Latest news with #AndrewHamilton
BBC News
01-07-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Benefits plan a 'clear attack on disabled people'
Planned changes health and disability benefits that face a crucial vote in the Commons later are a "clear attack on disabled people", a disability rights activist has Hamilton, from Bangor, County Down, said the Labour government proposals, if passed, would have "a devastating impact on disabled people". The proposals involve changing eligibility criteria for the personal independence payment (PIP) and the health element of universal credit (UC).However, the move has proved controversial, with Sir Keir Starmer facing the biggest rebellion of his time premiership to date. The Labour Party laid out major concessions to the bill in the hope of defusing rebels after more than 120 backbenchers threatened to vote down the governments despite watering down the bill, which MPs will vote on in the House of Commons on Tuesday, dozens of Labour MPs are expected to vote against 80 Labour MPs would have to vote against the bill for the government to be defeated. The benefits system is devolved in Northern Ireland but in practice the Stormont administration mostly copies what is happening in England and Northern Ireland Executive does not have the resources to mitigate Labour's plans, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has said. 'Discriminating against Andrew Hamilton, who has cerebral palsy and receives Pip, told Good Morning Ulster said changes to the government's plan could, on a surface level, be seen as a "positive step" but they were "political concessions". "The system needs to be more user-centric, it needs to be more focused on what the disabled person can do."To get people back into work they need to put measures in where disabled people aren't discriminated against and employers are supported."Mr Hamilton, who founded the Just Include UK campaign group, said that the government bill "is not the answer".Pip supports many disabled people to continuing working, the cost of transport to maintain employment," he added."The government needs to support people instead of trying to take away stuff." What are Northern Ireland's MPs saying? The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) MP Gregory Campbell told Good Morning Ulster that while the government's position has "changed slightly" he will vote against the proposed bill. "The marginalised and the people who are going to be most directly affected are going to be impacted very negatively by the government's proposals."I think the overall welfare budget has to be addressed." He added that he did not believe anyone could argue against bringing the "massively increasing amount of payments" made to the entirety of welfare benefit "under control", but said the it should not be done "at the expense of the most marginalised and disadvantaged". He added "people want to see a bigger crackdown on those who abuse the system". Social Democratic And Labour Party (SDLP) leader and MP Claire Hanna said the bill "puts the fiscal horse before the employment cart". "There are reforms that would support people with employment but they haven't been done yet."Hanna said that in England an employment bill has just passed but one in Northern Ireland is "not even out of the traps yet"."Devolution is about using the powers that we have to protect people here."Hanna said it will be an "economic shock" for those in Northern Ireland as there is a higher claimant rate than the rest of the UK."It is going to take the political structures here to step up and support people."
Los Angeles Times
27-06-2025
- Business
- Los Angeles Times
The Toltrazuril Solution: How VETR.com Is Tackling Coccidia with Speed and Scale
In a fragmented and increasingly digitalized pet care market, one company is bridging the divide between innovation and the essential human element of veterinary medicine. founded by entrepreneur Andrew Hamilton, is rapidly emerging as a disruptor with a conscience – blending cutting-edge technology, scalable logistics and an unprecedented model of professional collaboration aimed at redefining how animals receive care in the United States. From the outside, may resemble a telehealth startup or a veterinary eCommerce platform. But beneath the surface, it is something far more sophisticated: a vertically integrated pet health ecosystem, designed to improve treatment access while reinforcing – not replacing – the role of veterinary professionals. Now, the company is taking its mission a step further with the launch of an ambitious affiliate program, offering veterinarians and animal health providers up to 20% per sale on medications they recommend through the platform. The result is a business model that doesn't just scale access, it shares value. Hamilton's journey to founding VETR wasn't academic. It was personal. In 2021, while on vacation with his family, his 11-year-old Great Dane became critically ill at a boarding facility. Local veterinary clinics were overwhelmed, and the only available solution was an emergency euthanasia, conducted over a Zoom call. Despite spending over $5,000, the outcome was heartbreaking. That moment underscored the fragility of the pet healthcare system: a lack of 24/7 access, severe staff shortages and logistical hurdles that prevent timely treatment. 