AnimalBiome is the leading pet microbiome research and product company. Founded by female, animal-loving scientists from UC Davis and UC Berkeley in 2016, AnimalBiome empowers pet parents to make better-informed decisions about their pet’s health and wellness.

What was the inspiration to start this business?

I was an academic researcher who studied microbes that live in association with animals. In 2015, I started a citizen science project at UC Davis called KittyBiome to explore the bacteria living in association with kitties. Learning that one in five cats and dogs suffer from chronic digestive conditions inspired me to leave my research position at UC Davis and start AnimalBiome to create new solutions to these problems.

When you started your business, did you ever envision that you would be where you are now?

When I started the business, I wasn't sure if we would survive more than a year or two. Now almost four years later, we have nearly 20 employees and our revenue continues to grow. And even more rewarding is the pride we feel knowing that we have helped people improve the quality of life for their fur children.

Was there ever a time that things didn't fall into place, struggles, or challenges? What were they and how did you get past it and grow from the experience?

The first two years were very challenging. I found it hard to raise the capital that we needed to grow the business. I pitched the company to many investors, a number of whom said that they didn't want to fund "a science project." We also encountered some who had issues with the fact that at that time our team was all female. Eventually, we found people who wanted to help us. These advocates enabled us to file patent applications, provided business, financial, and marketing advice, and connected us with investors who believe in our mission to innovate to improve companion animal health and in the exciting business opportunity that this represents.

What was the biggest lesson you learned while starting and growing this business?

Starting a business takes an extraordinary amount of hard work and dedication but is immensely rewarding.

What would you tell a FEM that is struggling in her business and feel like it's too difficult?

Most entrepreneurs find that there is a time when the journey is dark and long. Take pride and solace in creating something new and contributing to the world. If you can find the strength to keep going, you will eventually find people who will want to help you succeed.

What continues to inspire you to keep on growing your business?

I am inspired to keep growing our business because I know that we are making a difference in the lives of cats and dogs suffering from these conditions, as well as the pet parents who care for them.

Final advice for those thinking of starting a business or looking to grow their current business?

You should absolutely take the chance to make your dream a reality. Don't be afraid to share your ideas and seek the advice and support that you need to get started and continue to grow your business. From little things, big things can grow.

To connect: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-ganz-932958/

IG:@hollyhganz

Holly Ganz : Dog lover and microbial ecologist consecrated to using microbiome science to improve pet health