Christina in "Shark Tank": iVet gives horse owners the vet in their pocket

Often, a visit to the vet can be both time-consuming and expensive, regardless of whether the animal is a dog, rabbit, or horse. The Danish Veterinarian Christina Aggerholm has set out to solve this problem with the digital tool iVet, which several of the "Sharks" from the TV program "Shark Tank" also saw the potential in.

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"If I can just make a difference for one or two animals, that's enough for me."

That's what Christina Aggerholm thought when she signed up for "Shark Tank". Even though it seemed daunting – and very far-fetched for Christina's family in Jutland – to appear on national TV during prime time, she ended up participating in the show with the digital veterinary service iVet, which combines her veterinary expertise with telemedicine.

Advertisement "I hope that with iVet, we can help ensure that even more animals are seen by a vet. This could include animals that might not have been seen by a vet for either economic or practical reasons. We have veterinarians who can advise and guide pet owners and hopefully provide them with the peace of mind they need when they have a sick animal," explains Christina Aggerholm.

Read also: Here's why a physical injury can change your horse's behavior.

The Idea

The idea for iVet actually originated when Christina Aggerholm was studying to be a veterinarian. At that time, she herself had many horses with various kinds of injuries. After veterinarian visits, she often thought that a consultation could have been managed with a picture or a video, a method that could save both veterinarians and horse owners a lot of time. Additionally, she experienced – both as a veterinary student and a qualified vet – in both domestic and international contexts, that veterinarians spend a lot of time on phone calls with worried pet owners. These calls often happen in the car between two consultations, where there's rarely time for presence and reflection.

“It's neither economically nor time-efficient as a vet – and ultimately, it's the animals who pay the price.”

Read also: Veterinarian Michael Sinding: Too many horses are misunderstood

In Sweden, where Christina has worked as a veterinarian, online doctors are widely used for people. This is also the case in Denmark. Despite having almost no technical knowledge about telemedicine, she ventured to develop a similar concept for animals.

“I thought, when I finished my veterinary studies, I would create something similar for animals. iVet is first and foremost made for the animals, to ensure that as many as possible can be seen by a vet when they need it. I'm aware of the limitations of telemedicine, and we always refer to a physical vet if we're the slightest in doubt. Using iVet should be safe for both animals and their owners.”

Fortunately, Christina wasn't the only one who saw the potential in online veterinary consultations. In "Shark Tank" she received offers from no less than three investors.

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Why did you sign up for "Shark Tank" ?

I quickly realized that I would overwhelm this business if I didn't get help from those who were experienced in building companies.

I could see that iVet had a lot of potential, so it would be a shame if it didn't succeed because I made too many beginner's mistakes. I thought I needed to collaborate with those who had already made those initial mistakes, those typical of a new entrepreneur, but who were also passionate about animals.

For me, it was also important to spread awareness about telemedicine for animals. And, not least, to ensure that more animals get veterinary attention when needed.

Why was Anne Stampe the ideal investor for you?

I knew I needed an investor who could see that I am a career woman – but also a mother and a veterinarian.

I wanted a work environment where family life is accommodated, while simultaneously building a successful company. That's why I knew I wanted Anne (from Nordic Female Founders) on board. She is an animal lover, horse owner and has a practical "Down to Earth" approach to business. She is skilled and has really helped me everywhere! She has set up the biggest team around iVet! I have their support around the clock – whatever kind of help I need.

"Did you know that in season 9 of "Shark Tank" in Denmark there were no less than two entrepreneurs involved with horses? Mette Skovmand was seeking an investment for her products from Nature’s Hoof Help."

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Why do you think several of the "Sharks" were interested in investing in iVet?

I think it was because many of them could see the potential in telemedicine. But also, they could see the growth potential in it. iVet doesn't necessarily require knowledge about animals to see the growth potential in digitalization. Also, there's an international aspect to iVet, which I believe many of the lions could see future prospects in. And then, we also know online consultations with doctors from the human world.

What was it like to be on the show?

I never doubted that the idea of iVet was good enough, but I was actually quite unsure whether I should be the person to stand up on my heels and introduce a purely online-based veterinary business to an old and quite rigid way of being a vet. I was quite nervous about what my physical colleagues would think about the concept. But one day, as I was driving home from my then job, I thought that if I could just ensure that three more animals get seen by a vet, then it would all be worth it! That's when I decided to appear on national TV. With that motivation, my nervousness disappeared!

When I went there, I was actually most uncertain about my valuation and my revenue. I went there with the dream of growing iVet through private and insurance customers, but not with a big budget. I felt a bit like I was in a bubble when I was in the studio. I could see that the lions were really listening and could see my idea. When I came out, I just started crying because it was such a huge relief!

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What has it given you to be on Shark Tank?

Since the program aired in January, I've gained a lot of new private clients. Additionally, we've closed deals with several insurance companies, including one of Scandinavia's largest insurers, and more are on the way. The advantage is that more owners have easier access to iVet and are covered under their pet's health insurance, so the consultation costs them nothing.

What does the future look like for iVet?

I hope that even more people will discover iVet and dare to use it. I really want us to reach a wide range of pet owners! This includes those who find it difficult to make time for a vet visit, but also those who might struggle with the cost. That's where we can truly make a difference. In the long term, I also hope we can incorporate more expertise, such as nutrition specialists.

I dream of iVet going global! We need to focus more on what telemedicine can do and what its benefits are.

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