'I realized there was a massive gap between need and access and that technology alone wasn't going to fix it unless we included veterinarians in the solution,' Hamilton says. Out of that realization came a platform that is working to provide on-demand virtual veterinary consultations, AI-supported treatment recommendations and direct-to-consumer delivery of both prescription and over-the-counter pet medications. And it's not stopping there. Unlike many pet health startups that lean on automation to reduce human involvement, VETR is investing in the professional infrastructure of the industry. Its affiliate program allows clinics, independent veterinarians, breeders and shelters to integrate VETR services and products into their workflow, earning a percentage of each sale they help drive. For veterinarians who opt into teleconsultation services on the platform, the system includes AI-generated treatment recommendations – powered by case analysis and pattern recognition – to streamline diagnostics and provide backup support during busy hours or emergency calls. All final treatment decisions remain in the hands of the licensed veterinarian, ensuring clinical oversight is never compromised. This approach doesn't just create convenience; it generates new, passive income for an industry often strained by thin margins and burnout. One of VETR's core differentiators lies in its supply chain. The company is the largest registered U.S. manufacturer of toltrazuril, a medication widely used to treat coccidiosis, a highly contagious parasitic infection common in puppies and kittens. For years, access to toltrazuril has been inconsistent in the U.S., forcing veterinarians to source internationally or face frequent backorders. Today, offers two-day shipping of ToltraMax, its high-quality, in-house formulation of toltrazuril, ensuring fast, reliable access for breeders, shelters and veterinary clinics nationwide. By controlling its own production pipeline, VETR ensures that essential medications are available on demand, with two-day and in some cases same-day shipping to consumers and clinics across the country. This logistics advantage is particularly impactful for rural and underserved communities, where veterinary infrastructure is limited. 'One of the most overlooked aspects of pet health is logistics,' Hamilton says. 'It doesn't matter how skilled a vet is if the medication they need is out of stock or a week away. That's a systemic failure we aim to solve.' VETR's expansion into tech-enabled commerce includes a WooCommerce plugin, allowing veterinary clinics, breeders and rescue organizations to integrate VETR's catalog directly into their websites. The company plans to roll out a Shopify-compatible version later this year, further expanding access to thousands of small and medium-sized animal care providers who want to offer vetted medications directly to their communities. This is more than convenience. It's infrastructure. It allows trusted animal professionals to retain the relationship with their clients, support medication adherence and monetize the care journey without being cut out by online pharmacies. What sets VETR apart isn't just its technology stack or even its pharmaceutical capabilities – it's its philosophical approach. In an industry that's often been pushed toward commoditization, VETR is staking its claim on partnership. By ensuring that veterinarians benefit financially from the digital shift, it's addressing one of the most pressing concerns in modern veterinary care: sustainability. With pet ownership at an all-time high and the demand for veterinary services skyrocketing, solutions like VETR's represent a necessary evolution – one that expands access without eroding trust. Veterinarians and pet health professionals interested in joining the affiliate or kickback program can visit to learn more. In a world of venture-backed health startups and app-based quick fixes, is building something different – something lasting. A platform that doesn't just serve animals but strengthens the ecosystem designed to protect them. And in doing so, it may just be giving veterinary medicine the upgrade it deserves.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Pale Horse Capital Backs Launch of TheCloserAI.com, a Disruptive New AI Sales Enablement Platform Now Live on Shopify
