Elita, a Melbourne-based dog health startup, has raised AUD $1.9 million to expand its preventative care platform beyond genetic banking and into round-the-clock veterinary telehealth. The company, founded in December 2024 by Paloma Newton and Jackson Gritching, is developing a technology called Blueprint to track changes in a dog's health over time. The new capital will support the development of Blueprint360, an at-home biological testing product expected to launch later this year.
Strategic Funding and Investor Support
The funding round was led by US venture capital firm Boost VC, with support from Gandel Invest, Artesian's Female Leaders Fund, Touch Ventures, and M8 Ventures. Elita previously raised a $1.1 million pre-seed round in July 2025, which included investment from the Alice Anderson fund for female founders. According to co-founder Paloma Newton, the round closed in three weeks, with another $100,000 left open for potential strategic investors.
From Cell Banking to Preventative Care
Elita initially built a stem cell bank for Australian pets, but its focus has since broadened into continuous health monitoring. The Blueprint platform combines medical history, biological test results, and information provided by owners to create a clearer picture of each dog's health. With the fresh funding, the startup will develop Blueprint360, an in-house at-home biological testing product that is expected to reach the market later this year.
Telehealth Integration and Veterinary Access
Elita has partnered with Australian veterinary telehealth company VetChat to offer 24/7 access to local registered vets. Before a consultation, veterinarians can review a dog's Blueprint history, which helps them deliver more personalised and informed advice. This integration is designed to make veterinary guidance more accessible while giving pet owners greater confidence in managing their dog's health.
Responding to Rising Veterinary Costs
Newton said the aim is to make preventative care more accessible as veterinary costs continue to rise. She argued that smarter pet care involves knowing what to do ahead of a problem rather than spending more once something has gone wrong. That philosophy underpins Elita's push to shift pet care from reactive treatment toward early and continuous health management.
Investor Confidence in Pet Longevity
Boost VC founder Adam Draper said the fund backed Elita because of its work combining biological testing with preventative animal healthcare. Draper believes Elita is about to give dogs a better standard of care than humans and is at the forefront of biological breakthroughs. He added that the company will help dogs live longer than ever before.
Betting on the Pet Longevity Boom
The announcement comes as interest in longevity science continues to grow, and Elita is betting that dogs will be the next major frontier. The startup aims to build what co-founder Paloma Newton describes as the biggest pet healthcare brand in the world. Its focus on prevention, biological data, and always-on veterinary support positions it within a wider push to extend healthy lifespans for companion animals.
With A$1.9 million in fresh capital, Elita is positioning itself at the intersection of pet health, longevity science, and accessible digital care. Its mix of biological data, telehealth access, and preventative monitoring reflects a broader shift in how owners manage their pets' wellbeing. As product development accelerates and partnerships expand, the startup aims to build a leading global pet healthcare brand.