Investment Firm Acquires Boston-Based Polkadog Dog Treat Company

TAW Ventures, an investment firm founded by Jane Lauder and focused on advancing pet health, wellness and longevity, has announced its acquisition of Polkadog. Founded in 2002 by Rob Van Sickle and Deb Suchman, Polkadog is a beloved Boston-born pet brand known for its premium dog treats, neighborhood retail footprint, and deep connection to pet parents.

The partnership brings together two businesses united by a shared belief that pets are family — and that the products, care, and experiences created for them should reflect that. For both TAW Ventures and Polkadog, family values have always shaped how each business operates: with heart, integrity, long-term thinking, and a deep commitment to earning trust.

“From the moment we got to know Polkadog, it was clear this is a truly special business, with a truly special team,” said Jane Lauder, Founder and Managing Director of TAW Ventures. “What Rob and Deb have built goes far beyond a product company — it’s a brand with heart, authenticity, and extraordinary customer loyalty. We deeply believe in Polkadog, and we’re honored to help carry their mission forward. Our intention is to build on the strong foundation already in place and thoughtfully support the company’s next chapter over the long term.”

Inspired by her own dog, Thaddeus, Lauder founded TAW Ventures after nearly three decades helping build global consumer brands at The Estée Lauder Companies, bringing a long-term brand-building lens to the evolving pet wellness space.

“For us, Polkadog has always been about creating something we genuinely believed in — products we felt proud to give our own dogs, and a brand that reflected the way so many people feel about their pets,” said Rob Van Sickle and Deb Suchman in a joint statement. “As we thought about the company’s next chapter, finding a partner who truly understood and respected what makes Polkadog special mattered deeply. From the beginning, Jane and the TAW Ventures team shared that mindset, and we’re excited for what comes next.”

The acquisition reflects TAW Ventures’ continued focus on investing in premium, trusted pet brands that serve the evolving needs of modern pet parents.