GRANTS PASS, OR / / June 11, 2025 / Pale Horse Capital, a private investment firm with a growing portfolio in AI, defense, biotech, and frontier technologies, has funded the development of an advanced AI-powered sales enablement platform now live on Shopify, with WordPress integration launching next week. Positioned as a direct competitor to - which raised $8.2 million in September is already gaining traction with a strong wave of early downloads and adoption. Offering enterprise-grade sales tools at nearly half the cost of leading competitors, the platform is designed to empower teams to close deals faster, smarter, and more consistently. Core capabilities include: CRM Integration with tools like Salesforce, HubSpot, and Pipedrive for seamless pipeline tracking Custom Persona Training to align AI output with company tone, brand values, and product messaging Live AI Sales Coaching to guide reps in real time with prompts, responses, and dynamic support Conversation Intelligence that transcribes and analyzes sales calls for actionable insight and team improvement Already live and available to Shopify users, TheCloserAI will expand to WordPress users next week, making it one of the most accessible sales AI platforms for online businesses and entrepreneurs. The platform is designed to plug directly into existing workflows, giving users a fast and intuitive way to supercharge their sales processes without the learning curve of traditional enterprise tools. Pale Horse Capital's similar ventures in the AI sales enablement space have raised between $5 million and $10 million. While a firm representative declined to comment on the exact size of the investment, the backing by Pale Horse - renowned for its investments in AI, biotech, defense, and emerging infrastructure - signals strong confidence in the platform's ability to disrupt the digital sales landscape. Pale Horse Capital is led by entrepreneur and investor Andrew Hamilton, who is also the founder of and creator of several innovative platforms in the AI and health-tech space. Hamilton has a long-standing reputation for building high-impact companies from the ground up and backing technologies that redefine how industries operate. Under his leadership, Pale Horse Capital continues to identify and accelerate startups positioned to make transformative change in both commercial and consumer-facing sectors. By delivering high-performance tools at a significantly lower price point, TheCloserAI is democratizing access to sales intelligence - empowering startups and scale-ups to compete on the same level as enterprise players. For access or more information, visit About Pale Horse CapitalPale Horse Capital is a strategic investment firm focused on transformative technologies across AI, defense, biotech, and infrastructure. Founded and led by Andrew Hamilton, Pale Horse Capital partners with visionary founders to accelerate market impact and long-term growth through bold, tech-forward ventures. Media Contact: info@ Goldstein SOURCE: Pale Horse Capital View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Sign in to access your portfolio
Entrepreneur
30-05-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
How This Entrepreneur Is Disrupting Pet Health
When Andrew Hamilton set out to launch his vision went far beyond building a convenient online pharmacy. For Hamilton, a seasoned entrepreneur with a passion for improving access to veterinary care, it was personal. Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. You're reading Entrepreneur Asia Pacific, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. When Andrew Hamilton set out to launch his vision went far beyond building a convenient online pharmacy. For Hamilton, a seasoned entrepreneur with a passion for improving access to veterinary care, it was personal. His own experiences navigating the complexities of pet health inspired him to create not just a platform — but also a solution. The first solution came in the form of ToltraMax, an oral toltrazuril-based treatment developed by Hamilton and his team to address one of the most persistent yet overlooked challenges in animal health: coccidiosis. Coccidiosis, caused by microscopic parasites called Eimeria, is a common intestinal issue that affects pets, livestock, and companion animals alike. For breeders, veterinarians, and everyday pet owners, managing outbreaks of this parasite can be costly, time-consuming, and stressful. Hamilton saw a clear need for a more practical, widely applicable treatment option — one that was effective, accessible, and simple to administer. That's how ToltraMax was born. Innovating Where It Matters Most Unlike many entrepreneurs who focus solely on platform technology, Hamilton dove into product development. Together with his team, he formulated ToltraMax as a high-concentration (10%) toltrazuril oral solution designed for companion animal use — including dogs, cats, horses and other non foodchain animals. The goal wasn't to compete with pharmaceutical giants on brand recognition. It was to create a tool that addressed real problems in the field, offering animal caretakers a reliable option to support intestinal health related to coccidia. ToltraMax is currently available through and where it has found a strong foothold among pet and equine caretakers. However, its broader applications make it a natural fit for the direct-to-consumer model that Hamilton envisions for plugins and affilate programs. Building the