Mella Pet Care, s developer of connected pet health devices, appeared on ABC’s Shark Tank and reached an investment deal with entrepreneur Mark Cuban.
The company pitched the Shark Tank investors on an ecosystem of health monitoring solutions for veterinarians and pet owners, including what it describes as “the first-ever noninvasive, accurate underarm thermometer for pets.”
Serial entrepreneur and longtime Shark Tank investor Mark Cuban offered Mella a deal to expand distribution and accelerate the development of new products, such as the Biggie Body Scale for body fat analysis. Cuban “offered $250,000 for a 6% stake, a $4.2 million valuation, which the Mella Pet Care Team accepted,” DVM 360 reported.
“I am excited to partner with Mella Pet Care and support their mission of improving the lives of pets and pet owners,” Cuban said. “Their innovative product line aligns perfectly with the evolving needs of today’s pet-centric society. Together, we will disrupt the pet care industry and bring forth solutions that empower pet owners and enhance the well-being of our beloved four-legged friends.”
Mella CEO/co-founder Anya Babbitt, COO/co-founder Ben Seidman and Chief of Staff Daniella Morgan-Pascualvaca appeared on the March 1 episode of the series.
“Who knew pets could fish? How do we at Mella Pet Care know – because Mella just hooked a great white shark! We are honored and elated to have received an investment closing our Shark Tank deal with Mark Cuban,” said Anya Babbitt, Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder of Mella Pet Care. “His expertise, vision, network, and passion for pets and innovation will expedite the expansion of Mella’s product offerings reaching a broader customer base. With Mark’s support, we at Mella are confident in our ability to revolutionize pet care and make a positive impact on the lives of pet owners and their furry companions.”
More from the press release:
Babbitt founded the company in 2019 after her rescue dog, Mella, nearly died as a puppy due to a lack of data to diagnose and prevent her health condition. With the noninvasive axillary thermometer and coming products like a body fat analyzer, chip reader and pulse oximeter, Mella Pet Care enables pet parents to monitor their pets’ vitals and integrate with veterinary care.
Studies have found that Mella’s underarm thermometers reduce procedure time and the need for stressful restraints during visits to the vet, as compared to traditional rectal thermometers. The Mella Pro thermometer and other products are used by veterinarians in over 1,300 clinics across 15 countries, according to the company.
Ultimately, Babbitt said, the widespread home adoption of pet-friendly, accurate and smart diagnostic tools will help pets live happier and healthier lives.
Along with Cuban, the Mella team pitched investors Kevin O’Leary, Lori Greiner, Daymond John and Daniel Lubetzky on the ABC show, now in its 15th season.
About Mella Pet Care:
Mella Pet Care, a Chicago-based startup, is building the future of pet care with an ecosystem of health monitoring solutions for veterinarians and pet parents, including the first-ever accurate axillary thermometer, a body fat analyzer, a chip reader, pulse ox, and more. Preventative tools are now accessible, allowing pets to live longer, happier lives. Mella has won 14 industry awards including the 2021 Purina Pet Care Innovation Prize and Mars’ 2022 Leap Venture Studio accelerator. Mella is accepting orders for both Mella Pro and Home Thermometers on their website.
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