Remember Lacie Leatherman and her family team, L Quadratics, who wowed us at the 2022 Make48 Wichita competition? Their winning idea, The Hydro Pal, tackled the challenge of "Community Gardening for Food Accessibility" with ingenuity and a passion for improving their community. But Lacie's innovative spirit didn't stop there. This entrepreneurial powerhouse, with multiple patents already under her belt, has embarked on a new venture that's set to revolutionize the way we care for our animal companions.
After relocating to Minnesota and joining the prestigious BetaMN cohort program, Lacie is channeling her Make48 experience into a cutting-edge animal monitoring device. This exciting new technology, born from the "smart kennel" prototype developed during the Season 6 National competition at UMKC, allows users to keep a close eye on their animals' environment and well-being, transforming any space into a connected haven.
Lacie's journey has been full of unexpected twists and turns. Reflecting on her entrepreneurial drive, she shares, "My journey to entrepreneurship in all my companies started in the same way... I never set out to have a business; every time I set out to solve a problem, I ended up with patents, and those turned into businesses. I set out to develop something I needed, something I knew others were looking for, something that my friends would use, and that I knew would solve other people's problems."
This problem-solving approach led her to pivot from her initial portfolio of companies to focus on her passion for animal welfare full time. And the market seems to agree with her! After connecting with potential partners in various industries, Lacie quickly realized the demand for her product.
“While connecting with industry leaders at a hunting trade show in Minnesota I was overwhelmed with the positive response to what we were doing. Everyone I spoke with from electronic collar companies to kennel manufacturers were all interested in our next steps.”
The momentum continued to build:
"I got the acceptance email for my spot in the BETA accelerator program, then - same day - received a couple phone calls with people wanting to help, made a phone call to the attorney’s office… . And within twelve hours, we had all of that plus an advisory board, an office space, and we were ready to go.”
With that impressive advisory board in place and a product development firm on speed dial, Lacie is poised for success. She's gearing up to unveil her innovation during the BETA MN Demo Day this December and is meticulously refining the pitch deck in preparation for a pre-seed raise. Her vision for the company and product extend well beyond the initial prototype, with plans for a V2 offering adding even more connectivity and features.
Lacie's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability, and a passion for making a difference. Her story exemplifies how Make48 can be a springboard for innovation, propelling participants to transform their ideas into impactful solutions. We can't wait to see how Lacie's animal monitoring device shapes the future of pet care and beyond!
To watch the Leatherman’s journey at Make48 in Wichita, Kansas visit https://youtu.be/iGJI2J3U18c?si=qY0siT66bXDo-V8D
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