(PRESS RELEASE) NASHVILLE, TN — Leap Venture Studio & Academy, the world’s first and largest pet care startup accelerator, announce the launch of its ninth accelerator program. 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 newest cohort kicks off in Nashville on February 24, and will culminate with a Demo Day in London on May 16.
The six startups joining the portfolio include:
- BistroCat, the world’s first (and only) fully automated wet cat food feeder that utilizes smart technology to identify flavor preferences and monitor feeding trends.
- Buddy Bites, a pet food brand with a purpose, donating to shelters with every single order.
- Happy Howl, a dog food company defying dog years with human-grade meals that combine unbeatable quality with ultimate convenience.
- James & Ella, a happiness and wellbeing company providing premium freeze-dried raw and raw-hybrid dog food.
- Oh Norman!, a pet brand creating joyful, cutting-edge pet products that are vet reviewed, all-natural, and give back to rescue dogs in need.
- Otis, the first pet company democratizing access to prescription medication for chronic and recurring conditions affecting 200M US pets.
The accelerator program will provide access to resources, mentors, networking opportunities and brand and marketing services. Founders will also have access to a network of industry experts and investors from Mars Petcare and Michelson Found Animals.
Additionally, this cohort marks the second year in which a social impact company has been invited to participate in select programming alongside the portfolio startups. Petcademy offers text-based pet training, community programs, and post-adoption support to keep pets and people together.
“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 the 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.”
“It’s inspiring to see so many of these companies prioritizing social impact efforts in their mission,” said Paige Ellen, Leap Venture Studio Sr. 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.”
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Since its founding in 2018, Leap Venture Studio has invested in a portfolio of 51 companies, spanning 16 countries, which have raised over $200M in follow-on funding. Two of the portfolio companies have made successful exits (PetHospice and Lacuna Diagnostics).
For those who want to see what these latest startups have to offer, sign up for Demo Day on May 16, 2025.
About Leap Venture Studio
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.
