Hamptons business owner scores ‘Shark Tank’ offer

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A company started by an entrepreneur from East Hampton scored big recently on ABC’s “Shark Tank.”

Mella Pet Care, earlier this month, scored funding from Shark Tank investor Mark Cuban.

The company, which is based in Chicago, is a provider of health monitoring offerings for veterinarians and pet owners. Among its offerings is an accurate “underarm” thermometer for pets.

“I am excited to partner with Mella Pet Care and support their mission of improving the lives of pets and pet owners,” Cuban said in a written statement.

“Their innovative product line aligns perfectly with the evolving needs of today’s pet-centric society,” he added. “Together, we will disrupt the pet care industry and bring forth solutions that empower pet owners and enhance the well-being of our beloved four-legged friends.”

Anya Babbitt, the company’s CEO, had also founded and led Splitting Fares, a ridesharing platform that was ultimately acquired by Bosch, and other startups. She has also served as a marketing advisor to luxury brands.

Babbitt went on to launch Mella in 2019, after her rescue dog, Mella, nearly died as a puppy due to a lack of data to diagnose and prevent her health condition.

With Cuban’s $250,000 investment, the company plans to put “a lot of the capital toward new purchase orders” as well as “existing products, and also building out our ecosystem of products,” Ben Seidman, chief operating officer and cofounder of the company, told LIBN.

The company plans to accelerate the development and distribution of such products as Biggie Body Scale, for body fat analysis.

“We are honored and elated to have received an investment closing our Shark Tank deal with Mark Cuban,” Babbitt said in a written statement.

“His expertise, vision, network, and passion for pets and innovation will expedite the expansion of Mella’s product offerings reaching a broader customer base,” she added. “With Mark’s support, we at Mella are confident in our ability to revolutionize pet care and make a positive impact in on the lives of pet owners and their furry companions.”

In exchange for his investment, Cuban landed a 2.5% equity share. With this deal, the company is valued at $10 million.

The Melo thermometer, as well as other products, are used at more than 1,300 clinics in 15 countries, according to the company.

Babbitt, Seidman and the company’s chief of staff, Daniella Morgan-Pascualvaca, appeared on the March 1 episode of the ABC series.