LAIKA

Positioned as a comprehensive digital ecosystem for pet care in Latin America, Laika operates as an online marketplace and delivery service for pet owners. The company, founded in 2017 and headquartered in Bogotá, Colombia, was established by siblings Camilo Sánchez and Manuela Sánchez Villamarín, along with Tulio Jiménez and Andrea González Bernal. The founding team combines diverse expertise: Camilo Sánchez, the CEO, has a background in entrepreneurial management and law; Manuela Sánchez Villamarín, the Chief Experience Omnichannel Officer, brings experience from tech companies like Rappi and IBM; Tulio Jiménez, the COO, has a history in marketing and brand management; and Andrea González Bernal, the CMO, possesses a background in marketing and advertising.

Laika's business model is centered on providing a one-stop-shop for pet needs through its website and mobile app. The platform offers a wide range of over 4,000 products, including food from major brands, snacks, medicines, and accessories. Beyond retail products, the company provides more than 17 services, encompassing at-home veterinary care, grooming, and insurance. Revenue is generated through direct sales of these products and services. The company emphasizes convenience by offering flexible delivery options, including same-day service in major cities and scheduled deliveries, and accepts multiple payment methods to cater to a broad customer base. Laika also offers a membership program, similar to Amazon Prime, which accounts for a significant portion of its sales.

The company has demonstrated significant growth and has attracted substantial investor interest. After participating in Y Combinator's Summer 2019 batch, Laika secured a $5 million seed round in July 2020. This was followed by a $12 million Series A in June 2021 and a notable $48 million Series B round in January 2022, led by SoftBank Group. In total, Laika has raised $65.1 million over five funding rounds. This capital has fueled its expansion from Colombia into other Latin American markets, including Mexico and Chile.

Keywords: pet care, e-commerce, Latin America, pet supplies, veterinary services, pet food delivery, online marketplace, animal health, same-day delivery, pet subscription, Camilo Sánchez, Manuela Sánchez Villamarín, Tulio Jiménez, Andrea González Bernal, Bogotá, Colombia, Y Combinator, SoftBank, pet platform, dog care, cat care, pet accessories, online retail, pet services, animal wellness