Leap Venture Studio & Academy, the world’s first and largest pet care startup accelerator, has played a major role in supporting innovation in the pet care sector since its launch in 2018.
The accelerator program, backed by Mars Petcare, Michelson Found Animals and R/GA Ventures, invested in a portfolio of 45 companies in 15 different countries, and their startups went on to raise over $200M in follow-on funding.
Leap Venture Studio announced that as part of the eighth cohort of startups, which will run between March 4 and June 13, the company will include its first impact company. The startup, BestyBnB, creates crisis care and safety net pet programs to help animal welfare, domestic violence, mental health, veterans affairs, homeless services, and other agencies. of social services to secure a safe, temporary home for pets during times of crisis for their owners.
Leap Venture Studio Social Impact participant, will receive an award to further their extraordinary level of social impact for both pets and their humans.
“We hope that by including a company whose success is best measured by their impact, like BestyBnB, we can continue to expand the ways that Leap Venture Studio supports creating a better future for in the pet care industry,” the accelerator said in a statement.
The new cohort of Leap Venture Studio
In addition to the social impact startup, six other startups will join Leap’s portfolio, including:
The six startups that joined the portfolio include:
GekkoVet, an online diagnostic and treatment tool for veterinary professionals by veterinarians.
Innovative Pet Lab, a science-driven pet wellness company that empowers the pet community with at-home tests and personalized solutions.
Omni, a company founded by veterinarians on a mission to create healthier and more sustainable pet food that doesn’t compromise on taste or price.
Scooch, an AI powered holistic pet health subscription for the new generation of pet parents.
VetVerifi, a platform that better connects the pet economy by getting verified vaccination records the moment they are needed.
WIMBA, a company revolutionizing pet orthopedics through WIMBA AI and 4D printing technology, making the path from video scanning to custom orthotics and prosthetics in minutes.
Leap Venture Studio & Academy will hold a Demo Day on June 13. Those interested can sign up at this link.
What’s in it for startups?
The studio offers pet care startup founders a highly customized, hybrid program tailored to support and provide resources to early-stage startups, in addition to $200,000 in funding.
The cohort will begin in London on March 4th and conclude with a Demo Day on June 13th in New York City.
Founders in the program will get access to resources, mentors, networking opportunities and brand and marketing services from Leap Venture Studio. Founders will also have access to a network of industry experts and investors from Mars Petcare, Michelson Found Animals and R/GA Ventures.
“We can’t wait for the launch of cohort eight! It’s always exciting to see innovative technology being used to make life better for pets, pet parents, and the planet,” said Rachel Sheppard, Director of Ventures at Mars Petcare and co-lead of Leap Venture Studio & Academy. “We are delighted to provide this group of startups with tailored support so they can continue their missions.”
“Welcoming new founders to the program who demonstrate the vision, passion, and drive to make life better for pets is a true honor,” said Brett Yates, CEO of Michelson Found Animals. “We look forward to what the next four months will bring for each of the startups.”
Disclosure: This article mentions a client of an Espacio portfolio company.
