An area startup announced a new local investment and the local launch of its platform for helping victims of domestic violence escape with their pets.
BestyBnB said in a Monday release that it raised $2 million from local businesswoman Sally Root. The Kansas City-based company also said it signed on six area domestic violence shelters to use its platform, which helps find short- and long-term boarding options for pets of victims. Fear for the safety of loved pets is cited as a reason why some domestic violence victims stay in abusive situations.
Andy Bond, co-founder of BestyBnB, said the new investment will be used to scale the company’s platform, hire people with expertise with domestic violence and companion animals, and expand to other cities. The company said it currently is covering the cost of domestic violence shelters to adopt its service, and will look for corporate partners to subsidize this cost for additional shelters.
In the release, Bond said the formal announcement is timed to coincide with Domestic Violence Awareness Month and this year’s Pure Pitch Rally in Kansas City. Bond presented the idea for the company at the pitch contest in 2019.
This year’s Pure Pitch Rally, to be held Monday, will feature eight startups competing for funding from more than 100 investors.
