Leap Venture Studio, the first pet care-specific startup accelerator, opened up applications today for its fourth program. Up to seven startups will be selected for the program, scheduled to take place virtually over 12 weeks from February — May 2021. Apply Here

The Studio is a joint project between Michelson Found Animals, Kinship and R/GA Ventures. In addition to investment of up to $200k, selected startups will have access to mentors and resources from the three partners and their extended networks. The startups will also work with a customized team of R/GA’s award-winning strategists, technologists, designers, and consultants to prepare them for future milestones, including fundraising, pitching, and business development. The combined networks and resources of R/GA Ventures, Michelson Found Animals, and Kinship make Leap Venture Studio the most effective startup accelerator in the pet care industry.

Pet care startups from around the world are encouraged to apply to this year’s program. The deadline to apply is October 15. The Leap Venture Studio selection committee will decide on the top startups based on a number of factors, including uniqueness, impact on pet care, viability of the business model, and dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion within the founding team, employees, and future goals.

Join us for an informational session to learn more.

Because of Covid-19, this year’s Studio program will take place entirely virtually. At the end of the three months, startups will have the opportunity to pitch virtually in an online Demo Day to investors, industry leaders, and the startup community

Founded in 2018, Leap Venture Studio has accelerated 19 startups across three cohorts. Collectively, those 19 startups have raised more than $70M and are impacting the lives of millions of pets and pet parents.

About Leap

Even with the emergence of major companies in the space, pet startups still suffer from underinvestment and lack platforms to support them as they scale. Leap Venture Studio and Academy is one of the first programs designed to ignite meaningful growth across the pet care startup ecosystem.Leap is a partnership between Michelson Found Animals and Kinship — a division of Mars Petcare. Together, the two companies represent the most innovative thinkers in the pet care industry. Kinship and MFA recognize the immense value of the pet care sector and want to foster innovation and growth from the bottom-up.