Bootstrapping in America: FetchFind
Kristi Ross and Tony Battista of TastyTrade talk to Jamie Migdal about the origin and growth of FetchFind, the entrepreneurial/startup ex...
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216 investors
FetchFind successfully raised $110,911 from 216 investors on July 15, 2017
FetchFind’s deadline was July 15, 2017
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Follow FetchFindThere are more than 150,000 pet businesses in the United States, but choosing the right one is a real problem for most pet owners. Traditional online research tools like Yelp, Facebook, or Google don’t specialize in pet care and are full of irrelevant or inaccurate information. FetchFind makes it easy to select the best care providers for your pet.
As seen in:
Owners leave reviews, not their pets. A 5-star rating of a pet-care company only guarantees they are nice to owners when they come to pick up their pets.
To know what’s best for your pet, you need information that’s missing in the traditional directories like Yelp, social networks or search engines:
Popular industry-specific solutions exist in other verticals, but there still isn’t one for 80 million pet families and their 175 million pets!
FetchFind is a portal for pet lovers with a provider directory, online learning courses, and an extensive content library. FetchFind empowers pet owners with the right information, from researching dog toys or new food, to finding a new groomer, veterinarian, doggy daycare, or petsitter.
Searchable directory of pet businesses to find trusted experts quickly.
Filter by services offered, distance from you, positive reviews, types of pets seen, hours of operation, parking, number of check-ins, and other keywords
Read reviews by other owners
See articles and content written by the experts listed
FetchFind has created the first pet-industry seal of approval, FetchFind Approved. Businesses that have earned our Approved status meet rigorous criteria that sets them apart from competitors.
To receive FetchFind Approved status, the business must:
FetchFind offers online education for pet professionals via a monthly subscription.
FetchFind also has classes designed specifically for pet lovers. You can earn the I Love Dogs badge for only $5. And if you really want to geek out on dog knowledge from A-Z, you can sign up for Behavior Fundamentals Online (buy the entire program, or just the modules that interest you.)
FetchFind provides pet owners access to its extensive online content library. Our growing library consists of more than 600 pet articles, blogs, and stories, searchable by pet type, area of interest, etc. – all designed to help pet owners navigate life with pets.
One of the biggest ongoing costs of a pet-care business is employee training.
The pet-care space is growing and outpacing itself in terms of talent availability and experience. Pet businesses are seeing more than 125% annual employee turnover and lack adequate training resources and solutions for employees.
As a result, pet owners (and pets!) are vulnerable to untrained people interacting with and caring for their pets.
FetchFind is addressing the industry-wide need for greater professionalization and safety in pet care services across all staffing levels, while helping employers to more easily and effectively hire, train, and retain employees.
FetchFind solutions for pet care providers helps them:
Studies show that comprehensive onboarding and continuing education is one of the best ways to engage employees, reduce turnover, mitigate risk, and increase customer satisfaction – while saving businesses millions of dollars every year.
FetchFind Monthly Pro is designed to help businesses focus on service and growth, because they can leave employee training to our trusted pet-industry experts.
FetchFind Monthly Pro:
Pet-care companies of all sizes use FetchFind tools to onboard new hires and keep existing employees actively engaged. Managers use the reporting dashboard as an employee assessment tool.
98% of our current clients say they think new clients are more likely to hire them, and existing clients will continue to use their businesses, because they dedicate resources toward educating their staff.
FetchFind launched in 2015 with only a few courses and a small job board. Today, we have 150 courses, 75 business subscribers, and thousands of employee learners and individuals seeking jobs. We are the #1 Google search result for “pet industry e-learning” and “pet industry staff training”.
We have zero subscriber churn for our key product, FetchFind Monthly Pro.
FetchFind was among five businesses – of a field of hundreds – accepted into the prestigious Prosper Women Entrepreneurs (PWE) accelerator class in spring 2017 and presented with a $50k investment. PWE has graduated dozens of companies and invested more than $1.5 million.
