The pet supplies industry in the US is a thriving marketplace fueled by the increasing humanization of pets. It includes companies that offer a wide array of products, such as food, toys, grooming supplies, and wellness products. Not only does this sector contribute significantly to the economy, but it also evolves continuously with trends such as premium pet food and technology-driven solutions like pet wearables. With pet ownership rates climbing, the industry is anticipated to see sustained growth, presenting ample opportunities for innovation and investment across various segments.


Investors in the pet supplies market come from a range of backgrounds, including corporate firms and venture capital. Predominantly headquartered in urban hubs like San Francisco and New York, these investors vary in size from small teams to major corporations with thousands of employees. Established between 1932 and 2023, they collectively made a robust number of deals in 2024, providing substantial funding to emerging businesses in the pet supply sector, showcasing their commitment to this rapidly growing industry.


Top 17 Pet Supplies Investors in the US


1. 500 Global

  • Website: 500.co
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 98
  • LinkedIn: 500-startups

500 Global is a venture capital firm and startup accelerator founded in 2010, based in San Francisco, California. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies, providing funding, mentorship, and resources to help founders scale their businesses. Notably, 500 Global has made significant investments in the pet supplies industry, including a $5 million investment in BarkBox during its Series A round in April 2013, and participation in a seed funding round for PupBox in February 2016. Additionally, they have invested in CuidaMiMascota and Osyva, both of which are also related to pet care. These transactions highlight 500 Global's active role in supporting innovative startups within the pet supplies sector, alongside their broader investment strategy.


2. Michelson Impact Ventures

  • Website: michelson.vc
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Los Angeles, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: michelson-impact-ventures

Michelson Impact Ventures is a corporate social change fund based in Los Angeles, California, founded in 2016. The firm focuses on deploying impact investment capital into mission-aligned startups across various sectors, including education and healthcare. Notably, they have also invested in the pet supplies industry, with significant transactions including Dogly, which raised funds in a Pre-Seed round in February 2020; PetPlate, which secured Seed funding in August 2018; and PetHub, which raised funds in a Seed round in March 2020. Additionally, they invested in petNmind Holdings Corp., which raised Pre-Seed funding in February 2021. These investments highlight their engagement in the pet sector, supporting innovations that aim to enhance the well-being of pets and their owners.


3. Y Combinator

  • Website: ycombinator.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 802
  • LinkedIn: y-combinator

Y Combinator is a prominent startup accelerator and venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2005. It provides funding and mentorship to early-stage technology companies through a structured program that helps entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses. Y Combinator has successfully launched over 4,000 startups, establishing itself as a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Among its notable investments in the pet supplies sector are LAIKA, which raised $12 million in a Series A funding round in June 2021, and Petcube, which raised $10 million in a Series A round in October 2017. These investments highlight Y Combinator's engagement with innovative companies in the pet supplies industry, further solidifying its role as a relevant investor in this space.


4. Sosv

  • Website: sosv.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1995
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 170
  • LinkedIn: sosv

SOSV is a venture capital firm founded in 1995, specializing in funding and supporting deep tech startups through its development programs. With a global reach, SOSV connects innovative companies with investors, providing venture capital investment and resources to help startups grow and succeed. Notably, SOSV has invested in several pet supplies companies, including Petcube, which has received multiple rounds of funding from them, including seed and Series A rounds. Additionally, they invested in Wild Earth, a company focused on pet food alternatives. These transactions highlight SOSV's commitment to the pet supplies industry, alongside their broader investment strategy in various sectors such as health and climate technology.


5. FJ Labs

  • Website: fjlabs.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 169
  • LinkedIn: fj-labs

FJ Labs is a venture capital firm based in New York, founded in 2015, that specializes in investing in marketplace and network effect businesses. They provide capital and strategic guidance to entrepreneurs across various industries, including e-commerce and logistics. With over 1,000 companies in their extensive portfolio, many of which have achieved unicorn status, FJ Labs has established itself as a significant player in the venture capital space. Notably, they have invested in LAIKA, a pet product retailer that raised a Series B round led by SoftBank, and Embark Veterinary Inc., which focuses on pet genetics and has received multiple rounds of funding with FJ Labs as a participant. These investments highlight their engagement in the pet supplies sector, showcasing their commitment to supporting innovative companies in this industry.


6. Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)

  • Website: av.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2023
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 258
  • LinkedIn: deep-tech-fund-av-focused-fund

The Deep Tech Fund, part of Alumni Ventures, is a venture capital firm based in Manchester, New Hampshire, founded in 2023. It provides accredited investors and institutions with access to professionally-managed, diversified venture portfolios. With a network of over 10,000 investors, the firm focuses on connecting them with high-quality investment opportunities in the startup ecosystem. Notably, the fund has been involved in significant transactions within the pet supplies sector, including a Series D investment in Ollie, which raised approximately $21.3 million in April 2024, and earlier investments in PetPlate, which raised $9 million in a Series A round in February 2020 and $4 million in a Seed round in May 2018. These investments highlight the fund's commitment to the pet supplies industry and its potential for growth.


