Known as the ‘pet tech’ sector, the pet care industry merges digital innovation with animal welfare, creating solutions ranging from health monitoring wearables and smart food dispensers to veterinary telemedicine platforms and behavior management apps.
This market, valued at $60 billion by 2035, is no longer limited to traditional food and toys, but is moving toward a comprehensive, hyper-connected ecosystem focused on prevention and personalization. Digitization responds to a generation of owners who see their pets as family and demand tools to offer them a longer, healthier, and fuller life, facilitating the accessibility and sustainability of care.
Startups with disruptive ideas are emerging in this market, addressing everything from everyday problems to complex health needs, but they face the universal challenge of scaling up: they need capital, specialized mentoring, market validation, and connections to big industry.
Specialized acceleration programs play a fundamental role, acting as an essential bridge between entrepreneurial talent and the resources needed to grow. They not only provide funding, but also the network, strategic knowledge, and credibility for promising solutions to reach a global market eager for innovation.
New cohort of Leap Venture Studio
Leap Venture Studio, the accelerator for startups dedicated to pet care, has officially opened the application period for its tenth Studio program, which will run until March 29.
Founded in 2018 as a joint venture between Mars Petcare and animal welfare organization Michelson Found Animals, Leap has established a unique 12-week hybrid acceleration model that offers up to $200,000 in funding, access to an unparalleled network of mentors, marketing services, and direct industry connections.
To date, its portfolio includes 57 companies in nine cohorts, operating in 17 global markets. In addition, through its “impact seat,” it has supported initiatives with a high social impact business model, even without capital investment. Latin American startups such as Oliver Pets and CuidaMiMascota have been part of the program in other versions.
A new partner for the program
The addition of TAW Ventures, a venture capital firm with decades of experience in category creation and consumer brand building, adds a fundamental layer of expertise. This collaboration will enable Leap to offer Cohort 10 founders even deeper support in business strategy, brand development, and consumer insights, which are essential for scaling in today’s competitive market.
For this tenth edition, which will run from August 24 to November 12, 2025, Leap Venture Studio has a specific focus: funding startups that advance pet longevity and well-being. They are looking for initiatives that improve access to care, specifically support senior pets, and promote holistic well-being through innovative, science-backed solutions.
Rachel Sheppard, Director of Ventures at Mars Petcare, emphasized that the addition of TAW Ventures will allow them to “give founders even stronger support as they build the future of pet care.” Jane Lauder, Founder of TAW Ventures, said the partnership will enable them to help entrepreneurs “translate innovative ideas into trusted and scalable brands.”
Startups interested in being part of this transformative experience can learn more and apply through the official Leap Venture Studio & Academy website and social media channels such as LinkedIn.
