Participated · Seed · Mar 2023

Bundle x Joy offers premium superfood nutrition and curated product bundles of supplements and treats for dogs, selected via a proprietary "Pup Quiz" that draws from about 15 products and assigns playful pet personalities (e.g., "Golden," "Vibrant," "Brave"). Its core product is a subscription bundle sold at roughly $2 per day and includes a 3% give-back to fund women in entrepreneurship and local communities. The company sells direct-to-consumer via its website and Amazon and is in more than 450 retail locations including Sprouts and Whole Foods, with plans to double that footprint this summer and enter another major national retailer. Founder and CEO Jessica Berger started the business in 2022 after 15 years in the pet industry, including roles at PetSmart and Nestlé. The company says it has no debt and has been using retail as a primary discovery channel while keeping DTC a smaller portion of the business. Proceeds from the recent raise will be used to expand the team (it has hired a full-time marketing director), increase inventory and accelerate product development.

Participated · Series A · Aug 2021

AnimalBiome is a science-powered animal health company that provides direct-to-consumer microbiome testing for pets and designs supplements to support healthy gut microbiomes. The company uses genetic sequencing and an algorithm built from a proprietary reference database to characterize individual pets' microbiomes and generate actionable reports for veterinarians and pet parents. Recommendations include personalized changes in diet, prebiotics, macronutrient ratios, and other supplements to restore microbial balance. AnimalBiome also leverages its proprietary pet microbiome platform to design new microbial cocktails and supplements aimed at manipulating and supporting healthy microbiomes. Led by co-founder and CEO Carlton Osborne and co-founder and Chief Science Officer Holly Ganz, the company focuses on cats and dogs, including those with chronic digestive disorders and skin conditions. Founded in 2016 and based in Oakland, Calif., AnimalBiome intends to use recent funding to accelerate growth and expand its product pipeline. AnimalBiome develops gut health tests and personalized diet, nutrition and lifestyle recommendations for companion animals based on genetic sequencing of bacteria in their microbiomes. The company sells restoration supplements branded DoggyBiome and KittyBiome that aim to support bowel movements, maintain normal stools, and soothe the intestinal tract. AnimalBiome plans to use new funding to advance gut health research and to further develop its restoration supplements for dogs and cats. Its product approach combines testing with personalized recommendations and nutritional products to monitor and improve pet health. The company originated from researchers at the University of California–Davis and Berkeley and was founded in 2016. Leadership recently shifted as Holly Ganz moved into the chief science officer role and Carlton Osborne was named CEO.

Led · Equity · Apr 2021

The Pack is a London-based startup founded in early 2020 by co-founders Judy Nadel and Damien Clarkson. It develops plant-based dog food using pea proteins and assorted vegetables intended to match the nutrition of meat-based products. The founders previously worked together on Vevolution, an investment platform for plant-based and cellular agriculture startups. The company recently closed a seed funding round to grow market share. Investors and the company cite a growing community of dog owners and market interest—2019 New Zealand research found about 35% of meat-feeding owners would consider vegan replacements—as part of the opportunity. The founders say community support and investor backing have been important during a challenging fundraising climate. THE PACK develops plant-based pet foods with plans to launch a range of ambient and wet products in the UK later this year. The company was founded by Damien Clarkson and Judy Nadel, who previously created Vevoloution. In January it closed a pre-seed funding round with backing from high-profile investors including footballer Chris Smalling and TV chefs BOSH!. THE PACK was chosen for Leap Venture Studio’s fourth cohort and will receive $200,000 in investment from studio partners. The accelerator program (run by Kinship and Michelson Found Animals with support from R/GA Ventures) will run virtually for three months and provide mentorship to refine business plans and prepare for fundraising. THE PACK plans to use its funding to expand the team, develop new products, and invest in marketing as it targets growth in the under-served European plant-based pet food market.

Participated · Seed · Mar 2021

Companion provides an AI-powered interactive device for dogs that uses onboard computer vision, machine learning, and positive-reinforcement techniques to engage pets for hours a day. The device includes a camera, onboard computer, AI software, and a treat dispenser and can react and “converse” with dogs using the pet parent’s voice. Companion’s service offers scheduled and on-demand sessions with games, behavioral programs, and training, and the app delivers bespoke videos and updates on dogs’ improving skills. The company also uses activity and posture monitoring to look for sudden or subtle shifts that may indicate pain, anxiety, or stress. Companion is based in San Francisco and was founded by John Honchariw. The company recently raised additional capital to expand operations and broaden its business reach, bringing total funding to over $14M. Companion, based in San Francisco and led by CEO John Honchariw, builds a device and coaching service that helps pet parents engage and train their dogs at home. The device uses computer vision combined with machine learning to precisely detect and analyze dogs’ movements and behaviors. Using positive reinforcement techniques and proprietary data and algorithms, Companion rewards dogs for desired behaviors such as sit, down, stay and recall. By training basic obedience skills the system aims to teach independence and confidence and offers engaging activities for dogs. The company is rolling out the device and coaching service to early adopters and intends to use the new funding to continue that rollout.