Leap Venture Studio, the world’s first petcare startup accelerator, announced today it is accepting applications for its eleventh Studio program, until October 18, 2026.
The previous call for applications drew over 300 from more than 40 countries, and now the program is returning to a Spring schedule with Cohort 11 kicking off on March 30, 2027.
“Every cohort of Leap Venture Studio has raised the bar, and we can’t wait to see what this next group of founders brings. We’re especially looking for startups using science-backed approaches to extend pet healthspan and improve quality of life,” said Rachel Sheppard, director of ventures at Mars Petcare, the parent company of brands including Pedigree, Whiskas and Royal Canin and part of Mars, Incorporated.
The 12-week hybrid accelerator program offers a tailored experience for each startup, providing access to resources, mentors, entrepreneurs-in-residence, networking opportunities, operational support, and brand and marketing services.
Selected founders will also access a network of industry experts from Mars Petcare, TAW Ventures, and Michelson Found Animals.
Of particular interest are initiatives that are innovating in feline-first care, senior pets, dental health, and allergy-focused solutions.
There are over 7,000 companies in the pet-tech sector across the world, with 853 funded companies having collectively raised $6.74 billion USD in venture capital and private equity funding as of May 2026, according to Tracxn.
The market intelligence platform also noted in its August 2026 sector report that the U.S. is the top-founder of pet-tech startups, followed by Ireland, China and the UK, representing $3.2 billion USD, $478 million USD, $432 million USD and $312 million USD, respectively.
Currently, the pet-tech market is worth $14.17 billion USD globally, with a projected compound annual growth rate of 13.62% between 2026 and 2035.
According to SNS Insider, the sector represents “one of the consumer electronics industry’s most commercially compelling intersections with the pet care economy,” as it combines the emotional bond between pet owners and their companion animals with the connectivity infrastructure and miniaturized sensor technology which enables health monitoring, location tracking, and more.
The broader pet care industry, however, has lost part of its momentum from pandemic-era highs due to rising affordability concerns. The COVID-19 pandemic drove a surge in pet ownership, as signaled by Morgan Stanely, with nearly 20% growth in 2021 and a 9% annual pace through 2025 in the U.S.
In this paradigm, with the sector’s expansion expected to slow to about 4% through 2030, pet longevity has risen as the next opportunity. According to a September 2025 survey, owners are paying closer attention to age-related health challenges. By 2034, pet longevity solutions are expected to reach a $9.6 billion USD valuation, compared with today’s $5 billion.
“Creating a great product is an important first step, but building an enduring brand requires a broader vision. We’re excited by founders who are developing products that deliver demonstrable value for pets, while also thinking thoughtfully about how to build consumer trust, create meaningful differentiation and establish the kind of relevance that can sustain a brand over time,” said Jane Lauder, founder and managing director at TAW Ventures.
Similarly, Phillip Kim, executive director at Michelson Philanthropies, noted a smart world for pets “looks like one that doesn’t require families to choose between the care their animal needs and what they can actually afford.”
Leap Venture Studio, through its eleventh cohort, is “committing to scaling that kind of impact,” concluded Kim.
All pet-care focused startups interested in Cohort 11 are welcome to apply here for the Spring 2027 edition.
Featured image: Courtesy of Leap Venture Studio
Disclosure: This article mentions a client of an Espacio portfolio company.
