LONDON — Leap Venture Studio & Academy announced the eighth cohort of its accelerator program, which includes Omni, a sustainable dog nutrition company. The accelerator aims to support early-stage pet care startups and their founders by providing resources and $200,000 in funding.

Other startups selected include veterinary diagnostic tool GeekoVet, pet wellness company Innovative Pet Lab, pet health subscription Scooch, vaccination record platform VetVerifi, and pet orthopedics company WIMBA.

Founded in 2020 by veterinarian Guy Sandelowsky, DVM, and Shiv Sivakumar, Omni aims to create healthier and more sustainable dog nutrition. The company’s current offerings span complete-and-balanced plant-based wet and dry formulas, plant-based functional treats, and a line of supplements.

Guy Sandelowsky, co-founder of Omni

Guy Sandelowsky co-founded Omni with a goal to provide dogs with healthier and more sustainable nutrition.

 | Source: Omni

“As a vet, I’m really pleased to see one of the world’s largest pet care businesses backing veterinary grade novel protein solutions for better health outcomes via their investment in Omni,” Sandelowsky said. “With the support of this key strategic partner we will be incredibly well positioned to bring the health benefits of novel protein pet nutrition to many more dogs.”

Leap Venture Studio & Academy’s eighth cohort will kick off in London on March 4 and will end with a Demo Day on June 13 in New York City.

“We can’t wait for the launch of cohort eight,” said Rachel Sheppard, director of ventures at Mars Petcare and co-lead of the Leap Venture Studio & Academy. “It’s always so energizing to see innovative technology being used to make life better for pets, pet parents and the planet. We’re thrilled to give this group of startups tailored support so they can pursue their missions.”

Additionally, social impact company BestyBnB has been invited to participate in select programming alongside the eighth cohort. BestyBnB offers crisis care and safety pet programs to help animal welfare, domestic violence, mental health, veteran affairs, homeless services and other social agencies secure safe and temporary homes for pets whose owners are experiencing time of crisis.

Leap Venture Studio welcomes pet industry startup founders to eighth accelerator cohortSource: Leap Venture Studio & Academy

During the program, the startups will have access to resources, mentors, networking opportunities, and brand and marketing services. Founders of the companies will also have access to a network of industry experts and investors from Mars Petcare, Michelson Found Animals and R/GA Ventures.

“Welcoming new founders to the program who demonstrate vision, passion, and drive to make life better for pets is a real honor," said Brett Yates, chief executive officer of Michelson Found Animals. "We’re looking forward to what the next four months will bring for each of the startups.”

Find more articles about pet food industry startups.