Petsy news – Petsy Becomes the First CEE Startup to Join Nestlé’s Unleashed by Purina Accelerator

Now, for the first time, a startup from the CEE region - Petsy - has earned a place among this exclusive group. As the leading petsitting platform in Poland, Petsy is taking a significant step toward international expansion and the further development of its platform.

Dogs and cats have been companions to humans for centuries, and our relationship with them has evolved dramatically over time. Today, pets are not just our friends but an integral part of many families. As this trend grows, so does the market for pet-related products and services.

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The most innovative startups in pet care have come together for the sixth edition of Unleashed by Purina, an accelerator program supported by the Purina Accelerator Lab. For the first time, a Polish startup - Petsy, a platform connecting pet owners with verified petsitters - has been selected for this prestigious initiative.

Participants in the accelerator program, organized by one of the global leaders in pet food and products, receive support from Unleashed Champions, a team of trainers and experts from Purina who mentor the selected startups throughout their growth journey.

The success stories of past participants show that joining Unleashed has significantly accelerated their expansion into global markets. Collaboration with the accelerator doesn’t end when the program concludes. Just a few weeks ago, Nestlé Purina announced a partnership with Austrian startup FERAGEN, a specialist in animal genetics, which took part in Unleashed in 2022.

Since its launch in 2019, the accelerator has received over 1,400 applications from over 50 countries. Over five editions, it has supported 33 carefully selected startups that earned top marks from industry experts. This year, seven more companies have joined this elite group as part of the sixth edition.

Kim Bill, Head of Purina Accelerator Lab said, "Unleashed is a highly competitive accelerator program attracting pet startups globally, and this year we are delighted to welcome Petsy, an exciting and successful startup from Poland, bringing diversity of ideas and culture. Our startups are at the forefront of innovation, and their founders are not only passionate about pets, they also have the ability to execute and run a successful business."

This year, for the first time, a Polish company has joined the program. Petsy is a platform that connects pet owners with verified petsitters while offering a range of additional benefits.

Data shows that the startup, which secured over one million euros in its first funding round just a few months ago, has perfectly tapped into the needs of pet lovers. The platform already has over 5000 thoroughly vetted petsitters, and looking at recent data Petsy is growing 2.6 times year over year over year.

Michał Wojewoda, CEO of Petsy said, "Our platform is designed for both pet owners and those looking to offer professional pet care. We provide comprehensive support to both sides, not only through technology but also with expert guidance, such as access to veterinarians and behaviorists, Over the past year, our services have been used more than 20 thousand times, establishing us as the leader in petsitting in Poland and allowing us to take our first concrete steps into the Czech market. Our ongoing second funding round, combined with our participation in the Unleashed program, will support our expansion across Europe while enabling us to enhance our platform's functionality and broaden the range of services we offer,".

Each edition of the Unleashed by Purina accelerator program lasts 20 weeks, during which participants work intensively on scaling their startups with the support, expertise, and mentorship of Purina.. Startups are supported with a budget of up to 50,000 CHF to help achieve critical business goals. Leveraging Purina’s 100+ years of experience and global know-how, Petsy aims to further enhance the benefits for its users, strengthen customer loyalty, and accelerate international expansion.

Bartek Sobota, co-founder of Petsy said, "With the global rise in pet ownership, the demand for modern solutions that simplify everyday pet care is growing. We know that Petsy is the perfect answer to these needs, which is why we are committed to continuous growth and expanding our presence in new markets,".

The PetTech market is one of the fastest-growing segments of the pet industry. According to market analyses, its global value reached $10.5 billion in 2023, and forecasts suggest it could grow to $41 billion by 2032. As the market continues to expand, startups like Petsy, which combine cutting-edge technology with a passion for pet care, will play a crucial role in shaping the industry's future and attracting users worldwide.