Leap Venture Studio Opens Applications for a Record-Chasing Cohort 11
Leap Venture Studio is accepting applications for Cohort 11 through October 18th, returning to a spring start after a record 300-plus applications for Cohort 10. The program offers portfolio startups mentorship, capital, and access to investors from Mars Petcare, TAW Ventures, and Michelson Found Animals, with this cycle prioritizing pet healthspan, feline-first care, senior pets, dental health, and allergy solutions.
A pet-care accelerator that pulled in more than 300 applications from over 40 countries last cycle is opening its doors again, on a new calendar. Leap Venture Studio is now accepting submissions for its 11th Studio program through October 18th, with the cohort shifting back to a spring start.
Leap Venture Studio reopens for an eleventh pet-startup cohort
Leap Venture Studio, the pet-care accelerator backed by Mars Petcare, TAW Ventures, and Michelson Found Animals, opened applications for Cohort 11 on September 14th. The window closes October 18th at 11:59 PM PT, and selected startups begin a 12-week hybrid program on March 30th, 2027.
The program pairs each portfolio company with mentors, entrepreneurs-in-residence, and operational and brand support, plus access to the three partners' networks of investors. One Impact Seat is again reserved for a startup measured on ecosystem impact rather than growth, open to nonprofits and for-profits alike. That application runs separately from the main cohort track.
For Cohort 11, the accelerator says it will prioritize startups working on pet healthspan and science-backed wellness, with particular interest in feline-first care, senior pets, dental health, and allergy treatment.
The spring move follows a record applicant pool
We covered Leap Venture Studio's Cohort 10 selections after that cycle drew the same 300-plus applications from 40-plus countries now cited as the reason for this schedule change. That pool produced six portfolio companies and brought Leap's total since 2018 to 63 startups across 17 markets.
The release doesn't say how many companies will make up Cohort 11, or what capital commitment comes with a seat this cycle. Cohort 10 confirmed six selections and a $200,000 allocation per portfolio company. Whether either number holds for Cohort 11 won't be clear until the program announces its picks.
Two information sessions precede the October 18th deadline
Leap Venture Studio is running two virtual info sessions before applications close: one on September 23rd (register here) at 8:00 AM PT, and one on October 7th (register here) at 1:00 PM PT. Startups can apply for Cohort 11 or apply for the Impact Seat directly.
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