Meet Angelica De Riggi, Founder of AI-Tails

Tell us about AI-Tails
AI-Tails is an innovative, AI-powered health monitoring solution designed to improve the lives of pets—starting with cats. By combining image-based pain detection with sensor data, our smart feeder and drinking station helps identify early signs of illness or discomfort in a simple, non-invasive way. The system delivers real-time alerts and actionable insights via our mobile app, allowing pet owners to respond quickly and seek veterinary care when it matters most. The result is greater peace of mind, improved health outcomes, shorter recovery times, reduced veterinary costs, and ultimately, longer and healthier lives for pets. With AI-Tails, we empower pet owners to shift from reactive to truly preventive care.

Please give some more details of your startup story.
AI-Tails was born from a deeply personal experience. During university, our founder lost her cat, Spooky, to an illness that went undetected for too long. This painful event sparked the initial idea, which she explored in depth during her thesis focused on preventive health in pets. What started as an academic concept has since grown into a tangible product backed by research, technology, and passion. Four years later, AI-Tails is on the path to launch, supported by a committed and interdisciplinary team working toward a shared vision: giving pets a voice—before it’s too late.

Tell us more about your plans for 2025 and what is your long-term vision.
Our long-term vision is to create a fully connected, AI-driven health ecosystem for pets. We’re starting with our smart feeding and drinking station that monitors vital health indicators through image and sensor analysis. Next, we plan to introduce an AI-powered litter box that analyzes waste for early signs of illness, and a smart cat flap that monitors gait and fur condition—offering a complete picture of the animal’s health. All data will be integrated into our proprietary app, empowering pet owners and veterinarians with real-time, science-backed insights. Our ultimate goal is to shift pet healthcare from reactive to preventive—improving quality of life and extending the healthy lifespan of pets around the world.

What has been the biggest success that you have achieved in your startup?
One of our proudest achievements at AI-Tails has been transforming a deeply personal story into a scientifically validated, AI-powered solution with the potential to change lives—both human and animal. We’ve developed a fully functional prototype that combines cutting-edge image analysis and sensor technology to detect early signs of illness in cats—something that didn’t exist in this form before. Beyond the product itself, the recognition we’ve received has been both humbling and motivating. We were selected for Venture Kick Stage 1, named a Top 20 of 100 Start-ups finalist in the Swiss Innovation Challenge, took 2nd place at the Swiss Startup Challenge, and were among the Top 5 finalists in ETH Zurich’s LiftOff Contest. We have also been awarded the Innosuisse Databooster and have been featured in respected media such as Tierwelt, Solothurner Zeitung, Aargauer Zeitung, FHNW Magazin, and soon, Swissquote Magazin. But perhaps the greatest success is the growing validation that our mission matters: giving pets a voice before it’s too late. Knowing that what we’re building could improve—and even save—lives is what drives us every day.

If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently? What are your biggest learnings?
If we could start again, we would invest even earlier in building a strong, interdisciplinary core team. One of our biggest learnings has been that diverse expertise isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. Having the right people at the table early on accelerates decision-making, strengthens problem-solving, and builds credibility in the market. Another key lesson has been the importance of focus and prioritization—learning to say no to opportunities that don’t align with our core vision, even if they seem attractive in the short term. And finally, we’ve learned that building a startup isn’t just about innovation—it’s about resilience, relationships, and relentlessly staying connected to the “why” behind what we do.

What motivates you to continue your business every day?
What drives us every day is a simple but powerful belief: pets are family—and they deserve the same level of care, attention, and innovation as any loved one.
AI-Tails was born out of a deeply personal realization: that far too often, pets suffer in silence because early signs of illness go unnoticed. That insight became the emotional foundation of our mission—to give animals a voice through technology, before it’s too late. We’re motivated by the knowledge that what we’re building has the power to change lives—not just for pets, but for the people who love them. Every step forward brings us closer to a world where early detection becomes the norm, not the exception. And that purpose, that impact, is what keeps us moving—every single day.

One piece of advice for someone who is just starting out with their startup?
Surround yourself early on with a team that complements your strengths—and challenges your blind spots. Building a startup is not a solo journey; it’s a long and unpredictable road where the people beside you can be your greatest asset. Find those who share your vision, but also bring fresh perspectives and deep commitment. Stay curious, stay resilient, and never stop validating your assumptions with real-world feedback. Progress comes from action, not perfection.

What does it mean to you to be a member of the Swiss Startup Association?
Being part of the Swiss Startup Association means more than just membership—it’s about belonging to a dynamic, forward-thinking community that champions innovation. It offers founders like us a platform to connect, learn, and grow together. On a personal level, it’s deeply motivating to be surrounded by others who are equally passionate about shaping the future. On a professional level, it brings credibility, visibility, and access to invaluable resources and partnerships within the Swiss startup ecosystem. It’s a place where ideas find support—and where momentum turns into impact.

Would you recommend joining the Swiss Startup Association? Why?
Absolutely! Joining the Swiss Startup Association offers valuable networking opportunities, expert insights, and strong community support. It’s a great platform to exchange ideas, stay informed about the Swiss startup landscape, and grow both personally and professionally.

Have you ever visited the events of the Swiss Startup Association? If yes, which ones? Would you recommend them?
Yes, we’ve attended several Swiss Startup Association events and highly recommend them. They offer great networking, inspiring speakers, and actionable insights for startups at every stage. The atmosphere is collaborative and supportive—ideal for making meaningful connections and learning from others.

Is there anything that we haven’t asked you that you would like to share with us/the community?
We believe the future of pet health is only just beginning—and that technology will play a central role in shaping more compassionate, proactive care. With AI-Tails, our goal is not only to improve the lives of animals but to set new standards in how we understand and respond to their well-being. We’re always eager to connect with others who share that vision—whether you’re a fellow founder, investor, vet, researcher, or simply passionate about animal health. Innovation thrives through collaboration, and we’re open to exchanging ideas, sharing lessons, and growing together.

Connect with Angelica on LinkedIn!

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About the Swiss Startup Association

The Swiss Startup Association (SSA) is the umbrella organisation and the voice of Swiss startups. As a sector-independent non-profit organisation, the SSA gives startups a strong voice vis-à-vis politics, business, and works to improve the conditions for startups in Switzerland.
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