NAVC names a winner in the 2023 VMX Pet Pitch Competition

TEEF For Life was recently named the winner of the sixth annual Pet Pitch Competition at the 2023 Veterinary Meeting & Expo (VMX) in Orlando, Florida. Both the VMX conference and the competition, a shark-tank-style pitch event with a $5000 prize as well as brand exposure and recognition benefits, are programs of the North American Veterinary Community (NAVC).

Emily Stein, PhD, the cofounder and inventor of TEEF, presented the award-winning pitch to judges and attendees during the competition. “We are honored to be awarded first place in the 2023 NAVC Pitch Competition at VMX,” said Stein, in an organizational release.

Photo: Kristen Coppock

Emily Stein, PhD, accepts the award for TEEF For Life as the winner of the 2023 Pet Pitch Competition at the Veterinary Meeting & Expo, hosted by the North American Veterinary Community in Orlando, Florida.

The winning startup is a companion animal product brand launched by Primal Health. A biotech company, Primal Health leverages expertise in microbiology and immunology to create ground-breaking dental technology, strengthening good bacteria in animals’ mouths while weakening the harmful bacteria, according to the release.

TEEF For Life’s mission is to be in every animal’s mouth to improve their health and well-being, according to NAVC. Their flagship product, Protektin42, is a prebiotic water supplement for daily dental hygiene for dogs, which is also safe for cats. “The supplement is easy to use and helps counteract processed foods that are high in carbohydrates,” said Stein, in an interview with dvm360®.

The NAVC has welcomed more than 100 startup companies and awarded over $100,000 in monetary prizes thanks to the various industry sponsors who have supported this program since its inception. “We were highly impressed by the caliber of candidates participating in this year’s competition,” said NAVC CEO Gene O’Neill, in the release.

TEEF For Life was one of 3 finalists, which had been narrowed down from 50 applicants. The other finalists were PDX Biotech and GekkoVet, which O’Neill congratulated in the release. “We’re excited to be a part of such innovative initiatives in animal wellness,” he added.

The finalists were showcased in the VMX Startup Circle, a space that allowed new companies to introduce their products, services, and solutions to leading veterinary professionals and practice decision-makers attending the VMX conference. “Raising awareness that we exist for at-home care is a big deal. I think it will help vets,” said Stein, in the interview.

According to O’Neill, the 3 finalists all presented innovative products that will benefit the veterinary industry. “While the competition was tough, the judges determined that TEEF For Life was the best choice for this year’s award. We look forward to witnessing the growth of their startup through this prestigious recognition,” he said.

Reference

NAVC names winner of the sixth annual veterinary meeting & expo (VMX) pet pitch competition. News release. NAVC. January 18, 2023.