Max-bone

Max-bone operates as a direct-to-consumer brand in the high-end pet products market, positioning itself as a lifestyle label for discerning pet owners. Founded in 2016 by Parisa Fowles-Pazdro, the Los Angeles-based company emerged from her personal experience of being unable to find well-designed, high-quality products for her own dog. Fowles-Pazdro, who serves as CEO, identified a gap in the market between low-cost pet accessories and expensive designer items, leading her to establish a brand focused on affordable luxury.

Fowles-Pazdro's background shaped her entrepreneurial path. Born in Iran, her family moved to Sweden when she was a child due to the revolution. This experience of starting over instilled in her a drive to succeed. Initially pursuing a career in dentistry in London, she soon realized her passion lay elsewhere. Encouraged by her husband, she launched a high-end fashion line in 2008 called Max Fowles, which, despite gaining media attention, was ultimately not financially scalable and closed in 2010. After relocating to the US and facing the 2008 financial crisis, she and her husband rebuilt their careers, eventually leading to the launch of Max-bone in 2017.

The company's business model is primarily direct-to-consumer through its e-commerce platform, which allows for better margin control. This is complemented by a presence in high-end retailers like Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue, as well as seasonal pop-up showrooms in locations like New York City and Aspen. Max-bone's revenue is generated from the sale of a curated selection of pet essentials. The product line is extensive, featuring apparel, accessories like leashes and carriers, beds, toys, and grooming products. The company also expanded into wellness with a line of freeze-dried, superfood-infused dog food, developed over two years with a nutritionist. The products are characterized by a modern aesthetic, drawing inspiration from fashion, art, and architecture, and are designed for longevity and practicality using quality materials.

Max-bone has successfully raised capital to fuel its growth, including a Series A round in March 2019 led by Colle Capital and a Series B round in July 2020 with investors like Third Summit Capital. The brand has also utilized high-profile collaborations with companies such as Disney, Away, and Christian Cowan to expand its reach and awareness. This strategy has attracted a celebrity following and a loyal customer base, particularly among millennials who resonate with the brand's modern approach. Keywords: luxury pet products, designer dog accessories, Parisa Fowles-Pazdro, direct-to-consumer pet brand, modern pet essentials, dog apparel, freeze-dried dog food, pet wellness, high-end pet supplies, pet lifestyle brand, e-commerce pet, Colle Capital, Third Summit Capital, dog fashion, upscale pet accessories, pet grooming products, stylish dog carriers, pet product collaborations, Los Angeles startup, premium dog food