Imagine the Possibilities. We Dare You.
We believe in daring ideas and a better future for our pets. If you have the passion, we have the knowledge and resources to help build value, accelerate growth, and change the world of pet care. We dare you to imagine the possibilities.
5 Pet Care Investment Platforms
Do you have a pet care innovation that aligns with our platforms? We want to hear from you.
Health & Wellness
Pet Services
Manufacturing Technology
Pet Tech
Pet Food, Treats & Litter
Resources
We are an energetic team of progressive leaders with decades of experience in the Pet Care Category.
Let’s shape the future of pet care together.
Technical Product Development
- Ingredients
- Production
- Packaging
Supply Chain
- Material Suppliers
- Manufacturers
- Distributors
Brand Development
- Insights
- Agency Partners
- Promo Activities
Business Advisory Support
- Financial
- Employment
- Legal
Network Connections
- Investors
- Entrepreneurs
- Mentors/Advisors
Channel Development
- Omni-Channel
- Pricing
- Shopper Analytic
Pet Care Innovation Prize & Network
The Pet Care Innovation Network brings new opportunities to high-potential pet care startups with events, networking and peer support designed to accelerate growth in the industry.
Become a member and see how to apply for the Pet Care Innovation Prize, a competition that offers up to $50,000 in cash and support, and opportunity to partner with Nestlé Purina PetCare, the largest pet care company in the US.
Contact Us
Ready to take your business to the next level? If you are an emerging pet care startup
with the passion to make a positive impact on the lives of pets, we want to hear from you.
About Us
We are an energetic team of progressive leaders with over 60 years of experience in the Pet Care Category.
Pat Mullen
Business Development Officer
20+ years pet industry experience and leadership in marketing and brand management, commercial development and corporate strategy.
Matt Scheidt
Business Development Officer
20+ years of experience in M&A, investments, sponsorships, licensing and procurement in Pet Care and other CPG categories with a focus on legal strategy.
Brian Lester
Business Development Officer
20+ years pet industry experience and leadership in marketing and brand management, product development, innovation, and corporate strategy. Leads Pet Care Innovation Prize / Network programs.
Why 9 Square Ventures?
“I dare you!” was a challenge often issued by William Danforth, who founded Purina in St Louis, Missouri in 1894. His words were designed as a rally cry to inspire those around him to fulfill their true potential.
9 Square Ventures has taken on Danforth’s challenge and been focused on connecting with pet care startups since 2014. We are dedicated to using our resources as a global pet care leader to invest in emerging pet care businesses and accelerate breakthrough innovations that dare to improve the lives of pets and their owners.
We have provided funding for over 20 early-stage businesses, two of which have already been acquired by Purina.