Founder Spotlight: Kat Lee, '27 and Katamaran Reptile Ranch
For Kat Lee ’27, founder of Katamaran Reptile Ranch, what began as a personal love for reptiles has evolved into an ethical breeding business with a global mission. Through her venture, Kat is not only sharing her passion for these often-misunderstood animals but also contributing to conservation efforts by reducing poaching and supporting sustainable reptile care.
What inspired you to start your venture, and what problem are you solving?
I started this venture because I found a personal passion for reptiles, and I believe that they truly do make the ideal pet for almost any household. Now, I do it to save their wild counterparts and to decrease poaching while spreading the love for these beautiful creatures.
How did Wolf Pack LaunchU shape your journey as a founder?
I wouldn’t be who I am today without the experience of LaunchU. Through the support, mentorship, and education I got through LaunchU, I went from knowing almost nothing about how to properly run a business to becoming confident in myself as a small business owner and pitch presenter. In just two years, LaunchU transformed my side hustle into a real business with financial records, an inventory system, and now (yay!) even investors.
What was the biggest challenge you faced during the program, and how did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge I faced during LaunchU was myself. The program forced me to rethink my business in ways that I probably never would have done on my own, and now my business is stronger because of it. LaunchU forced me to reflect on myself and my business in ways that were uncomfortable at the time, but it allowed me to see weaknesses that could then be resolved.
Now that you’ve secured funding, what’s next?
Now that I’ve received funding, the fun part starts! I have already purchased a brand new breeding pair of Uroplatus sikorae and an enclosure for them, and I am in the process of sourcing a male Uroplatus samieti. I have already sent out emails to manufacturers for invoices on enclosure units to expand my breeding groups of crested, chahoua, leachianus, gargoyle, and Eurydactylodes viellardi; I am also considering adding other Eurydactylodes species such as occidentalis, agricolae, and symmetricus. Now that I have 2 breeding species of leaftail gecko (Uroplatus) I will consider expanding into other species as well so when I start exporting internationally next year (paperwork being submitted this weekend!) I will have lots to offer. I have also contacted Parc Zoologique in New Caledonia to discuss partnerships and philanthropic opportunities with them, as I mentioned in my pitch. Big things are happening on the ranch!
What’s one piece of advice you would give to an aspiring LOYNO entrepreneur?
If you have a side hustle, an idea for one, or even just a dream, sign up for LaunchU. Very few things in life are free and if you think you want to start a business, LaunchU will change your life for the low cost of your time and energy. Take advantage of this incredible opportunity — you absolutely will not regret it.
Mentor: Mickal Adler, Adler's Jewelry