Dog Treat Entrepreneur Says If Darden Were a Breed, It’d Be a Golden Retriever. And She’s Got the Receipts to Prove It.

Meet Kai Lu (MBA ’05), the founder and CEO of Munchbird, an all-natural dog treat company making waves in the pet care industry. Her journey from the University of Virginia Darden School of Business to become an entrepreneur is a testament to her dedication, inspiration, and love for her furry companions and the Darden community.

Lu has had a diverse career path. She began her professional journey at McKinsey & Company before attending Darden. Post-Darden, she held a significant role at Sears Holdings. She later joined Inhabitr Furniture Rental, where she helped grow the company from a small team to a thriving business with $27 million in Series B funding this year. Last year, she completed funding to launch her own venture, Munchbird. Still, the idea came from the pair of puppies she and her husband, fellow Darden alum Tze-Liang Chiam (MBA ’04), adopted during the pandemic.

What inspired you to create Munchbird?

During COVID, we lost our two senior dogs and adopted two new puppies. Growing up with little social interaction, they developed anxiety. One became an aggressive chewer, gnawing on everything from iPhone chargers to laptop cables, while the other had terrible teeth with severe tartar buildup. We tried various chews, but many were not effective or appealing to the dogs. Frustrated and determined, I decided to create Munchbird.

Our mission is to offer the best treats that are both delicious and nutritious. We focus on products like rabbit ears, which are a single-ingredient treat made from byproducts that would otherwise go to waste. These treats are not only nutritious but also environmentally friendly. We avoid fillers, additives and preservatives, ensuring that our treats are pure and healthy for pets.

How did your education at Darden influence your entrepreneurial journey?

Darden’s education, with its focus on general management, taught me various aspects of running a business, including accounting, financial planning, supply chain management and operations. One of the most impactful classes I took was with Professor Saras Sarasvathy, a genius in entrepreneurship and effectuation. Her class included hands-on projects where we engaged with local companies to improve their operational efficiencies. This practical experience, combined with Darden’s rigorous curriculum, equipped me with the skills and confidence to pursue entrepreneurship.

Do you have any memorable moments from your time at Darden?

The cold calls at Darden were a distinct experience for me. Coming from an educational background where students don’t typically engage in public speaking, it was quite challenging. However, it was also great training. The learning teams were another highlight, providing a support system and fostering strong bonds. I always tell prospective students that Darden is like a boot camp — intense but incredibly rewarding.

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?

Don’t be afraid to try and do it. I wish I had started my entrepreneurial journey right after graduating, but it’s never too late. The skills and experiences you gain at Darden will always be valuable, and they prepare you well for the challenges of starting your own business.

If Darden were a dog, what breed would it be?

I think Darden would be a Golden Retriever. Golden Retrievers embody many of the qualities that make Darden special. They are intelligent, much like Darden alumni, who are known for their sharp minds and ability to think critically. They are hardworking, reflecting the strong work ethic instilled in Darden students. Golden Retrievers are fearless, which mirrors the courage Darden graduates have to take risks and pursue new ventures. They are rarely aggressive, approaching challenges and competition with a collaborative spirit. They get along well with other animals, akin to Darden alumni building strong, supportive networks. Lastly, they are fun-loving, just as Darden fosters a vibrant community where students can enjoy their journey.

Can you tell us more about your involvement with the Hickory Club and why consistent giving is important to you?

Both my husband and I, as international students, feel that Darden gave us the opportunity to establish ourselves in the U.S. We want to give back so that more students can have similar opportunities. Consistent giving helps Darden provide more resources, improve facilities and offer scholarships, including for international students. This way, future generations can benefit from the exceptional education and experiences Darden offers.