Fluffy, a pet insurance, training and health app, has secured $450,000 (£366,000) in a pre-seed funding round.
Fluffy currently offers dog training, 24/7 vet messaging and insurance through its app to pet owners. The app has more than 20,000 users, according to the company.
London headquartered Fluffy will use the pre-seed to hire across product development, marketing and customer service teams along with launching its insurance offering later this month.
Fluffy told that it will be announcing that it will be backed by “one of the largest insurance companies in the world” to help its UK and EU expansion plans and has other “major partnerships” in the pipeline.
The spokesperson added that while the initial focus is on cats and dogs, the eventual plan is to “cover every pet regardless of how big or fluffy they are”.
“Our goal is to give pet owners peace of mind by taking the financial burden off their shoulders in case of any medical emergency their beloved pets may have, while also supporting them with their day-to-day pet parent responsibilities,” said Pavel Gertsberg, CEO of Fluffy.
Fluffy’s pre-seed was led by QVentures and Techstars along with various angels. Angel investors include Charlie Pinkham, a veterinarian with 15 year’s experience, Vieunite and Allsee founder Baoli Zhao, among others.
Last year the pet owner app took part in Techstars London’s startup accelerator programme.
Saalim Chowdhury, MD, Techstars London, said: “Watching our alumni achieve great things post-programme is always a proud feeling. The funding that Fluffy has secured will allow them to access the next step, and bring pet care to the attention of many pet owners around the UK.”
Another firm looking to take care of four-legged friends is Vetster, which launched its service in the UK last year after a £25m raise.