FetchFind was one of five finalists for the inaugural Pet Care Innovation Prize, a partnership between Nestle Purina and investment firms Active Capital and Cultivation Capital. More than 80 companies from 11 countries applied for the prize in October 2016. FetchFind was awarded $10k for being a top five company.
Jamie Migdal/FetchFind won a coveted spot in the fall 2016 cohort of the highly competitive 1871 Chicago WiSTEM (Women in STEM) program that connects female digital entrepreneurs to capital, community, and technology resources, and is designed to increase the number of women CEOs in the science and tech spaces.
"Jamie Migdal has founded FetchFind along with four other successful pet industry startups. Not only is Jamie connecting a previously unconnected and fundamental industry, Jamie is an exceptionally giving mentor and teacher who always has time for the people she encounters, who are many. She is universally respected and well liked.” - Tech.co editor.
FetchFind has partnered with and is respected by some of the most prominent names in the industry.
FetchFind currently generates revenue via our professional education solution, FetchFind Monthly Pro.
We sell FetchFind Monthly Pro as a recurring monthly subscription or on a discounted annual subscription basis. Subscribers are pet-care business owners using our solution for onboarding and retaining their pet-care staff.
Not only does FetchFind provide critically valuable HR tools, we also provide a marketing platform for our customers to acquire new customers of their own.
Among our 100's of customers
Additional revenue channels will be added soon:
Sponsored and Affiliate Content
FetchFind will have sponsorship opportunities across all areas of our site and content marketing campaigns.
Job board
FetchFind’s job board is an industry-specific option for targeting talent and jobs exclusively in the pet market. Jobs are currently free to post on our v1 site, but with the release of the fully integrated v2 job board, FetchFind will feature premium listings and welcome advertising and sponsors.
Marketplace
FetchFind’s B2C consumer directory is a free directory service for consumers, while businesses are able to pay for premium listings.
FetchFind presents a unique comprehensive solution for pet businesses with no direct analogues in US.
Just in April 2017:
PetSmart is acquiring Chewy.com for $3.35 billion in the largest e-commerce acquisition ever – 4/18/17
Rover.com acquires Santa Monica dog-sitting start-up DogVacay – 4/3/17
Petco acquires leading pet advice website and app, PetCoach – 4/11/17
The dog days aren’t over: Investors hounding deals in pet sector – 4/25/17
I and love and you Received Growth Investment from L Catterton – 4/4/17
L Catterton Makes Growth Investment in Retailer JustFoodForDogs – 4/25/17
GoFetch raises seed round to tap into growing billion-dollar pet-care industry – 4/20/17
Global pet care sales pass $100 billion for first time – 2/7/17
Spending in the American pet market as a whole is projected to reach nearly $70 billion in 2017 — almost double what it was a little over a decade ago, according to the American Pet Product Association.
And among pet-industry companies – the ones we hire to care for our pets – the number one problem is sourcing, training, and retaining a collective 2 million employees. Hiring and attrition costs the pet-care industry an estimated $1B annually, which is the size of our directly addressable market.
Jamie Migdal is a 25-year pet industry veteran and serial entrepreneur with extensive media, speaking, and overall industry experience. She has made dozens of television appearances on ABC-7, WCIU, and other news outlets. She was the animal witness/trainer for the Animal Planet show “Animal Witness,” is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT), and a frequent keynote speaker/seminar presenter for industry events and conferences.
Dear Potential FetchFind Investor,
I wanted to share a little more about me and I welcome your questions anytime. I have been working with dogs and their people and innovating within the pet industry for more than 20 years. Having successfully built three pet-centric companies – OutUGo, AnimalSense Canine Training & Behavior, and CanineLink (now FetchFind Academy) --I’m fluent in all aspects of the pet services industry, including behavior, training, education, technology, business development, client services, marketing, and management.
Now, here I am with my fourth and current company, FetchFind, is the first and only pet-industry-specific site connecting pet owners, experts, brands, and businesses in the same place.