7. L Catterton

  • Website: lcatterton.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1989
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 23
  • LinkedIn: l-catterton

L Catterton is a private equity firm founded in 1989, specializing in investment management with a focus on consumer brands across various sectors. The firm partners with middle market companies and high-growth enterprises, providing capital and strategic guidance to enhance brand equity and market presence. L Catterton has demonstrated a strong emphasis on consumer insights to drive growth and innovation within its portfolio. In the pet supplies context, L Catterton has made notable investments, including a significant funding round for PetLove, a Brazilian pet platform, and growth investments in JustFoodForDogs, a retailer of home-cooked pet food, and 'I and love and you', a premium pet food brand. These transactions highlight L Catterton's commitment to the pet supplies industry and its strategy to support brands that cater to pet owners' needs.


8. Mars

  • Website: mars.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Mclean, Virginia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1935
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: mars

Mars, Incorporated, founded in 1935 and based in McLean, Virginia, is a leading corporate investor in the pet care, food and nutrition, and snacking industries. With over 10,000 employees, Mars has made significant strides in the pet supplies sector, particularly through strategic acquisitions. Notable transactions include the acquisition of VCA Hospitals for $9.1 billion in 2017, which expanded their veterinary services. In 2022, Mars acquired Nom Nom, a direct-to-consumer pet food brand, for $1 billion, allowing it to operate within Mars' Royal Canin division while maintaining its brand identity. Additionally, the acquisition of Champion Petfoods, known for its premium brands Orijen and Acana, further emphasizes Mars' commitment to high-quality pet nutrition. These investments reflect Mars' strategy to enhance the lives of pets and consumers through innovative and sustainable offerings in the pet supplies market.


9. Tiger Global

  • Website: tigerglobal.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2001
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 25
  • LinkedIn: tiger-global-management

Tiger Global Management, LLC is a prominent investment firm based in New York, specializing in both public and private equity investments. Founded in 2001, the firm manages approximately $50 billion and focuses on innovative companies leveraging technology. Among their diverse portfolio, Tiger Global has made notable investments in the pet supplies sector, including a Series A investment in PetLove, a company that caters to pet owners. This investment highlights their interest in the pet supplies market, alongside their broader strategy of investing in various sectors. Additionally, their involvement in other sectors, such as e-commerce and B2B marketplaces, showcases their versatility and expertise in identifying growth opportunities across different industries.


10. Advantage Capital


Advantage Capital is a venture capital firm based in New Orleans, Louisiana, founded in 1992. The firm specializes in providing equity and debt financing to small businesses, with a particular focus on agribusiness, solar projects, and affordable housing. They aim to support entrepreneurs and businesses in underserved communities by offering flexible capital solutions to help them grow and thrive. Notably, Advantage Capital has been involved in several transactions within the pet supplies industry, including debt financing for Manna Pro Products, a company that produces a variety of pet care products, and Belladoggie, which specializes in dog-related products. These investments highlight Advantage Capital's engagement in the pet supplies sector, alongside their broader investment strategy.


11. Kkr

  • Website: kkr.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1976
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 74
  • LinkedIn: kkr

KKR & Co. Inc. is a prominent investment firm based in New York, specializing in private equity, credit, infrastructure, and real estate. Founded in 1976, KKR has established itself as a leader in asset management, providing solutions to institutional investors and individual clients. The firm has a global reach and leverages its extensive expertise to navigate complex investment landscapes. Notably, KKR has made significant investments in the pet supplies industry, including the acquisition of Pets at Home for £955 million, reflecting strong interest in the pet retail market. Additionally, KKR's China Growth Fund invested in Gambol Pet Group, a leading pet food provider, to support its expansion in key markets. KKR also acquired Natural Pet Food Group and PetVet Care Centers, further solidifying its commitment to the pet supplies sector. These transactions highlight KKR's strategic focus on the growing pet industry, making it a relevant player in this market.


12. Lerer Hippeau

  • Website: lererhippeau.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 23
  • LinkedIn: lerer-hippeau-ventures

Lerer Hippeau is a venture capital firm based in New York, founded in 2010, that specializes in investing in early-stage startups. They provide essential funding and support to help these businesses grow. Notably, Lerer Hippeau has invested in several companies within the pet supplies industry, including BarkBox, an e-commerce and content company for dog lovers, which raised a total of $20.7 million across multiple funding rounds (Seed, Series A, and Series B) with their participation. Additionally, they invested in Ollie, a direct-to-consumer premium pet food brand, which raised $16.6 million in funding, including a Series A round of $12.6 million. These investments highlight Lerer Hippeau's active role in the pet supplies market, showcasing their interest in supporting innovative companies in this space.


