PORTLAND, Ore., Aug. 2,
2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Mars Petcare, a world leader in pet
nutrition and health care; Michelson Found Animals Foundation, a
non-profit dedicated to keeping animals in their homes, safe,
protected and loved; and R/GA Ventures; the investment arm of the
global agency R/GA, announce the six companies that will
participate in the first cohort of the Leap Venture Studio (Leap):
the first startup-centric accelerator program built to springboard
innovation in the growing pet technology ecosystem.
The companies include a diverse mix of next generation
entrepreneurs and startups looking to shape the future of pet care
across nutrition, veterinary diagnostics, on-demand services, and
medicines and supplements. The participating companies are:
- AnimalBiome assesses pet microbiomes and makes an oral
supplement from material sourced directly from healthy cats and
dogs to restore balance.
- CuidaMiMascota connects pet owners with trusted pet sitters
that offer cage-free, safe and cost-effective care, in Latin America.
- Lacuna Diagnostics, Inc. is a cloud-based platform that
connects veterinary hospitals to board-certified clinical
pathologists for rapid diagnostic results.
- Mixlab is a modern veterinary compounding pharmacy that creates
personalized meds and wellness products for pets.
- PetPlate is a subscription service that delivers fresh-cooked,
vet-designed, human-grade dog food in pre-portioned, microwavable
containers.
- Wild Earth is challenging the status quo of pet food with
cultured protein that is good for your pets and the
environment.
In recent years, advancements in scientific research and the
development of emerging technologies have made it possible for
people to advocate for their pets in new ways and help these pets
live healthier, happier lives. Yet, there are very few business
innovation platforms that support innovators behind these solutions
in developing new market opportunities.
As leaders in the industry, Mars Petcare and Michelson Found
Animals are uniquely positioned to foster innovation in this space
by supporting early-stage and growth-stage companies whose products
and services can have a lasting impact on pets and pet owners.
The Leap program provides the opportunity for selected companies
to access strategic, financial and creative resources to accelerate
product development, develop industry partnerships and refine their
business plans. Customized teams of R/GA strategists,
technologists, designers and consultants will collaborate with the
startups to enhance their business plans and prepare them for
future milestones including fundraising, pitching and business
development. Additionally, the startups will receive mentorships
from executives at Mars Petcare, Found Animals and their extended
networks of world class advisors.
The Leap program will be hosted at the R/GA office in
Portland, Ore., a city well known
for its pet-friendly culture. The program will conclude in October
with a demo event at which each startup will present to industry
leaders, partners, investors, and customers from the technology and
innovation community. If you are interested in attending the demo
event, please email us at ventures@rga.com for more
information.
The Leap Venture Studio is currently accepting applications for
the second cohort and selection will take place in the Fall 2018.
The program encourages companies innovating in pet nutrition and
wellness; pet health and diagnostics; solutions/platforms/services
for pet owners and pet professionals; AI and machine learning,
advanced analytics; connected products and spaces; and genetics to
apply throughout the year. Qualified candidates must have developed
a minimum viable product. Leap is open to companies at a variety of
stages, from pre-seed to seed to Series A, and business models
including B2B and B2C.
For more information about Leap or to submit an application,
please visit: www.leapventurestudio.com and follow #leapvs on
Twitter.
About Mars Petcare
Mars Petcare is a diverse and growing business with 75,000
Associates across 50+ countries dedicated to one purpose: A BETTER
WORLD FOR PETS. With 75 years of experience, our portfolio of
almost 50 brands serves the health and nutrition needs of the
world's pets – including brands PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, ROYAL CANIN®,
NUTRO™, GREENIES™, SHEBA®, CESAR®, IAMS™ and EUKANUBA™ as well as
The WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition which has advanced research in
the nutrition and health of pets for over 50 years. Mars Petcare is
also a leading veterinary health provider through a network of over
2,000 pet hospitals including BANFIELD™, BLUEPEARL™, PET PARTNERS™,
VCA™ and Linnaeus. We're also active in innovation and technology
for pets, with WISDOM PANEL™ genetic health screening and DNA
testing for dogs, the WHISTLE™ GPS dog tracker, and LEAP VENTURE
STUDIO accelerator and COMPANION FUND™ programs that drive
innovation and disruption in the pet care industry. As a family
business and guided by our principles, we are privileged with the
flexibility to fight for what we believe in – and we choose to
fight for: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS. For more information about Mars
Petcare, please visit http://www.mars.com/global/brands/petcare.
Join us on Instagram and LinkedIn.
About the Michelson Found Animals Foundation
Michelson
Found Animals Foundation is a leading animal welfare non-profit
organization committed to keeping pets safe at home with the pet
parents who love them. With a mission of Saving Pets, Enriching
Lives, Found Animals is advancing the health and safety of pets
through the first free, national microchip registry,
solutions-based programs addressing pet adoption, microchipping,
low-cost spay neuter services and grants for research into
non-surgical spay and neuter methods. The foundation provides
educational resources for pet parents and support for a variety of
animal welfare organizations. Generously funded by Dr. Gary Michelson and Alya
Michelson, Found Animals has helped more than 1.5 million
pets since it was founded in 2005. Learn more at
foundanimals.org and by following @foundanimals.
About R/GA Ventures
R/GA Ventures helps industry
leaders embrace disruption, connecting them with emerging startups,
technologies and consumer behaviors to drive their businesses
forward. Since 2013, the R/GA Ventures portfolio has grown to
include more than 80 companies across a variety of verticals. R/GA
Ventures and R/GA are part of the Interpublic Group of Companies
(NYSE: IPG), one of the world's largest advertising and marketing
services organizations. Learn more at ventures.rga.com and by
following @rgaventures.
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