Unleashed by Purina hosts pet-tech startup meetup in Singapore

Unleashed by Purina Hosts first-ever pet-tech startup meetup for Asia, Oceania, Africa and the Middle-East in Singapore

27 Nov 2024 4 min read

Start-ups present at the pet-tech startup meetup hosted by Unleashed by Purina (photo credit: Unleashed by Purina)

This press release was issued by Unleashed by Purina.

Attracts over 80 global startups and over 20 investors
The event is co-organised by Singapore-based pet-tech firm ZumVet, 2024 alumni from Unleashed by Purina Accelerator Programme
Over 10 global startups participate in the pitch competition

Unleashed by Purina, a global pet-tech startup accelerator powered by the Purina Accelerator Lab, today hosted their first-ever meetup attracting pet-tech startups from Asia, Oceania, and Africa (AOA) in Singapore, a milestone event for the region's burgeoning pet care industry. The event attracted over 80 global startups and 20 investors to attend in-person.

Singapore-based pet-tech focused firm ZumVet, 2024 alumni from the Purina Accelerator programme, is the co-organiser of the event. The meetup focused on fostering innovation, collaboration, and investment in the pet-tech ecosystem.

Event Highlights

This one-of-a-kind gathering featured:

Over 80 startup applicants from the AOA region showcasing cutting-edge pet-tech solutions
Networking opportunities with industry peers, investors, and experts
Pitch competition: Ten finalists presented their innovations to a panel of judges
Trophies and Publicity: The top two startups were awarded trophies and gained exposure
- Winner # 1- TABPS Pets Private Limited; based in India
- Winner # 2- RABO, Inc.; based in Japan

TABPS Pets Private Limited (India) winning 1st prize in the Pitch Competition (photo credit: Unleashed by Purina)

RABO, Inc. (Japan) winning 2nd prize in the Pitch Competition (photo credit: Unleashed by Purina)

AOA Pet Care Market: A Growing Opportunity

The pet care market across the AOA region is thriving. According to Pitchbook, there are over 1,900 pet startups in the region, with Asia Pacific alone forecasted to reach $29 billion in market value by the end of 2024.¹ This growth is fuelled by rising pet ownership and a shift toward pet parenthood, where pets are increasingly viewed as family members.

Emerging trends driving innovation in the region include:

AI-powered solutions for smarter pet care
Computer vision applications for health diagnostics and pet monitoring
Sustainability-focused products addressing environmental concerns

Kim Bill, Head of Purina Accelerator Lab, giving a welcome speech (photo credit: Unleashed by Purina)

“We've seen AI startups in our programme since the beginning of Unleashed, but now the sophistication has reached unprecedented levels. I can't wait to see how startups shape the future of pet care with AI.”

Kim Bill

Head of Purina Accelerator Lab

Unleashed by Purina

She added, "Computer vision and sustainable concepts are also maturing rapidly. Technology is evolving so quickly; it's an incredibly exciting time for pets and their parents alike."

The co-organiser, Singapore-based petcare firm ZumVET, 2024 alumni from the Unleashed by Purina Accelerator Lab, developed an AI tool during the accelerator programme, to help vets and pet owners understand the nutritional needs of pets for health.

“Having access to a global community, be it investors, advisors, industry experts and even other pet-tech firms, gave us the opportunity to learn from and share with some of the best in the industry and build on new technologies like AI into our product offerings. We are excited to bring an event of this scale to Singapore, our home base.”

Athena Lee

Founder

ZumVet

Driving Innovation in Pet-Tech

Through this event, Nestlé Purina PetCare AOA aims to spotlight the AOA region's immense potential and create a supportive ecosystem for startups. With Asia Pacific's pet care market ranking third globally, the region is at the forefront of innovative solutions, ranging from online retail platforms for pet food to at-home pet healthcare services.

“Nestle has grown steadily to be one of the largest Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) investors in Singapore. Aside from being home to Nestle Purina’s AOA Regional Headquarters, Singapore is proud to host the inaugural Pet-Tech Startup Meetup for AOA. Connecting to the rich range of partners in Singapore’s vibrant startup ecosystem will help Nestle Purina develop innovative solutions for the region and beyond.”

Chan Ih-Ming

Executive Vice President

EDB

“This meetup marks a key step in accelerating innovation, enhancing collaboration, and advancing the role of technology in improving the lives of pets and their parents and we are very much looking forward to galvanise the entire ecosystem.”

Hubert Wieser

Nestle PURINA CEO for Asia, Oceania, Middle-East & Africa

¹ https://www.euromonitor.com/press/press-releases/june-2024/asia-pacifics-pet-care-market-projected-to-reach-usd$29-billion-in-2024---euromonitor-international

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