Leap Venture Studio opens applications for seed stage pet care startups to join 9th Global Studio Program: Last chance to apply

Selected startups will receive $200,000 in funding and guidance from world-leading pet care experts

As pet parents are constantly looking for ways to care for their pet family members, the pet care market has become a thriving ecosystem with pet care startups passionately innovating for pet owners. Leap Venture Studio, a global pet care startup accelerator, has been investing in companies around the world that make life easier and more accessible, affordable, and sustainable for pet owners. 

The organization has recently announced that it is accepting applications for its ninth Studio program, offering a unique opportunity for early-stage pet care startups from around the world to receive support and guidance from top industry experts. Selected startups will participate in a 12-week hybrid program kicking off on February 24, 2025 in Los Angeles and ending with Demo Day presentations on May 12, 2025 in London. 

Leap Venture Studio & Academy was started as a partnership between Mars Petcare (the largest global pet care company) and Michelson Found Animals, a leading animal welfare organization. Together, they are driven by their mission to make the world a better place for pets by making pet care more accessible, affordable, and sustainable for pet owners. 

In pursuit of this mission, the Studio program offers a tailored experience for each startup, pairing founders with industry leaders, award-winning strategists, technologists, designers, and consultants from the Leap Venture Studio team, along with access to the growing network of prior accelerator alumni. Furthermore, selected startups will receive an investment of US$200,000, custom mentorship, and valuable assistance in preparing for future fundraising, including group sessions, fireside chats, and workshops with industry experts, as well as an opportunity to pitch their ideas to prominent investors. 

Whether disrupting the pet tech space, innovating in pet health or veterinary care, reimagining the future of sustainability, or exploring other frontiers, we welcome all pet care-focused startups to apply for the Spring 2025 edition of the Leap Venture Studio accelerator program. 

One Impact Seat will be reserved for a company that is best measured by their positive impact on the pet care ecosystem, following the successful inclusion of BestyBnB as an impact company in Cohort 8. This opportunity is open to various business models including non-profits or for-profits that are impact-focused. Startups designed to make positive impacts that are both measurable and scalable are encouraged to apply for the Impact Seat here (this is a separate application subject to its own terms). 

Startups out there, get ready, because all applications close on September 15, 2024, at midnight Pacific Time.

The selection criteria for program entrants is also focused on fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within the pet care industry. Leap Venture Studio is proud to note that over 60% of previous program founders identify as women and/or a person of color.

Previous accelerator graduates have spearheaded innovation in several sectors including at-home diagnostic tools, digital pet services, veterinary care software, and more. Since its inception in 2018, the 51 companies that have completed the program have collectively raised over $200 million USD in follow-on capital, along with two successful exits.

If you are an early-stage pet care startup passionate about driving meaningful change in the industry but not sure if this program is right for you, join us for an upcoming virtual information session where all your questions can be answered (note that registration is required for attendance): 

• Wednesday, August 28th 8:00 – 9:00 am PT  Register here 
• Thursday, September 5th 9:00 – 10:00 am PT  Register here 

The Leap Venture Studio & Academy is one of the first programs designed to ignite impactful growth for pet care startups. The program represents Michelson Found Animals and Mars Petcare’s commitment to improving the lives of pets and their owners through science, technology, and innovation. Leap Venture Academy is a series of pre-accelerator, community-building programs for early-stage pet care startups and innovators. These activities include fellowship programs and pitch competitions.