In 1Q16, we launched FetchFind Monthly Pro, part of our online learning management system for the pet industry, designed to help employers train, educate, and professionalize their staff. In 3Q16, we increased FetchFind’s share of the pet-care services market with the acquisition of PawedIn.com, which connects pet-care companies to pet owners.
The vision I have for pets and people will elevate standards of care and deepen the bond we share with the animals with whom we share our homes and our hearts. We are going to move what is now a hyper-fragmented, low-barrier to entry industry into the next era. We have the team, the expertise, the vision and the roadmap. Now we just need you.
Big Woofs,
Jamie Migdal
Collectively, we’ve worked in just about every pet-industry vertical, from training and petsitting to retail and veterinary. We’ve been in the pet business for decades.
We’re also animal lovers and pet-care service consumers ourselves, so we understand how customers expect (and deserve) to be treated, as well as how to deliver outstanding client care.
Spotlight on Kevin Taylor. FetchFind's key advisor. Kevin has extensive CEO/COO/CTO experience and formally advises, mentors, and consults for startups and small/medium-sized business founders and management teams in diverse industries. FetchFind is proud to have Kevin's advisement and guidance.
Together, we can build an industry-changing platform and marketplace for pets and their people around the world.
Thank you.
- Jamie
Our heartfelt gratitude for your support plus special thank you on our website listing you as an investor, a free I Love Dogs Course, and a set of FetchFind stickers.
All of the above, plus one (1) complimentary Behavioral Fundamentals Course.
All of the above, plus a FetchFind tote bag and two (2) complimentary months of FetchFind Monthly Pro.
All of the above, plus a FetchFind mug and three (3) complimentary months of FetchFind Monthly Pro.
All of the above, plus six (6) complimentary months of FetchFind Monthly Pro.
All of the above, plus twelve (12) complimentary months of FetchFind Monthly Pro.
All of the above, plus a one (1) hour call or video chat with CEO Jamie Migdal (Ask her anything about about pets, pet businesses, or the pet industry - anything goes!) and one (1) complimentary year of FetchFind Monthly Pro.
All of the above, plus a FetchFind story about your pet’s life to be featured in our blog, newsletter, and across social media. Includes 30-minute professional photoshoot of you and your pets.
All of the above, plus you and/or your dog star in a FetchFind Pet Care online training video.
All of the above, plus CEO Jamie Migdal will come to your home* to do a 2.5 hour behavioral assessment with you and your dog(s), with report of findings and one 60 min follow up call 30-45 days post-assessment. *Continental US only, 2 dogs max.
All of the above, plus Dog Trainer Fantasy Camp: Learn how to train your own dogs by spending a day with dog trainer/expert and FetchFind CEO Jamie Migdal. (Includes one hotel overnight and r/t flight to/from Chicago, as applicable.)
We are looking to launch a beta version of our new website in Q4 of this year.
Via our subscription-based pet care education solution, FetchFind Monthly Pro. We also generate revenue through partnership marketing and content development. Our future revenue opportunities will grow through our job board and pet marketplace.
Your investment will allow us to be heavily focused on sales and marketing efforts, as well as other essential growth like hiring for additional sales and customer success, and building UI/UX for the new site.
Yes! All perks are opt-in, especially those which feature you and/or your pets.
Absolutely! We will happily find a great photographer and/or videographer in your area!
The possibilities are endless! Want your dog to learn a new behavior? Is there something your dog would be great at demonstrating? Does your dog have an odd behavior we can analyze? We can work with it all. We can also just turn the camera on and see what happens! We might use the footage for multiple videos and topics.
After an initial phone consultation to determine the focus of the learning experience, Jamie will spend a full business day demonstrating how to train basic and advanced commands and how to troubleshoot and manage common behavioral issues. We will visit a local animal shelter to train dogs during the day and teach a group class at night. FetchFind will fly you into Chicago and provide downtown accommodations for one night. You will join Jamie and team for a meal on the day of your arrival or before you depart.
