Nestlé Purina PetCare to Host Capital Region Pet Care Entrepreneur Event in Arlington

Nestlé Purina PetCare recently announced that it is inviting pet care entrepreneurs to the Capital Region Pet Care Entrepreneur Event that is slated for September 5 at Nestlé USA’s Arlington headquarters in Rosslyn. The event provides networking opportunities, expert discussions and a live pitch competition with cash prizes for innovative ideas.

This event is part of Purina’s annual PetCare Innovation Prize program, which supports and celebrates the visionaries shaping the future of pet care.

In collaboration with Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC) and Maryland’s TEDCO, Purina will host a live pitch competition where entrepreneurs can vie for $15,000 in prizes.

Event Highlights:

• Networking and Expert Panels: Connect with fellow entrepreneurs, industry leaders and potential investors while enjoying food and drinks.
• Pitch Competition: Entrepreneurs are invited to apply to pitch their business ideas for a chance to win $5,000 for the best pitch from Maryland courtesy of Maryland’s TEDCO, $5,000 for the best pitch from Virginia courtesy of VIPC, and $5,000 for the best overall pitch courtesy of Purina.

Entrepreneurs can register to attend the event and/or enter the pitch competition here. Pitch competition applicants must apply by September to be considered for the live pitch event. Top applicants will be invited to pitch their business via Zoom, with finalists selected to present live on September 5.

• The Pet Care Innovation Prize is a collaborative effort of Purina’s 9 Square Ventures corporate venturing group and investing leaders Active Capital to support and connect with early stage pet care startups that are currently in market with an innovative business addressing pet and pet owner needs in the areas of pet health and wellness, services, technology, and food, treats or litter.
• 9 Square Ventures leverages Purina’s knowledge, experience and financial resources to help emerging pet care startups scale their businesses and make a positive impact on the lives of as many pets and their owners as possible. The group has been steadily investing millions of dollars in a diverse set of early-stage pet care startups since it was founded in 2014.