grow its footprint in the US specialty coffee market.

Alongside its Melbourne site in Collingwood, Proud Mary opened its flagship US café and roastery in Portland, Oregon in 2017, before opening another café in Austin, Texas in 2022. It also opened an Austin roastery in 2024.

Proud Mary’s Collingwood café was recently recognised as the fourth best café in the world in The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops 2025 list.

By 2028, it plans to have a total of six retail locations that have been open for a full year.