Petscribers, a disruptive platform that will democratise veterinary care with the UK’s first search engine for pet medication, has closed its successful pre-seed investment round with a total sum of £294,900 – 20% above target. All-female investment syndicate, Investing Women Angels (IWA), is one of the first angel groups to invest in the business which marks a culmination of hard work and support between Petscribers and IWA’s sister organisation AccelerateHER.
Petscribers allows pet owners to compare the prices of medication for their animals from government-approved pharmacies. The Global ‘Pet Tech’ market was valued at $10.5 billion in 2023, a figure which is expected to rise to $41.3 billion by 2032, according to data from Global Market Insights[1]. Founded by Dr Angela Jones and Dr Emma Pemberthy – both qualified vets in their own right – the business is based on their own frustrations with the existing system of animal care. Dr Jones said:
“At Petscribers, everything we do is rooted in our experience as practicing vets. We’re building the tools and support we wish we’d had in practice, to make pet healthcare clearer, simpler, and more affordable.
For us, investment has never just been about money. We’ve been intentional about finding investors who share our purpose, believe in our vision, and genuinely care about improving access to veterinary care.
We’re proud to have an incredible group of individuals behind us. People who understand the change we’re working towards and are with us every step of the way.”
Both IWA and AccelerateHER are well-versed in Petscribers’ business ambitions, with both organisations supporting the startup through a variety of learning programmes and guidance. The founders have received mentoring from the wider IWA network; including Founder, Jackie Waring; and were part of the 24/25 cohort for Barclays Eagle Labs Female Founder Accelerator powered by AccelerateHER, winning the ‘People’s Choice’ award at the programme’s London Showcase in March this year.
AccelerateHER exists to accelerate the growth, backing, and visibility of women founders, moving the dial for gender parity in UK entrepreneurship. Programmes such as Barclays Eagle Labs Female Founder Accelerator (which AccelerateHER delivers) delivers knowledge, builds networks, and equips founders with the contacts and skills they need to scale effectively. CEO of AccelerateHER, Elizabeth Pirrie, commented:
“We’re thrilled to see IWA join Petscribers’ initial investment round as it’s an excellent example of that which we’re always preaching – the importance of women backing women. We’ve had the opportunity to watch Petscribers flourish through the Accelerator, grab every opportunity presented to them, to the point of acing this latest investment round.”
Rhona Campbell, Chair of Investing Women Angels said:
“Petscribers is Investing Women Angels’ 28th portfolio investment; an investment which continues our work of supporting innovative, growth-focused founders and their businesses. Huge thanks also go to the British Business Bank and the UK Business Angels Association who support us in our work with female founders.”
Petscribers has also now welcomed two new observers to its board: Skyscanner Senior Operations Director and IWA member, Anne Doyle, and seasoned investor Chris Elliot. The funds raised in this initial round will go towards development and go-to-market strategy for Petscribers’ fully integrated e-prescribing platform, with a clear path to net profitability. The company’s digital platform is now accessible to all pet-owners at petscribers.co.uk.
[1] https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/pet-tech-market