We've hand-picked the 5 most important topics that will take your love and understanding of dog to the next level. Fun, easily-digestible lessons cover the basics of body language and communication, how dogs learn, the top 10 most popular breeds and more. You can complete this 45-minute course at your own pace, from the comfort of the couch you share with your dog. Earn your I Love Dogs badge and show off your canine smarts!
Behavior Fundamentals is created to develop your understanding of dogs and dog behavior and enable all participants to understand key concepts like communication, development and normal canine behavior as well as recognizing breed and breed tendencies. This course is perfect for any dog lover or pet pro!
We’ll contact you within 1 business day of your investment to provide you with all the information you need and next steps. All we’ll need after that is names and email addresses for each staff member you wish to onboard onto our platform.
FetchFind successfully raised $110,911 from 216 investors on July 15, 2017
I invested because I believe in Jamie Migdal - her drive, passion, and vision. She's an inspiration and it's an honor to invest in FetchFind.Linda LeeInvested 9 months ago
I have respect for Jamie and her teamCynthia RussellInvested 9 months ago
Being a dog lover all my life I have run into several problems with my pets due to the lack of knowledge. I believe this program is a winning solution.Joe LinduskaInvested 9 months ago
In addition to Jamie Migdal's proven track record in developing successful businesses, Fetchfind's core values lines up well with mine, and fills a need within the burgeoning professional pet care industry as well as the general public.Lennox ArmstrongInvested 9 months ago
Innovative ideaT. Paul ChawlaInvested 9 months ago
I invested because I'm impressed by the CEO's background and think the industry is in need of something like this. The business model makes sense and Jamie's projections are realistic and feel she can deliver on them.Ryan VanElslanderInvested 9 months ago
For tomorrow is better than today!Emmanuel S AkintundeInvested 9 months ago
My wife and I know Jamie personally and we're huge fans. She's a force of nature and a fabulous CEO. Jamie and her team are super pationate about dogs and pets and are fully invested in the success of this startup. Can't say enough about her.Christopher DeutschInvested 9 months ago
I have known Jamie a long time, and over the years she has been so supportive of my business, Camp Dogwood. This is a small way to offer support for her success with FetchFind. Dog people are good people.Alysa SlayInvested 9 months ago
I love Jamie Migdal and all she stands for!Roxann LopezInvested 9 months ago
I believe in Jamie Migdal and her Fetch Find staff 's mission to provide much-needed pet professionals and pet parents.Arden MooreInvested 9 months ago
I adore the founder Jamie, love the Pet Industry, believe in the vision of Fetch Find and make it a priority to support other women with a dream that benefits others.amanda hesselInvested 9 months ago
We believe in the dedication and commitment that FetchFind shows toward improving the integrity of pet industry professionals. Great things are ahead!Janet JacobeInvested 9 months ago
I believe in the integrity and passion that drives Jamie Migdal to become one of the top leaders of the pet industry!Sandra RossInvested 9 months ago
I believe in the business and the need for more B2B support in the pet industryCatherine CrewsInvested 9 months ago
I believe in this companies' vision and mission. I think they have a strong ability to grow their business.Mary GegenhuberInvested 9 months ago
Jamie is awesome and she is continually revolutionizing the pet industry.Ashley WallaceInvested 9 months ago
We at Paradise 4 Paws believe that FF is addressing some of the biggest pain points in the pet industry. We are thrilled about this next chapter for FF & looking forward to a continued partnership, and even greater things to come. Keep it up FF team!Saq NadeemInvested 9 months ago
Jamie and her crew are amazing. I've taken their Behavior Fundamentals class back in 2015 and loved it. I truly believe FetchFind is greatly needed and am very excited to see their growth & future success. Can my BF class be donated to someone?Arlene BurkhardtInvested 9 months ago
An amazing platform to train people to take the best care of our pets.Kevin MaleyInvested 10 months ago
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