Elmwood has taken a minority stake in its start-up client, Vet-AI, a UK-based veterinary research and development business aiming to revolutionise how pet care is delivered.
Elmwood has taken a minority stake in its start-up client, Vet-AI, a UK-based veterinary research and development business aiming to revolutionise how pet care is delivered. Tech expert Paul Hallett and experienced veterinarian Robert Dawson founded Vet-AI in early 2017. Vet-AI is developing technology and AI-based solutions that will help pet owners and vets look after the health and welfare of pets in an affordable and convenient way.
Elmwood has supported Vet-AI in developing the company’s brand strategy, distinctive point of view (DPOV), and product name, Joii, and designed the product brand, brand assets and branded channels. The brand Joii is set to launch in May 2019 and aims to revolutionise how vets deliver veterinary care. It will enable pet-owners to look after their pets conveniently and more affordably from their phone.
Jonathan Sands OBE (Elmwood and now Chairman of Vet-AI) commented: “This is a hugely exciting venture and one that I believe will transform the future of the veterinary industry. I can see a huge upside, both in improving the work-life balance for vets themselves, whilst at the same time making pet care more expedient, more convenient and better value for every family with a pet. It is a very exciting proposition and I am delighted to be involved.”
In addition to providing Vet-AI with the investment needed to drive further innovation, Elmwood will provide brand design and marketing services in exchange for a minority stake in the business.
“We really believe in helping promising start-up businesses, like Vet-AI, achieve their potential. Not only can they learn from our hard-won experience of 40 years in the business, but we can learn from them. It’s why we ran and recently concluded our first-ever STEAM accelerator, Elmwood LaunchPod, a 12-week programme aimed at supporting start-ups and scale-ups prepare for their next level of growth. And it is why we invest in companies like Vet-AI, which have a compelling and disruptive business model. Even before launch Vet-AI has attracted so much excitement and interest from all corners of the industry. Investing in them was a no-brainer.”
Vet-AI is making significant progress to innovate the industry and has already attracted interest from global animal health companies, who have also since invested in the start-up to further the growth and development of new technologies.
Co-founder Robert Dawson commented: “I’m passionate about improving the care of pets and all animals around the world. I have been hugely fortunate to have had the opportunity to treat thousands of wonderful animals and to meet their parents during 25 years as a vet and this investment is an opportunity to build a business which will enable the same for millions of pets across the globe.”
Vet-AI’s flagship pet care app, Joii, will officially launch in May 2019.