AUSTIN, TEXAS – SKU, an accelerator program for consumer-packaged goods (CPG) industries, announced the brands selected for its first pet care-dedicated accelerator track. The program will provide pet industry brands with tailored mentorship to further their growth.

The cohort includes pet nutrition brands D.R.E.A.M. Pet Food and 5 Element Food Therapy, as well as pet care companies Innovative Pet Lab and Pupsentials. 

The 12-week cohort kicks off Aug. 24 and SKU’s brand founders and mentors will celebrate the culmination of the tracks with a Showcase Pitch event in Austin on Nov. 14.

During the 12-week program, SKU will present the brands with a customized curriculum focused on the entire CPG ecosystem, advanced operations support, and access to funding. The brands will also have access to mentors — a team of industry leaders, successful brand leaders and investment professionals.

“While working with SKU seasoned mentors, industry experts, and networking with like-minded entrepreneurs, we hope to supercharge growth, gain essential skills, and position Innovative Pet Lab for long-term success,” said Jaime Smith, chief executive at Innovative Pet Lab.

The 12-week program will include both online and in person programming.

D.R.E.A.M. Pet Food offers pet treats inspired by hip-hop musicSource: D.R.E.A.M. Pet Food

D.R.E.A.M. (Dogs Rule Everything Around Me) was founded by Jaime Cooper and Paul Paige, lifetime fans of hip-hop music. They wanted to create a brand that represented the people and culture they loved growing up. With this mission in mind, the duo worked create a pet treat line made from quality ingredients.

5 Element Food Therapy was founded by Sharon Tuggle. She started the brand after her dog Hoochie suffered from a seizure one day while at the dog park. One week later, Hoochie was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and was given no more than two months to live. Tuggle contacted her veterinarian, who suggested food therapy consisting of a combination of protein, vegetables and herbs. 

5 Element Food Therapy will participate in SKU's pet care acceleratorSource: 5 Element Food Therapy

5 Element Food Therapy offers fresh whole food supplements to add protein, fat and mineral rich organic vegetables to a pet’s diet.

Innovative Pet Lab is transforming pet care with advanced home testing. The company was founded by Robert David, Betsy Redmond and Jamie Smith, three scientists with decades of experience in diagnostic testing. Innovative Pet Lab helps identify current and underlying health issues and evaluates whether diet and lifestyle are working with an at-home stool collection. Easy-to-understand digital reports and targeted recommendations provide a path to improve overall pet health. 

Pupsentials, a company started by Kyndall and Jake Chambers, creates hyper-detailed custom pet embroidery apparel, from hats to fanny packs. Pupsentials has been featured on Oprah's Fav list, Goop and Yahoo.

Prior to developing its pet care specific track, SKU previously worked with several pet care industry brands including Homescape Pets, Springer, A Pup Above, Dog Threads and Pridebite.

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