The world’s first pet care specific accelerator, Leap Venture Studio, has opened applications for its seventh Studio Program. The hybrid program will be held virtually, with up to two weeks of in-person activities in the US. The cohort will go through an intensive, highly-customized schedule for 12 weeks, from March-June 2023. Last date to apply is December 18, 2022.

If you are an early-stage pet care startup that is driving meaningful change in the industry, apply here.

Even with the emergence of major companies in the pet care industry, pet startups still suffer from under investment and lack platforms to support them as they scale. Leap Venture Studio and Academy is one of the first programs designed to ignite meaningful growth across the pet care startup ecosystem. Leap is a partnership between Michelson Found Animals and Mars Petcare. Together, the two companies represent the most innovative thinkers in the pet care industry. Mars Petcare and MFA recognize the immense potential of the pet care sector and want to foster innovation and growth from the bottom-up. With support from R/GA Ventures, Leap has worked with six cohorts till date, accelerated 40 companies which have gone on to raise over $170M in follow-on funding and result in 2 exits.

Selected companies will receive an investment of US$200,000, and access to the best mentors and resources from the combined networks of Michelson Found Animals, Mars Petcare, and R/GA Ventures. Companies will also get the opportunity to learn from and network with leading pet care experts and thought leaders throughout the program. The program will culminate in a Demo Day on June 8th where the startups will pitch to investors, industry leaders, media, and the startup community.

All our portfolio companies are innovation leaders; their unique businesses, impact creation, commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and vision to elevate the lives of pets and their people, are factors influencing their inclusion in the program.

Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn to find out about our upcoming informational session. Last date to apply is December 18, 2022.

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