LONDON — Leap Venture Studio & Academy has announced the eighth cohort of its accelerator program, which includes Omni, a sustainable dog nutrition company. The accelerator aims to support early-stage pet startups and their founders by providing resources and $200,000 in funding.
Other startups selected include veterinary diagnostic tool GeekoVet, pet wellness company Innovative Pet Lab, pet health subscription Scooch, vaccination record platform VetVerifi, and pet orthopedics company WIMBA.
Founded in 2020 by veterinarian Guy Sandelowsky, DVM, and Shiv Sivakumar, Omni’s goal is to create healthier and more sustainable dog nutrition. The company’s current offerings include complete and balanced plant-based wet and dry formulas, plant-based functional treats, and a line of supplements.
Guy Sandelowsky founded Omni with the goal of providing dogs with healthier and more sustainable nutrition.
| Source: Omni“As a veterinarian, I am truly pleased to see one of the largest pet care businesses in the world supporting novel veterinary protein solutions for better health outcomes through their investment in Omni, ” Sandelowsky said. “With the support of this key strategic partner, we will be well positioned to bring the health benefits of this novel pet nutrition protein to many more dogs.”
The eighth cohort of the Leap Venture Studio and Academy will begin in London on March 4 and conclude with a Demo Day on June 13 in New York City.
“We can’t wait for the launch of cohort eight,” said Rachel Sheppard, director of ventures at Mars Petcare and co-lead of the Leap Venture Studio & Academy. “It’s always reassuring to see innovative technology being used to make life better for pets, pet parents and the planet. We are delighted to provide this group of startups with tailored support to continue their missions.”
Additionally, social impact company BestyBnB has been invited to participate in select programming with the eighth cohort. BestyBnB offers crisis care and pet safety programs to help animal welfare, domestic violence, mental health, veterans affairs, homeless services and other social agencies secure safe and temporary homes for pets whose owners are experiencing a time of crisis.
Source: Leap Venture Studio & AcademyDuring the program, startups will have access to resources, mentors, networking opportunities, and brand and marketing services. The companies’ founders will also have access to a network of industry experts and investors from Mars Petcare, Michelson Found Animals and R/GA Ventures.
“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, chief executive officer of Michelson Found Animals. “We expect the next four months will bring for each of the startups.”
Find more articles about startups in the pet food industry.
