In a move that reflects their commitment to diversity, equity, and innovation in the pet care industry, Leap Venture Academy is proud to announce their upcoming Fellowship for early stage pet care founders. Taking place in Montpellier, France from 6-10 November, this event, in partnership with Royal Canin, will host an extraordinary cohort of 13 innovative startups.
Traditionally selecting 8-10 companies for their fellowship program, Leap is pushing boundaries this year by welcoming 13 exceptional startups. This amplification of their efforts underscores the company’s dedication to fostering inclusivity and driving transformative change in the pet care landscape.
The 13 pet care startups joining the program are: BistroCat, ControlPoint, Edgar, Furevr byFOMMRE Innovative Pet Lab‘s, Interplay, JAMPY, SN Biomedical, Spot Vet, The Coda Group Inc., Veterinary Well-Being Buddy, Vidapaw, VNG Pets.
The heart of this fellowship lies in the diverse and visionary founders behind each of the 13 participating companies from six countries. From cutting-edge products to revolutionary services, these startups are poised to shape the future of pet care.
“Having reached a significant milestone of five years at Leap, we take immense pride in hosting our fifth Academy program for early-stage pet care founders,” said Brett Yates, CEO of Michelson Found Animals and key executive at Leap Venture Academy.
The fellowship offers a week of immersive programming that includes captivating speaker sessions, collaborative problem-solving, and invaluable networking opportunities. Industry experts will guide founders through dynamic discussions, enabling them to gain insights and connections that will accelerate their businesses.
A highlight of the fellowship is the recognition of exceptional achievements. A peer-voted award of $15,000 will be presented to one standout company, as chosen by their fellow founders. This recognition not only symbolizes the efforts of the chosen startup but also demonstrates the strength of collaboration within the cohort. Furthermore, each participating company will receive $5,000 USD to support their journey.
Rachel Sheppard, Director of Ventures at Mars Petcare and Co-Lead for Leap Venture Studio, expresses her excitement, stating, “We are absolutely thrilled to extend a warm welcome to the remarkable 13 pet care companies joining our Academy program this year. Our gratitude goes out to our valued partner, Royal Canin, whose support allows us to offer founders an extended network of industry experts.”
Stay connected with Leap’s social media channels and official website for updates leading up to the transformative week in France this November. The future of the pet care industry is being shaped, and this diverse cohort of visionary founders is leading the way.
Disclosure: This article mentions a client of an Espacio portfolio company.
