A social media platform designed for dog parents has secured £250,000 worth of equity investment from private investors through Leeds-based investment non-profit, NorthInvest, reports Business Leader.
Dog parent and entrepreneur Becky Baker founded K9 Nation in 2018 to connect the millions of dog parents in the UK in an online social community. The website and app allows dog parents to share crucial information and advice to care for their dogs and provides a curated directory of dog-friendly products and services across the UK.
According to Business Leader, K9 Nation was among six start-ups shortlisted from over 30 candidates to take part at a virtual pitch event facilitated by RTC North and NorthInvest as the culmination of investor readiness programme Innovate2Succeed.
Following a successful pitch and intensive investment readiness coaching from RTC North, K9 Nation secured investment from NorthInvest angel investors. Furthermore it secured commercial support from Leeds-based software development agency, Nephos Solutions to enhance the platform.
NorthInvest Investment director and investor in K9 Nation, Jordan Dargue, who also joined the K9 Nation board as non-executive director said, “I’m delighted to join K9 Nation as a Non-Executive Director and help an exciting business develop. As an avid dog lover I appreciate the market opportunity K9 Nation presents, and combined with a strong commercial offering we very much look forward to driving growth with a larger fundraise in the autumn.” Dargue will also lead a further fundraise of £250,000 later in the year.
Founder and CEO of K9 Nation, Becky Baker, said, “When I got my dog Buddy as a puppy, I felt overwhelmed by the responsibilities of dog ownership and was in constant need of information and guidance – from dog-walking spots and puppy daycare, to local vets and products. As I spoke with dog owners across the UK, I realised there was a need for a community that provided this information. I’m delighted K9 Nation has found investors and commercial partners who share our mission to build a global community of support.”
On the site, Baker states, “Created by dog owners for dog owners, K9 Nation sets out to provide impartial and transparent advice, all in one digital location, as well as information on various topics of interest to enable every member to make informed choices for their dog’s wellbeing as well as their own.”
Last year Baker went on a two-month road trip around the UK to find some of the top dog friendly spots in the UK.
Baker also recently launched a community initiative to clean up dog friendly areas in the UK from 28-31 August.
Her adventures with Buddy can be seen on Instagram here.