Infrastructure for Accessible Care set to launch later this year, represents Hamilton's larger vision: an integrated platform where pet owners can access trusted medications, telehealth support, and educational resources in one place. "We created ToltraMax because there was a treatment gap in the market," Hamilton explains. "But creating the product is only half the battle. The real challenge is making sure people can actually get it when they need it quickly." That challenge is exactly what is working to address. With additional generic drug applications currently pending, is preparing to expand its offerings and close more of these critical gaps in animal healthcare. Earlier this year, Hamilton secured $21 million in funding from Palehorse Capital to support development and expansion. The investment reflects growing recognition of the need for affordable, accessible veterinary solutions — especially as pet ownership rises and traditional access points remain limited. More Than a Product: A Founder's Mission While ToltraMax serves as flagship offering, Hamilton sees it as the first step in a much larger journey. By controlling both the product development and distribution channels, he aims to eliminate common barriers pet owners face, from high medication costs to lack of availability. won't replace vet visits — a point Hamilton emphasizes often. Instead, it will work hand in hand with licensed veterinarians to provide a trusted pathway for pet owners to access products like ToltraMax, while encouraging responsible use through teleconsultations and professional guidance. "Our focus is on supporting pet owners and veterinarians with better tools," Hamilton says. "ToltraMax reflects that philosophy — it's practical, effective, and designed with real-world challenges in mind." What's Next As the platform prepares for launch, Hamilton remains focused on scaling responsibly, ensuring that both the product and the platform maintain the high standards he set out to establish. Hamilton's approach offers a compelling case study in vertical integration: identify a problem, create a solution, and build the infrastructure to deliver it. In a crowded digital health market, his model of product-plus-platform stands out. For pet owners and veterinary professionals, it's a welcome sign of things to come.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Palehorse Capital Acquires HorsePreRace.com to Expand Vetr.com's Veterinary Retail Network
GRANTS PASS, OR / / May 28, 2025 / Palehorse Capital has acquired a long-standing online retailer specializing in equine health products, as part of its continued investment in digital veterinary commerce. The acquisition will integrate into the growing platform, a centralized network for animal health resources, education, and retail. has built a trusted reputation in the equine industry by offering a curated selection of performance and wellness products for horses. Now operating under the umbrella, the site will maintain its current offerings while benefiting from expanded infrastructure, operational support, and increased access to additional veterinary tools and information. This acquisition coincides with the strategic consolidation of a highly targeted portfolio of veterinary and pharmaceutical-related domain names into the platform. These domains-such as and commonly searched diseases and treatments in animal health. These assets are expected to drive high-volume search traffic and provide users with accessible, accurate veterinary information. The domain portfolio, assembled over several years by Andrew Hamilton, includes names secured through private auctions and direct negotiations. The estimated market value of the full portfolio exceeds $10 million, representing a significant investment in online veterinary infrastructure. With the addition of and the integration of these search-optimized domains, is positioned to further streamline the user experience for animal owners, veterinary professionals, and livestock managers seeking trusted information and regulated product access online. approach to animal health retail emphasizes transparency, compliance, and ease of access. By bringing condition-specific resources and e-commerce functionality into a single, unified platform, continues to expand its role as a comprehensive solution for animal health care across species. About is a telehealth platform transforming pet healthcare by making veterinary services more affordable, accessible and efficient. Through its easy-to-use app, pet owners can schedule appointments, consult remotely with licensed veterinarians and access low-cost, over-the-counter animal prescriptions. Founded by Andrew Hamilton, Vetr is dedicated to delivering high-quality, cost-effective care for pets nationwide. With a focus on generic medications and virtual care, Vetr is redefining how modern pet owners manage their animals' health. Learn more at Media Contact: Media Relationssales@ SOURCE: Vetr View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Sign in to access your portfolio
