Innovative Pet Lab: Revolutionizing Pet Health with At-Home Testing!
The Leap Venture Studio blog series is back for another exciting year! In March 2024, six innovative early-stage pet care startups joined the 12-week program to accelerate their ventures.
These companies partnered with experts from Mars Petcare and Michelson Found Animals, gaining access to venture capital investment, mentorship, and tailored programming designed to help meet their individual needs.
Plus, for the first time one company joined the Leap Venture Studio as a company of impact, where they received an award to further their exceptional level of social impact for both pets and their people.
Innovative Pet Lab offers advanced at-home health screening tests that give pet owners a deeper understanding of their pet’s overall health.
Jamie Smith, CEO and Co-Founder
Tell us about your startup:
Jamie: Innovative Pet Lab is a science-driven pet wellness company on a mission to empower the pet community with at-home tests and personalized solutions. We are transforming pet care by identifying current and underlying health issues and evaluating whether diet and lifestyle are working.
How has your startup made a difference for pets?
Jamie: We are making a positive impact on pet health! By offering tests to pets that were previously only available in human medicine, we eliminate the guesswork and provide a straightforward solution to find answers.
These tests not only help address current symptoms and pain points in pets but also aid in preventing and identifying future issues and chronic illnesses. Through our innovative approach, we are ensuring that pets receive the best possible care, improving their overall health and well-being.
What are the greatest challenges you’ve faced as a startup founder and how have you overcome them?
Jamie: Launching a new and innovative product comes with its own set of challenges, particularly in effectively reaching and converting potential customers, and balancing numerous responsibilities. As a premium product, we understand that customers need a certain level of education and information to commit to a purchase. To bridge this gap, we have leveraged veterinarians, retail stores and online influencers.
Additionally, as a startup with a limited team, time and resources are always in short supply. Despite these constraints, our team has worked tirelessly to bootstrap and problem-solve, remaining disciplined in prioritizing our time and activities. This dedication and focus have been essential in navigating the complexities of the startup landscape.
What is your biggest takeaway from the Leap Venture Studio?
Jamie: Experience and connections! We have loved seeking guidance from experienced mentors and industry experts as well as connecting by building a strong network of peers, advisors, and potential partners or investors.
What advice would you give fellow pet care founders just starting their journey?
Jamie: Trust your instincts and when setbacks occur, fail fast, regroup quickly, and ask yourself, “What did I learn?”. This approach will help you navigate any challenges ahead. Surround yourself with people who believe in your mission but aren’t afraid to offer differing perspectives. Cultivating an environment where open and honest communication is encouraged will lead to a stronger, more resilient team.
Tell us about your pet(s)!
Jamie: I know everyone says this, but I have the BEST dog on the planet. Her name is June, she is an English Golden and we just don’t deserve her. We also have a beta fish named Taylor Smith (my 7-year-old Swifty daughter’s fish) who enjoys her dinner time as much as June!
To learn more about Innovative Pet Lab, visit their website.
If you are interested in connecting with their team, email us at leapventurestudio@gmail.com.
