The Benelux region, consisting of Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg, boasts a flourishing pet care and pet tech startup landscape. With approximately 6 million cats and dogs in the region, pet ownership is widespread, with nearly half of Dutch households and half of Belgian families owning at least one pet. This expanding market has given rise to many innovative startups catering to the needs of pet owners. In this article, we will explore some of these startups and the services they offer, making pet care more accessible, enjoyable, and efficient for everyone involved.
Netherlands
Petbnb, based in the Netherlands, is an online platform that connects pet owners with trusted pet sitters and dog walkers. This service offers a more personalized and convenient alternative to traditional kennels or relying on friends and family. With an easy-to-use interface and a wide range of options, Petbnb simplifies the process of finding the perfect match for any pet, ensuring they receive the care and attention they need while their owner is away.
Another Netherlands-based startup, Cooper Pet Care, provides on-demand access to licensed veterinarians through their online platform. The startup addresses key pain points faced by pet owners by offering a convenient and stress-free alternative to traditional veterinary visits. The company saves pet owners time, reduces stress for both pets and their owners, and offers cost-effective solutions to ensure pets receive the care they need without the typical hassles associated with traditional veterinary clinics.
Goood, also from the Netherlands, is an ethical pet food brand that focuses on species-appropriate dog nutrition combined with regional ingredients, animal welfare guarantees, and climate-neutral manufacturing. Goood’s mission is to provide pet owners with a responsible choice for feeding their dogs, one that benefits both their pets and the environment. By choosing Goood, pet owners support a sustainable and responsible approach to pet care that positively impacts animals and the planet.
Huisdieren is an all-in-one platform for pet owners. This platform offers valuable information, fun videos, and shopping options for pet products and services while maintaining a focus on quality and reasonable prices. Huisdieren aims to become a go-to resource for pet owners, helping them make informed decisions and providing a one-stop-shop for all their pet-related needs.
Cooper & Quint creates stylish, timeless, and durable dog accessories made with love for nature. The products are handmade in the Netherlands, using 100% sustainable materials. In addition to their commitment to sustainability, Cooper & Quint focuses on crafting high-quality and fashionable accessories that elevate a pet’s style while maintaining a focus on functionality and durability.
Belgium
Just Russel, a Belgium-based startup, offers customized pet food recipes developed by veterinarians to meet the unique needs of individual dogs or cats. This tailored approach ensures a worry-free experience for pet owners, as they can trust that their pets are receiving the optimal nutrition for their specific needs. Whether a pet has a sensitive stomach, allergies, or weight issues, Just Russel’s personalized solutions cater to each pet’s requirements.
Edgar & Cooper produces naturally tasty cat and dog food. Their in-house certified Pet Nutritionist creates recipes that include fresh meat, fish, nutrition-rich offal, vegetables, fruit, botanicals, minerals, and vitamins. By using wholesome ingredients and following expert guidelines, Edgar & Cooper ensures that pets receive a well-rounded and nutritious diet that promotes overall health and well-being.
Dog Chef offers fresh, 100% natural, gluten-free, and hypoallergenic meals for dogs. Developed by veterinarians, these meals prioritize the health and happiness of pets. Dog Chef’s emphasis on using high-quality, natural ingredients without additives ensures that pets receive the best possible nutrition while satisfying their taste buds. By offering a diverse range of meal options, Dog Chef caters to the individual dietary needs and preferences of dogs, allowing pet owners to have peace of mind knowing their pets are enjoying a healthy and tasty diet.
Tipaw is a pet services platform that connects pet owners with various professional services, including veterinarians, groomers, and educators. The platform also helps prospective dog owners find responsibly bred dogs while avoiding puppy mills and scams. Tipaw’s mission is to create a reliable network of pet care professionals, making it easier for pet owners to find trustworthy and quality services for their pets in one convenient location.
Lastly, Gutsy, another Belgium-based startup, offers a hybrid dog food made from insects and chicken. This unique food option is packed with flavor and high-quality proteins, supporting a sustainable and environmentally conscious approach to pet care. By incorporating alternative protein sources, such as insects, Gutsy reduces the environmental impact of pet food production while still providing a nutritious and delicious option for pets. This innovative approach allows pet owners to contribute to a more sustainable future while ensuring their pets receive the nourishment they need.
Investment Climate
In addition to the numerous pet care and pet tech startups in the Benelux region, there are also several prominent investors focusing on this growing market. These investors recognize the potential of the pet care industry and are actively supporting startups with their financial resources and industry expertise. Let’s take a closer look at two noteworthy investors based in the region.
Anterra Capital, based in the Netherlands, is an investment firm that specializes in the food and agriculture sectors. They have shown interest in the pet care market by investing in Dalma, a French pet insurance company. By providing financial backing and guidance, Anterra Capital is helping to shape the future of pet care, both in the Benelux region and beyond.
Verlinvest, a Belgium-based investment firm, has a diverse portfolio that includes investments in several pet care companies. Their involvement in the pet care sector highlights the industry’s potential for growth and profitability.
These investors play a crucial role in nurturing the pet care and pet tech startup landscape in the Benelux region. Their financial backing and industry expertise provide startups with the resources and support needed to bring innovative products and services to market, ultimately improving the lives of pets and their owners. As the pet care industry continues to grow and evolve, it is likely that even more investors will be attracted to this promising market, further boosting the development of cutting-edge pet care solutions in the Benelux region and beyond.
Conclusion
The pet care and pet tech startup landscape in the Benelux region is thriving, with innovative solutions that make pet ownership more accessible, enjoyable, and efficient for pet owners. As the pet care market continues to expand, it is likely that even more startups will emerge to cater to the diverse needs of pets and their owners. The support of prominent investors, such as Anterra Capital and Verlinvest, plays a vital role in fostering this growth, but the true driving force lies in the creativity and passion of the startups themselves.
From online platforms connecting pet owners with various services to eco-friendly and personalized pet food options, the Benelux region’s pet care and pet tech startups showcase a bright future for pet care innovation. As these startups continue to develop and scale their offerings, they ensure that the needs of pets and their owners are met with creativity, sustainability, and convenience. The Benelux region is paving the way for a new era of pet care, where innovative solutions and services come together to enhance the lives of pets and their owners, ultimately contributing to a more compassionate and responsible approach to pet care.