Detecting Cancer Early with Oncotect’s Canine Urine Screening
The Leap Venture Studio blog series has returned! In March 2023, six promising early-stage pet care startups embarked on a 12-week journey within the program to expedite their ventures. During this time, the
companies worked with experts from Mars Petcare, Michelson Found Animals and R/GA Ventures and received venture capital investment, mentorship, and customized programming tailored to meet their needs.
Oncotect is a biotech startup committed to pioneering early screening of cancer risks in dogs using their urine.
Chan Namgong, Founder & CEO
Tell us about your start-up?
Chan: Oncotect is the owrld’s first-non-invasive at home cancer screening test for dogs. The problem is, the canine cancer is really common, and one in four dogs will develop cancer in their lifetime. Every year 60 million dogs get diagnosed with cancer. But there’s no easy option to screen cancer risk early. While tests such as biopsies, ultrasounds and x-rays are excellent at diagnosing cancer, they are impractical and too invasive for early screening. So our test is one of a kind, non-invasive, urine-based screening for dogs for most canine cancers with 83% sensitivity and 96% specificity.
How has your start-up made a difference for pets?
Chan: We have tested over 350 patient tests for dogs in clinical settings and we had a huge difference. We are able to detect cancer early so that pet parents have more time to study options for treatment. If they choose to not treat their dogs for cancer because they don’t want to want to put them through chemotherapy or other cancer treatments, they are able to provide a better quality of life along with things that make them happier such as their favorite treats, more walks and more quality time. Pet parents have more time to be mentally and emotionally prepared for the inevitable. Our test provides an affordable and accessible way to screen dogs for cancer.
What are the greatest challenges you’ve faced as a start-up founder, and how have you overcome them?
Chan: This is my fourth startup and my previous startups were in different industries such as women’s fashion, automotive technology and commercial real estate. I have gone through the ups and downs of the startup journey. This time around I’m more prepared. Still every startup has its own set of challenges. I come from a non-science background and so I had to study a lot, have conversations with many scientists and veterinarians and veterinary oncologists. It was challenging at first. But we worked hard and also gained the trust of the veterinary community, which has been very rewarding.
What advice would you give to fellow pet care founders who are just starting their journey?
Chan: My first advice would be to join Leap’s accelerator program. Secondly, know your customers well. Thirdly, entrepreneurship is a lonely journey so build a community with other fellow founders in the industry to share ideas. Remember that neither the good nor the bad lasts forever. So even when the good happens don’t get too excited. And similarly, don’t get too depressed when times are tough because things get better eventually. Be even-tempered, don’t be afraid to seek help and stay optimistic.
What is your biggest takeaway from the Leap Venture Studio?
Chan: Leap has been a transformative journey for us. This is the first accelerator program that I have been part of. I was surely on the fence about joining the program because I have worked on startups in the past and I wasn’t looking for business advice. But Leap has been different. We have received great resources, network and connections. Everyone from Mars and Michelson Found Animals has been dedicated and committed to helping startups succeed. This was a game changing experience for me. If you are interested in setting up a startup in the pet care space, you must not miss Leap Venture Studio’s accelerator program.
Tell us about your pet(s)!
Chan: While I did have a dog growing up, I do not have any pets right now. But we do have three children aged eight, seven and three. We’re waiting for our youngest child to turn four before we get a dog.
To learn more about Oncotect, visit their website.
Check out Oncotect’s pitch at the Leap Venture Studio Cohort 7 Demo Day that was held on 8 June, 2023. If you are interested in connecting with their team, email us at leapventurestudio@gmail.com.