Petcube Explained

Type:Private
Founder:Yaroslav Azhnyuk, Andrey Klen, Alex Neskin
Area Served:Worldwide
Key People:Anastasia Kuhar (CEO), Alex Neskin (CTO), Andrey Klen (CDO), Yaroslav Azhnyuk (president)[1]
Industry:smart, connected products
Num Employees:100
Foundation:2012
Location:San Francisco, United States

Petcube is a technology company that designs and develops smart devices for pets which combine cameras with treat dispensers and laser pointer toys.

History

The company was founded in 2012 in Kyiv, Ukraine by Alex Neskin, Yaroslav Azhnyuk, and Andrey Klen. Typically for a startup, Petcube aimed to solve the problem the founders faced on their own: Neskin's dog Rocky suffered and misbehaved due to separation anxiety.[2]

Within two Kickstarter campaigns the project raised $250,000 in 2013 (becoming the best funded pet product by that time)[3] and $315,000 in 2016. In 2017, Petcube announced a treat partnership with Wellness and acquised a Canadian pet-focused startup Petbot.[4] In the following years, Petcube raised over $14 million in seed money and Series A financing from Y Combinator, Almaz Capital, Aventures, and other investors.[5] [6] [7] [8]

Products

Petcube offers three devices: Petcube Camera, Petcube Bites with camera and a treat dispenser, and Petcube Play which features a laser pointer to keep the pet entertained (distracted) while the owner is away.[9]

The devices can stream and record video, toss treats, allow users to communicate with a pet two-way, and connect to Amazon Alexa. Paid subscription enables cloud video storage, automated recording triggered by sound or motion, smart alerts (bark, meow, pet, and human notifications), and adds a web interface.[10] [11]

Charity

Petcube cooperates with shelters and helps to save pets and find them new homes. The company donates its products and organize events for pet activists.[12] As a Ukrainian brand, Petcube joined United24 charity project and donates proceeds from its pet cameras to the future rebuilding of Ukraine.[13]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Ярослав Ажнюк пішов з посади керівника Petcube . uk . Yaroslav Azhnyuk resigned as CEO of Petcube . September 20, 2022 . AIN . October 6, 2022.
  2. Web site: Pet-Friendly Tech Startup Explodes On Kickstarter. Forbes. 2017-12-15.
  3. Web site: Petcube Scoops Up $2.6 Million So You Can Entertain Your Pet From Anywhere. 2016-02-03. techcrunch.com. 2018-02-10.
  4. Web site: Petcube Acquires PetBot, Hires Founder. 2017-06-29. silicontap.com. 2017-12-15.
  5. Web site: This start-up is using AI to figure out what our pets are trying to tell us. 2017-10-25. cnbc.com. 2017-12-15.
  6. Web site: Petcube Raises $1.1 Million to Let Owners Interact With Pets Remotely. 2015-03-17. blogs.wsj.com. 2017-12-15.
  7. Web site: Petcube Secures $10 Million Investment to Fund New Products. petproductnews.com. 2017-12-15.
  8. Web site: Petcube — stay closer to your pet. kickstarter.com. 2017-12-15.
  9. Web site: The Petcube camera makes it easy for me to check on my animals when I'm not home . Ana Suarez . August 12, 2022 . SFGATE . October 6, 2022.
  10. Web site: Petcube Bites 2 Camera Review . Mary Beth Quirk . January 6, 2022.
  11. Web site: Petcube Bites 2 Review 2023: The Must-Have Smart Device for Pet Owners . Ali Cidem . July 8, 2023.
  12. Web site: Petcube Rescue Block Party: Doggy World Record!. sparksocialsf.com/. 2017-12-15.
  13. Web site: Petcube takes up to $60 off its smart pet cams with all proceeds going to rebuild Ukraine . Justin Kahn . August 24, 2022 . 9to5toys . October 6, 2022.