Leap Venture Studio is accepting applications through March 29, 2026, for its 10th cohort, which begins August 24 and runs through November 12. The program has been redesigned based on insights from nine previous cohorts and the addition of partner TAW Ventures.
Founded in 2018, Leap Venture Studio is a partnership between Mars, Inc. and its veterinary hospital networks including Banfield, BluePearl and VCA, and Michelson Found Animals. The accelerator offers early-stage pet care startup founders a 12-week hybrid program that includes access to resources, mentors, networking opportunities and brand and marketing services, plus US$200,000 in funding.
Leap Venture Studio has invested in 57 companies across nine cohorts spanning 17 markets globally. The organization also established an impact seat in 2023, which extends the accelerator experience to various business models, including non-profits and for-profits with impact-focused missions, without capital investment. Previous impact seat recipients include BestyBnB in Cohort 8 and Petcademy in Cohort 9.
TAW Ventures brings experience in brand strategy, category creation and scaling mission-driven products, along with expertise in pet wellness and longevity. The partnership will provide Cohort 10 companies with strategic guidance for commercialization, market entry and growth.
"Opening applications for Cohort 10 feels like a milestone moment for our team and the founders we hope to meet," said Rachel Sheppard, director of ventures at Mars Petcare. "The startup world moves fast, and we're always looking for even better ways to support innovators improving the lives of pets and their people. That's why we're excited to welcome TAW Ventures as a partner. Their hands-on experience in research and development, and strategy will help Leap give founders even stronger support as they build what's next in pet care."
TAW Ventures was founded to support the next generation of pet wellness innovators with strategic guidance, consumer insight, and patient, purpose-driven capital, noted Jane Lauder, founder and managing director at TAW Ventures. "By joining Leap Venture Studio, we can help founders translate breakthrough ideas into trusted, scalable brands," she said. "We are excited to partner with Mars Petcare and Michelson Found Animals to accelerate that vision."
Cohort 10 will focus on startups advancing pet longevity and wellness, with particular interest in initiatives that improve accessibility of care, support senior pets and promote pet wellbeing through science-backed solutions.
"Cohort after cohort, Leap companies have continued to exceed our every expectation – not just in funding or growth, but in how they have redefined market segments, or raised the standard for what it means to have a positive social impact and create companies that truly help our pets live their fullest lives," said Phillip Kim, executive director at Michelson Philanthropies. "As we approach this landmark tenth cohort, it was only fitting to continue to push Leap even further forward with the addition of TAW Ventures."
Applications and additional information are available at the Leap Venture Studio & Academy website.