13. Slow Ventures

  • Website: slow.co
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 14
  • LinkedIn: slow-ventures

Slow Ventures is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2011. They specialize in seed and pre-seed funding for startups across various sectors, including technology and consumer brands. Slow Ventures provides capital, strategic advice, and access to networks to help entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of building their businesses. Notably, they have invested in several companies within the pet supplies industry, including BarkBox, which raised $15 million in Series B funding, and Good Dog, which raised $6.7 million to scale its marketplace for responsible dog sourcing. Additionally, they have invested in Whistle, a company focused on pet tracking and health monitoring, further solidifying their presence in the pet supplies market.


14. Accel

  • Website: accel.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Palo Alto, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1983
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 101
  • LinkedIn: accel-vc

Accel is a venture capital firm founded in 1983, based in Palo Alto, California, specializing in investing in startups and early-stage companies. The firm primarily focuses on the technology sector but has also shown interest in the pet supplies industry. Notably, Accel participated in a seed funding round for THE PACK, a plant-based pet food startup, which raised $1.01 million in December 2022. This investment highlights Accel's engagement with innovative companies in the pet supplies market, particularly those that cater to health-conscious consumers. In addition to this, Accel has been involved in various other transactions across different sectors, showcasing its diverse investment portfolio.


15. Companion Fund

  • Website: companionfund.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: companion-fund

Companion Fund is a venture capital firm based in New York, founded in 2016. The firm specializes in early-stage investments across life sciences, health technologies, and animal health. It provides financial support and expertise to help companies develop innovative solutions that address unmet needs in health. Notably, Companion Fund has made significant investments in the pet supplies sector, including a $5 million Series A funding for MySimplePetLab, a startup that offers home testing kits for pets, and participation in the Series A and Series B funding rounds for Native Pet, a company that creates all-natural pet supplements. Additionally, Companion Fund was involved in the seed funding for Bundle x Joy, a pet care startup aiming to expand its retail presence. These transactions highlight the fund's commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the pet supplies industry.


16. Henry Schein

  • Website: henryschein.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Melville, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1932
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: henry-schein

Henry Schein, Inc. is a health care distributor specializing in dental and medical supplies, founded in 1932 and based in Melville, New York. The company serves a diverse range of health care professionals, providing essential products and services to enhance practice performance and patient care. In addition to their core healthcare business, Henry Schein has made strategic acquisitions in the animal health sector, indicating a commitment to this market. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Vetstreet in November 2015, which focuses on veterinary marketing solutions, and a 60% stake in SmartPak Equine LLC in July 2014, a supplier of horse supplements and supplies. Furthermore, their acquisition of an 85% stake in Jorgen Kruuse A/S in June 2015, a Danish supplier of veterinary equipment, and a 50% stake in Maravet, a Romanian veterinary products distributor, highlight their strategy to expand their animal health business across various regions. These investments reflect Henry Schein's active role in the pet supplies and veterinary markets, complementing their broader healthcare distribution operations.


17. Plug and Play Tech Center


Plug and Play Tech Center is an innovation hub and venture capital firm based in Sunnyvale, California, founded in 2006. They connect startups with corporations to foster growth and innovation, offering various programs including accelerator initiatives and investment opportunities. In 2024 alone, they made 253 investments across different sectors. Notably, they have invested in several companies within the pet supplies industry, including PiP Pet Recognition, which raised funds in 2014, Cooper Pet Care, which secured funding in 2023, and Bond Pet Foods, which completed a seed funding round in 2019. These transactions highlight their active role in supporting startups that cater to the pet supplies market, showcasing their commitment to fostering innovation in this sector.



Pet Supplies Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
500 GlobalSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)201-500201098
Michelson Impact VenturesLos Angeles, California, United States (USA)1-1020161
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
SosvUnited States (USA)51-2001995170
FJ LabsNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-502015169
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)51-2002023258
L CattertonUnited States (USA)201-500198923
MarsMclean, Virginia, United States (USA)10001+19353
Tiger GlobalNew York, New York, United States (USA)51-200200125
Advantage CapitalNew Orleans, Louisiana, United States (USA)51-20019925
KkrNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000197674
Lerer HippeauNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-50201023
Slow VenturesSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)11-50201114
AccelPalo Alto, California, United States (USA)51-2001983101
Companion FundNew York, New York, United States (USA)1-1020161
Henry ScheinMelville, New York, United States (USA)10001+19321
Plug and Play Tech CenterSunnyvale, California, United States (USA)501-10002006253


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