LAS VEGAS — Leap Venture Studio, a pet care-specific accelerator program, announced the finalists for its second annual SUPERZOO Pitch Competition in partnership with the Black Pet Business Network. Each finalist is a pet industry startup, all of which have at least one founder who identifies as a person of color. 

The startups will showcase their pet solutions, from nutrition to high-tech platforms, during a pitch event on Wednesday, Aug. 14 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. during SUPERZOO. A grand-prize winner will be chosen to receive $10,000 for their business and the Black Pet Business Network will award second and third place prizes. 

The SUPERZOO Pitch Competition aims to tackle the lack of diversity in pet care and in startups. According to Leap Venture Studio and the Black Pet Business Network, a rise in pet ownership during the pandemic was greatest in non-white households, however, the industry as a whole does not reflect this. Additionally, this lack of diversity in the pet industry is also reflected in the startup world. 

“Partnering with Leap Venture Studio has been impactful for our community, we’re excited to see all the brands in this year’s competition get the recognition they deserve,” said Lashonda Geffrard, founder of Black Pet Business Network.

The finalists for the pitch competition include four pet nutrition startups: Dog & Whistle, Pawgone Good, Skona Pet Food and TREEV.

Dog & Whistle seeks to make quality food accessible to dog parents by upcycling unused, natural whole foods into dog food. The company works with veterinarians to develop its products, which use ingredients from local businesses in Las Vegas. Dog & Whistle’s current offerings include lightly cooked diets, toppers and treats. Founder Eric Adams will present on the company during the competition. 

Pawgone Good is a woman-owned brand focused on holistic nutrition. The brand offers a dehydrated chip product, called Pawlicious Chips, for dogs that can help support oral health and combat malnutrition. Pawlicious Chips are formulated with coconut to help reduce plaque and freshen breath; organic, grass-fed beef to provide high-quality protein; sweet potatoes to provide antioxidants; beets to support digestive health; carrots to help clean teeth and gums; and flax seed to promote skin and coat health and reduce inflammation. Founder Jerrica Fletcher will present on her company during the competition. 

Skona Pet Food leverages all-natural Indian herbs to create premium, holistic pet treats. The company’s treats are human-grade and are available in four varieties: Beef Liver, Chicken Breast, Beef Heart and Pork Heart. Founder Srihas Sampath will present on the company during the competition. 

TREEV is committed to creating high-quality products using organically grown and sustainably sourced materials. The company’s flagship product BUHZ Bites are sustainable dog treats formulated with a blend of insect protein and organic, all-natural ingredients. The ingredients are also sourced from local and minority farmers. Founder Kenan Peters will present on the company during the competition. 

Other finalists include Social Paws, a platform that connects dog owners and non-owners; and Veterinary Electronic Assistant (VEA), a patented medical records platform powered by artificial intelligence (AI) for veterinarians. 

In addition to the pitch competition, Leap Venture will host several panel discussions at the Emerging Brands Stage during SUPERZOO. The discussions will cover startup fundraising, retail strategies, creating partnerships with pet brands, and the influence of AI in the pet industry. Additionally, the organization will host a panel on accelerator program opportunities for pet care startups. 

“We are so excited to be increasing our presence at SUPERZOO this year through content and programming that supports startups and emerging brands, while expanding our partnership with the Black Pet Business Network to support even more startups,” said Rachel Sheppard, director of ventures for Mars Petcare, a founder of the accelerator program. 

Read more about pet food and treat industry events.