Interplay

Interplay is a Kansas City, Missouri-based pet technology startup that develops the PlayTach, a connected hardware device designed to attach to standard dog crates and transform them into smart, remotely controllable pet care stations. The PlayTach integrates a camera, two-way audio and video, an automated food and water dispenser, remote crate unlock capability, and music playback — all controlled through a companion mobile app. The product targets dog owners with busy schedules who experience separation anxiety when away from their pets during work hours, travel, or errands. By turning an existing crate into a connected device rather than requiring purchase of a new smart crate, Interplay's approach is designed to be compatible with crates owners already own. The company appeared in startup accelerator programs including Techstars, which invested $120,000 in September 2024, and received additional investment through the Missouri Technology Corporation's TechLaunch program as part of its October 2024 investment cycle. Interplay's model focuses on the intersection of IoT hardware and subscription app services for the pet care market.