The future of pet-friendly travel just got a significant boost. RetrievAir, the revolutionary aviation service designed to let pets fly comfortably in the cabin next to their humans, has officially closed an investment deal with Alexis Ohanian’s venture capital firm, Seven Seven Six (776). The partnership solidifies RetrievAir’s mission to make air travel stress-free for pet parents and signals a major shift in the travel industry’s approach to our four-legged family members.
From Shark Tank Pitch to Real-World Partnership
The deal was announced following RetrievAir’s appearance on the award-winning series Shark Tank. Guest Shark Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit and a General Partner at Seven Seven Six, immediately resonated with RetrievAir’s mission, citing his own experience as a pet parent to two dogs, including one large one.
Ohanian and 776 are known for backing companies that use innovative solutions to solve real-world problems. RetrievAir, co-founded by CEO Benton Miller and aviation expert Mark Williams, is a perfect fit, offering a pet-first experience that eliminates the anxiety of placing a beloved companion in a cargo hold.
“I’m a pet parent to two very good doggos… so I immediately connected with Benton and Mark’s pitch to create a better way for people to travel with their pets,” said Alexis Ohanian. “We’re excited to bring RetrievAir to anyone who wants to have more life experiences with their pets; flying comfortably with your dog, big or small, shouldn’t be a luxury.”
A Truly Pet-First Experience
What sets RetrievAir apart is its fundamental commitment to pet comfort and safety. The company operates a public charter service that allows dogs of all sizes to ride in the cabin.
- In-Cabin Comfort: Unlike commercial airlines, where large pets are relegated to cargo, RetrievAir ensures every pet is assigned a seat next to their owner, or comfortable space on the floor between seats.
- Stress-Free Check-in: Flights operate out of private terminals at smaller, less-crowded airports, guaranteeing a calmer, quicker check-in process.
- Pet-Trained Crew: The flight attendants are specially trained in canine behavior to ensure a peaceful environment for all passengers—both two- and four-legged.
RetrievAir is not just about flying; it’s about removing the anxiety and hassle that have historically prevented pet owners from traveling with their companions.
What’s Next: New Routes and Expanding the Mission
With the backing of Seven Seven Six, RetrievAir is poised for significant expansion. The investment will be used to grow the service and add new destinations across North America.
The company has already announced several new, highly-requested routes opening in February 2026, including:
- Atlanta, GA (FTY)
- Manassas, VA (MNZ)
- Oakland, CA (OAK)
- Scottsdale, AZ (SDL)
Beyond commercial flights, RetrievAir is dedicated to social impact. The company operates “freedom flights” to transport rescue dogs from overcrowded shelters to their new adoptive homes, eliminating geographic barriers to rescue and adoption—a mission that resonated deeply with the 776 team.
This investment is more than a financial transaction; it’s a stamp of approval from a top-tier VC firm that validates the massive, unmet need for pet-inclusive travel. RetrievAir is not just creating an airline; it’s leading a revolution in how we travel with our most loyal companions.
