NASHVILLE, TENN. — Leap Venture Studio & Academy announced the launch of its ninth annual accelerator program. The studio offers pet care startup founders a customized, hybrid program designed to support and provide resources to early-stage startups, as well as $200,000 in funding. The latest edition of the program kicks off in Nashville on Feb. 24 and will end with a “Demo Day” in London on May 16.
The six startups joining this year’s cohort include:
- Buddy Bites, a pet food brand that donates to shelters with every order
- Happy Howl, a dog food company seeking to “defy dog years” through its human-grade meals
- James & Ella, a dog wellbeing company that specializes in premium, freeze-dried raw and raw-hybrid nutrition
- Oh Norman!, a dog brand that offers a variety of products, including pet food, and gives back to rescue dogs in need
- BistroCat, an automated wet cat food feeder that leverages smart technology to identify flaor preferences and monitor feeding trends
- Otis, a company seeking to improve access to prescription medications for chronic and recurring health conditions in pets
The accelerator program will provide the participating startups with access to resources, mentors, networking opportunities and marketing services. Founders will also have access to a network of industry experts and investors from Mars Petcare and Michelson Found Animals.
“Being selected for the Leap Venture Studio & Academy is an incredible honor, and the backing from Mars Petcare is a testament to our vision and potential,” said Katie Hunt, co-founder and chief executive officer of Oh Norman! “This partnership not only provides us with essential funding and strategic guidance but also solidifies our commitment to revolutionizing pet care with science-backed, ethical and eco-conscious products. We’re excited to accelerate our growth and continue our mission to improve the lives of pets everywhere.”
Kaley Cuoco, co-founder and president of Oh Norman!, added, “We founded Oh Norman! because I simply love dogs. I wanted to create high quality products, while also supporting animal rescues. The whole Oh Norman! team is as crazy for dogs as I am, and that passion means we understand what would improve the lives of dogs and of their owners. I am so proud of what we have already built and how we have been able to give back.”
In addition to these startups, Petcademy has also been selected to participate in select programming, making it the second year in which a social impact company has been invited to participate in select programming alongside the startups. Petcademy offers text-based pet training, community programs and post-adoption support.
“It’s inspiring to see so many of these companies prioritizing social impact efforts in their mission,” said Paige Ellen, Leap Venture Studio senior program manager, Michelson Found Animals. “From developing tech solutions that streamline adoption processes to partnering with shelters around the world, these startups are making a tangible difference in the lives of animals and the humans who love them.”
Since its founding in 2018, Leap Venture Studio has invested in a portfolio of 51 companies, spanning 16 countries, which have raised over $200 million in follow-on funding. Two of the portfolio companies have made successful exits — PetHospice and Lacuna Diagnostics.
“It’s incredible to watch the level of competition for each cohort increasing every year,” said Rachel Sheppard, director of ventures at Mars Petcare and co-lead of Leap Venture Studio & Academy. “This group of startups stand out not only for their innovation, but for their deep understanding of the needs of next-generation pet owners. We’re excited to support them in their efforts to shape the future of pet care.”
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