PetFriendly, a subscription pet care company delivering vet-quality flea and tick protection to customers’ doorsteps, secured additional capital in late 2022.This round was shrouded in mystery – but it is expected that many of the existing investors participated in this round.
The company also made news by having strong revenue and growth in customers in 2022.
The previous round was led by an affiliate of McCarthy Capital and included participation from Revolution’s Rise of the Rest Seed Fund, Emil Capital Partners and Invest Nebraska. Omaha-based McCarthy Capital has not traditionally participated in venture activity, but seeing an opportunity and some softness in the market, the company utilized the 2021 PetFriendly transaction as a launching off point for its venture activity.
Founded in 2018 by Chief Executive Officer Aaron Shaddy and Chief Operating Officer Ryan Finstad, PetFriendly has grown exponentially over the past three years. The company was able to ride the surge in pet ownership during the pandemic with the need to have products delivered to the house. This double opportunity helped the company achieve amazing 2022 numbers.
Founder Shaddy in a previous interview stated, “It’s a privilege to be a part of so many families’ pet care routines and to provide them with quality products to keep their pets happy and healthy.” Shaddy has been a long-time fixture of the Omaha ecosystem, including as both a founder and angel. “PetFriendly is proud to call Omaha home and to contribute to the growth of our vibrant start-up community.”
Shaddy also boasts a deep understanding of the pet industry, having been a key member of Perrigo and Sergeant’s Pet Care Products. So, the expansion and growth of PetFriendly is consistent with his past experiences.
PetFriendly simplifies pet wellness by offering personalized subscription plans based on each pet’s individual needs. Products are customized with the pet’s id and photo, and each shipment is timed to automatically arrive when needed, eliminating worry and hassle for pet owners.
Revolution’s Rise of the Rest Seed Fund has invested in more than 175 startups in more than 70 U.S. cities. “PetFriendly sits at the nexus of two significant and growing trends: pet ownership and e-commerce,” said Revolution’s Rise of the Rest Seed Fund Managing Partner, David Hall. “As more and more people adopt pets, they will naturally look for ways to conveniently and quickly obtain quality healthcare products for their new companions. The PetFriendly team is ready to meet their needs. We are proud to invest in another company scaling outside the coastal tech hubs.”
“The rise in animal ownership has created immense opportunity for pet services, and PetFriendly is capitalizing on this market by delivering a valuable service in a way most convenient for consumers today,” said Andreas Guldin, founding partner of Emil Capital Partners. “Our firm is excited to work with the experienced and passionate team at PetFriendly and help support its efforts to become a leading pet health platform business.”
PetFriendly has expanded its workforce since its original raise of capital in 2021, and from all appearances the company is primed to have an excellent 2023. For more information about the company, check out https://petfriendlybox.com.
