Six stand-out entrepreneurs pitched their innovative pet businesses to investors live Aug. 14 at the Emerging Brands Pitch Competition powered by Leap Venture Studio and Black Pet Business Network. Judges selected three winners with first place receiving a grand prize of $10,000 to help support their business growth.
First place, and the $10,000 grand prize, went to Jerrica Fletcher, CEO of PawGone Good, maker of Pawlicious Treats, which are organic, human-grade, dehydrated dog chips. Based in Columbus, Ohio, this marks Fletcher’s first time at SUPERZOO, and she was “elated, overwhelmed and humbled” to be the grand prize winner of the competition.
“Preparation and practice” were key takeaways from Fletcher’s experience in honing her pitch for the live competition, along with reaching out to other business experts, she said. “I even practiced my pitch with my Uber driver on the way here,” she said. “It’s important to get the opinions of people outside of the industry because they are not familiar with the buzzwords and can give fresh perspective.”
The second place winners were Srihas Sampath and Tejashree Sawant, founders of Skona Pet Food in Boston, which manufactures natural pet treats infused with Indian herbs. They will receive a one-year membership to Pet Boss Club sponsored by Candice D’Agnolo, CEO of Pet Boss Nation, a six-month Pet Business Reels Membership with Jamie Ruben of Be-Spotted, and a discounted one-year membership to Pet Sustainability Coalition.
Third place went to Jeanette Eng, the New York-based founder of Social Paws, a dog-sharing marketplace and community app. She will receive a one-on-one consultation with D’Agnolo, access to Pet Boss Nation’s private community, a one-on-one social media audit with Ruben and a discounted one-year membership to Pet Sustainability Coalition.
Attendees also witnessed pitches from Kenan Peters for Treev, Patricia Porter for Veterinary Electronic Assistant (VEA) and Eric Adams for Dog and Whistle.
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