Leap Venture Studio Unveils Their Game-Changing Pet Care Fellowship
As the pet care industry continues to evolve and diversify, so too does the need for innovation and fresh perspectives. We are thrilled to announce yet another Fellowship in collaboration with Royal Canin, for early stage pet care founders, set to take place in the enchanting backdrop of Montpellier, France this November. Montpellier is known as the hub of innovation in France, and Leap is proud to be returning to this city to host its program. This year, our commitment to driving diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the industry is highlighted as we welcome an exceptional cohort of 13 innovative companies — a significant leap from our usual selection of 6–8 startups.
A Gathering of Visionaries: The heart of this fellowship lies in the remarkable individuals behind these groundbreaking companies. We are proud to introduce you to the visionary founders who are poised to revolutionize the pet care landscape:
- Cecelia Carrera, CEO of BistroCat
- Paula Walker, CEO of ControlPoint
- Mohamed Ould-Chikh, CEO of Edgar Petcare
- Nicalia ThompSon, CEO of Furevr
- Jamie Smith, CEO of Innovative Pet Lab
- Jonaie Johnson, CEO of Interplay
- Rosa Scelsa, CEO of JAMPY
- Hillary Sweet, CEO of SN Biomedical
- Shea Cox, CEO of Spot Vet
- Sydney Dahl, CEO of The Coda Group
- Melyssa Allen, CEO of Veterinary Well-Being Buddy
- Nadja Andrade, CSO of Vidapaw
- Dr. Becca Leung, COO of VNG Pets
A Week of Transformation: This immersive week-long fellowship promises to be a game-changer for each founder. With a captivating blend of immersive programming, insightful speaker sessions, and unparalleled networking opportunities, attendees will be equipped with the tools, knowledge, and connections needed to propel their startups to new heights. Guided by industry experts, these visionary leaders will engage in dynamic discussions, collaborative problem-solving, and deep dives into the latest industry trends.
Advancing Inclusion & Diversity: Pet parenting solutions are not universal. In welcoming early stage pet care companies from across the globe, we are fostering a truly diverse and vibrant community. To bring meaningful solutions to the pet care market, the industry must offer a bias-free space for all innovation leaders from across the globe.
Celebrating Excellence: At the heart of this fellowship lies the spirit of celebration. A peer-voted award of $15,000 will be presented to one exceptional company, as chosen by their fellow founders. This recognition not only reflects the outstanding efforts of the chosen startup but also showcases the strength of collaboration within the cohort. In addition, each participating company will receive $5,000 USD to support their journey — a testament to our belief in nurturing innovation at every step.
As we gear up for this Academy fellowship, we’re filled with anticipation and excitement for the transformations that will unfold. Together, we’re forging a path towards a more inclusive and innovative pet care industry, where the power of diverse perspectives shapes the future.
Stay tuned for more updates as we count down to the transformative week in France this November. The journey is just beginning, and we can’t wait to witness the impact that these visionary founders will undoubtedly make.
To stay in the loop and learn more about the participating companies, keep an eye on our social media channels and Leap’s official website.
