Entrepreneurial Insights: 20 Minutes with an HBS Founder

Wondering how an MBA can help with your professional growth? Learn from HBS alumna, Katie Spies (MBA 2019), how HBS helps prepare you for a career in entrepreneurship.



Katie Spies is the CEO and founder of Maev, the first human-grade raw dog food brand. An experienced innovator, with two engineering degrees from MIT and an MBA from HBS (MBA 2019, Section G). Recognizing the gap in the $100b+ pet food market, Spies founded Maev in 2018 with the belief that the modern dog owner deserves better, and shouldn't have to trade quality for convenience. After years of R&D, working alongside veterinary nutritionists, Spies officially launched Maev in 2020 as a pet care brand that offers the highest-quality and most-nutrient-dense food and supplements for dogs everywhere. Spies is currently on the Fast Company Impact Council and was awarded the 2024 Inc. Female Founders 250 award. She resides in Austin, TX, and in her free time, Spies enjoys time outside with her three dogs, fishing, and running.