LOS ANGELES — Leap Venture Studio is getting ready for its ninth-annual accelerator program. Applications are now open for early-stage pet industry startups from around the world to participate in the spring 2025 program, which aims to provide startups with support and guidance from top industry experts.

The 12-week hybrid program will begin on Feb. 24 in Los Angeles and end with Demo Day on May 12 in London, during which founders pitch their companies to investors from Mars Petcare and Michelson Found Animals.

Selected startups will receive an investment of $200,000, custom mentorship, and valuable assistance in preparing for future fundraising, including group sessions, fireside chats and workshops with industry experts, as well as an opportunity to pitch their ideas to prominent investors. 

According to Leap Venture Studio, over 60% of previous program founders identify as women and/or a person of color. This is a result of the selection criteria for program entrants being focused on diversity, equity and inclusion within the industry. 

Previous accelerator graduates have spearheaded innovation in several sectors including pet nutrition, at-home diagnostic tools, digital pet services, veterinary care software and more. According to Leap Venture Studio, since the program’s inception in 2018, the 51 companies that have completed the program have collectively raised over $200 million in follow-on capital.

Interested start-ups can apply for the spring 2025 program until Sept. 15, 2024. Learn more and apply here. 

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