#Swedish digital pet care startup raises €20M to expand in US

As someone who has recently become a puppy pawrent, I am constantly aware of any potential shifts in my dog’s health. Especially as he is yet to grasp the concept of “if I eat something once and it makes me sick, then I learn not to eat that again.” 

Moreover, I have spent the month since he arrived in my life turning it upside down in the best possible way, secluded in a cabin in the Swedish archipelago. (This is due to vaccination and travel requirements, but it has also been a blessing in terms of not worrying too much about his lack of immunity when on walks in a busy city.) 

To reach the nearest vet from here requires a 50 minute drive. Hurdles along the path include a bridge that opens for boats every half an hour, as well as on demand, and slow moving buses on the single lane road. 

While r/puppy has been a source of support and enlightenment (and “wow, at least our’s doesn’t do that”), the ability to speak to a veterinarian via a video call if needed would be pretty much priceless. Especially when wondering if a trip to the physical vet’s would be necessary or not, and how urgent the visit should be. 

Beyond immediate telehealth counselling, FirstVet’s vets can also offer advice on nutrition and mental stimulation. In addition, they can prescribe medication, including for tick prevention, and assist with behavioural issues. 

US digital pet health market booming and ready

While we have been lucky enough not to need FirstVet services yet, I can certainly see the value. Investors have also cast another vote of confidence in the business, as the Swedish startup announced its Series C funding yesterday. TELUS Global Ventures led the round, accompanied by existing investors OMERS Ventures, Mubadala Capital, and Cathay Innovation. 

The company will use the funds to scale its services in North America, “where the market is booming and ready for us,” said David Prien, CEO and co-founder. It would also look to expand its reach through new types of partnerships, he said. 

FirstVet services are often covered by pet insurers — it has partnerships with more than 60 insurers worldwide. Beyond telehealth veterinary services (when we checked, the next available time was in five minutes), it also offers an online shop and a pet pharmacy in select markets. 

Of course, FirstVet does not serve only dogs and their humans, but also cats, rabbits, and other small animals, as well as horses, farm animals, and exotic animals including reptiles and birds.

The company was founded in 2016 in Stockholm by David Prien, Joakim Widigs, and Lars-Martin Norviit. It is now present in the Nordics, Germany, the UK, and the US.