Urban Animal Secures Rs 20 Lakh from Nikhil Kamath's WTFund

Nikhil Kamath, co-founder of Zerodha, recently launched the ‘WTFund’, a non-equity grant initiative aimed at empowering young entrepreneurs in India. Among the first cohort of 15 startups selected for funding is Urban Animal, which specializes in dog DNA testing. Here’s an overview of the funding received, the rationale behind Kamath's selection of Urban Animal, and the startup's future plans.

The Funding

Urban Animal has been awarded up to Rs 20 lakh (approximately $24,000) as part of the WTFund initiative. This funding is structured as a non-equity grant, allowing Urban Animal to retain full ownership of its business while benefiting from mentorship and other support services provided by the fund.

Why Nikhil Kamath Selected Urban Animal

Nikhil Kamath emphasized the importance of fostering innovation among young entrepreneurs, reportedly stating that he sought out "the smartest, coolest kids who are daring to start something big". Urban Animal was chosen for its pioneering role in pet care as ‘India’s first dog DNA testing service’, which aligns with Kamath's vision of supporting startups that can redefine industries and contribute to societal well-being. The service aims to improve pet health by identifying genetic predispositions to diseases, thereby enhancing preventive care for dogs.

Urban Animal's Plans

Urban Animal intends to leverage the funding from WTFund to expand its operations and enhance its service offerings. Key plans reportedly include:

Scaling Operations: Increasing their market presence across India by reaching more dog owners and veterinarians.

Product Development: Enhancing their DNA testing services to include more comprehensive health insights and potentially expanding into other areas of pet care.

Awareness Campaigns: Educating pet owners about the benefits of genetic testing for dogs, emphasizing proactive health management.

The company aims to position itself as a leader in pet healthcare by not only providing testing services but also offering tailored health plans based on genetic insights.

Revolutionizing Pet Care in India

Urban Animal's selection for Nikhil Kamath's WTFund marks a significant step in its journey to revolutionize pet care in India through innovative genetic testing solutions. The financial backing and mentorship from the fund will be instrumental in helping Urban Animal realize its vision for a healthier future for pets across the country.

ALSO READ| Find out more about Urban Animal here!