Ani.VC, an early-stage venture fund for pets, has launched with an inaugural investment into DOG PPL, a canine social club expanding from its base in Los Angeles. This independent fund is focused on the more than $540 billion pet and animal health market, including veterinary health, therapeutics and technologies, nutrition and consumables, and pet longevity. And it will deploy $35 million over the next three years into companies across the US, Europe, and Asia.
The fund’s first investment is into DOG PPL, a popular dog park-meets-social-club that will soon open in New York to complement its Los Angeles location. And DOG PPL prioritizes dog and human health, vetting their canine members’ shot and vaccination status as well as temperament. Upon acceptance, the dogs (and their humans) can enjoy an off-leash experience – which includes a lounge, Wi-Fi, kitchen/bar, and trained “Rufferees” who help keep all members safe.
The key market segments include:
1.) Animal longevity – Bringing the elements of human longevity (earlier and more precise diagnostics, new drugs/therapeutics for hard-to-treat diseases and aging) to pet care.
2.) Pet health, therapeutics, and veterinary services – Treating and monitoring pet health through digital appointment services and AI-driven disease detection.
3.) Consumables – Offering more nutrition options to pet owners, including plant-based foods and condition-specific supplements.
4.) Digital services and e-commerce – Powering a more connected pet ecosystem with marketplaces for pet sitters, groomers, rescue organizations, and more.
5.) Animal health – Supporting non-domesticated animal health, including vaccines to protect honeybees and other pollinators, as well as expanded diagnostic tests.
This fund is based in Miami, Florida and New York City and was launched this year by veteran longevity and biotech investor Garri Zmudze and Warren Rickard (former Head of Strategy at Basepaws, a cat-focused genetics company that successfully exited to Zoetis). Plus, it is advised by leading animal aging researcher Dr. Matt Kaeberlein, Active Capital co-founder Jay DeLong (also leads Nestlé-Purina’s PetCare Innovation Prize), and veterinarian Caroline Heller (also serves as Rumin8’s Head of Animal Health Strategy & Business Development). Julie Liu also joins as a partner.
KEY QUOTES:
“Our pets are part of the family. And since humans already have access to modern telemedicine and testing, wellbeing-oriented social clubs, and longevity-focused care, among many other advancements, their animal family members should too. Alongside DOG PPL, the investments Ani.VC will make across the pet industry will meet this singular goal to elevate the lives of pets and pet parents. We look forward to pursuing the worthwhile cause of improving human and animal health.”
– Garri Zmudze, co-founder of Ani.VC
“The DOG PPL team is thrilled to call Ani.VC our partner. Our core focus at DOG PPL is fostering enrichment and community between dogs and their owners, making Ani.VC an ideal partner for this mission. It was essential for us to align with a team that recognizes not only the immeasurable value our animals bring into our lives, but also our duty to give them the best life experiences possible. We have a crystal-clear vision for what’s ahead. As we prepare to open our next few clubs in the U.S., after launching our wildly successful flagship location in Los Angeles, we plan to further understand the social needs of our members to continue to elevate our operations and member experiences. Our plan is to continue to be the preeminent brand in this new sector by creating the safest and most enjoyable canine social club experience in the world. We are social animals at heart and DOG PPL is built for people like us.”
– Liam Underwood and Alexander Esguerra, co-founders of DOG PPL
