Mark Cuban, Daneilla Morgan-Pascualvaca, Anya Babbitt, and Ben Seidman (Photo courtesy of Disney/Christopher Willard)
On Friday March 1, 2024, Mella Pet Care, a startup company in Chicago, went public Shark Tank, a hit TV show from the ABC network. Anya Babbitt, CEO and cofounder, Ben Seidman, COO and cofounder, and Daniella Morgan-Pascualvaca, chief of staff, represented the company in front of the Sharks to pitch their line of products, including its underarm thermometer for pets animal After their pitch, Mark Cuban offered them a deal.
“Who knew pets could fish? How we found out at Mella Pet Care – because Mella just hooked a great white shark! We are honored and thrilled to receive an investment that closes our Shark Tank deal to Mark Cuban,” Babbitt said, in an organization release.1 “His expertise, insight, network, and passion for pets and innovation will accelerate the expansion of Mella’s product offerings to reach a broader customer base. With Mark’s support, we at Mella are confident in our ability to revolutionize pet care and make a positive impact on the lives of pet owners and their furry companions.
At the end of their pitch and answering questions from the other Sharks, Cuban offered $250,000 for a 6% stake, a $4.2 million valuation, which the Mella Pet Care Team accepted.2 Mella Pet Care was created in 2019 after Babbitt’s dog nearly died as a puppy because there was a lack of data available to diagnose and prevent puppy health conditions. The company’s product line hopes to give pet parents the opportunity to monitor their pets’ vitals and integrate that into their pet’s veterinary care. Mella also revealed in the episode several products on the way, including a chip reader and pulse oximeter and its Biggie Body Scale for checking body fat.
“I am excited to partner with Mella Pet Care and support their mission of improving the lives of pets and pet owners,” Cuban expressed. disrupt the pet care industry and release solutions that empower pet owners and improve the well-being of our beloved four-legged friends.”1
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse conducted a study that revealed treating dogs and cats with axillary thermometers can significantly reduce the length of procedures when compared to traditional thermometers.3 The study used data provided by Mella Pet Care regarding conventional thermometers and then observed veterinarians using the same type of thermometers on different cat and dog patients over the course of a year. Findings include improved efficiency, improvements in patient comfort, and optimized clinical workflow.
“We have an incredible team and community of supporters who share our vision for transforming pet health,” Seidman said.1 “We don’t just make devices and software—we make a world where vet visits are seamless and stress-free, and where vets can connect with pet parents like never before.”
At the time the episode aired, the Mella Pro thermometer and its other products were being used by over 1300 clinics in 15 different countries.
Sources
- Mella Pet Care secures investment from Mark Cuban on ABC’s ‘Shark Tank’. News release. Mella Pet Care. March 4, 2024. Accessed March 4, 2024.
- Smith A. Shark Tank Mella Pet Care Update 2024 | Season 15. Shark Tank Recap. Published March 2, 2024. Accessed March 4, 2024. https://sharktankrecap.com/mella-pet-care-update-shark-tank-season-15/
- Beyer O, Lueck A, Brundage C. Comparison of Axillary versus rectal temperature timing in canine and feline patients. Vet Sci. 2023;10(7):475. doi: 10.3390/vetsci10070475
