PLAYin CHOC is an innovative, premium and award-winning manufacturer of vegan organic eco-friendly toys and chocolates. Its products are allergen-free, plastic-free, 100% organic and inspire creative play. Since its launch, PLAYin CHOC has sold approximately 50,000+ units in 21 countries. Additionally, potential stockists for its products are estimated at 100,000 in the UK and 1 million globally. Now, PLAYin CHOC is planning to take its product to the market via high-end food supermarkets; independent food, confectionary and gift shops; travel retail market; direct to the consumer via subscription; and international distributors. Funds raised will be used to increase growth by securing larger and permanent premises and intensify targeted marketing at trade & consumer shows and online.
days to go:
Expired
investment:
£278,450
Cuckoo is an internet broadband provider. The company claims that incumbent internet providers treat customers with poor customer service, high prices, and complicated contracts. Cuckoo aims to change this by providing users with fair and transparent prices, simple contracts, high-quality routers, and responsive customer service. The company is currently developing its website and billing engine ahead of launching with its first customers in the second quarter of 2020. Cuckoo's business is in the pre-revenue stage. It expects to start generating revenue in May/June 2020 when they launch their broadband service. Cuckoo will use 50% of the investment towards paying salaries to staff, 25% as technology development fees, 10% as professional fees, 5% as rent, and 10% as AOB. Cuckoo's exit strategy is via a trade sale or listing in the United Kingdom.
days to go:
Expired
investment:
£69,622
UnderPinned gives freelancers a single, dedicated platform to learn how to build a successful business, find clients, manage their work, and help them get paid on time. The company aspires to build a connection with users that ensures everyone thrives through its accelerator programme, community, and content. UnderPinned asserts that its accelerator programme allows it to achieve day one unit profitability before converting users to subscribers. It claims to have made £12,772 in revenue with £8,000 spent on marketing in its first month of programme sales in January 2021. The company argues that COVID-19 has accelerated freelancing, moving away from traditional employment. UnderPinned has a community of over 20,000 subscribers and growing. It says itvwill use the investment to scale its team, marketing and product development as it focuses on expanding in the US and EU markets.
days to go:
Expired
investment:
£629,086
Glug provides a platform for businesses to let customers order from a digital menu and have them served to the table or pick up from the bar. It points out that its system is designed to be user friendly and easy to set up wherein restaurants or bars can upload and digitalise their menu and can be discoverable within 24 hours. Consumers can discover the restaurant, book a table, place an order, and browse for offers and discounts, amongst other features using the company's community app. Glug asserts that more than 16,000 users have ordered food and drinks through its app in less than four months since the company's launch. It intends to become a contender in the UK dining and pub market that is a £40 billion+ industry. Glug argues that more than 20,000 users have downloaded its app from the App Store and Google Playstore. It will use the investment for marketing, hiring, technology development, attract 1.5 million users and onboard 1,000+ venues over the next 12 months.
days to go:
Expired
investment:
£73,114
Symmetrical Power has developed an innovative solution that addresses the issue of energy wastage. After identifying the inefficiency of the 3 Phase Electrical Distribution Boards, Symmetrical Power is creating the ‘Intelligent Distribution Board’ (ID Board). It aims to prevent the challenge of peak demand whilst saving on energy bills. The working model of the product also received positive feedback from electrical specialists. Additionally, Symmetrical Power was also a Shell Springboard regional finalist (2018) for its new low-carbon ideas. With the proceeds, the company will complete design & begin distribution in Europe and to position itself as the go-to Distribution Board provider.
days to go:
Expired
investment:
£233,600
Ernest is a personal banker powered by Artificial Intelligence. The chatbot connects to bank accounts and then answers questions and gives insights on personal finances. After their first funding round they raised £165,000 in an angel round with a raw prototype and now, less than 12 months later they have a live product in private beta with 2000+ users in the waiting list.
days to go:
Expired
investment:
£131,360
An interactive podcast app that offers users the ability to engage in their favourite shows through exclusive content. Entale podcasts are divided into chapters that contain relevant information and web links for a more immersive experience.
On the Entale platform, more than 1.6m podcasts have been downloaded and played by over 30,000 active users. In the last 3 months, the iPhone app has been downloaded more than 20,000 times. Revenue will be generated via a subscription service that will remove adverts on podcasts. In addition, Premium shows will be offered which will be available for a small payment. Funds will be used to develop the Android app and integrate further with OK Google, Siri and Alexa.
days to go:
Expired
investment:
£300,997
JiveBird allows users to create and send a greetings package that consists of a personal voice message, music, eCard, a photo or selfie, and a gift to their loved ones or acquaintances. The company asserts that its package can be sent at the last minute or in advance. Jivebird claims that for the millions of people who send greetings and gifts every year, its portal provides a personal, cheaper, and convenient way to send greetings. Jivebird argues that it has no direct competitors. Its exit strategy is to sell the company when it achieves the growth metrics in the business plan, projected to be within five years of consumer launch.
days to go:
Expired
investment:
Withheld
Perkier is the UK’s fastest growing healthy snack bar brand. It asserts that its bars are 100% plant based, contain 60% less sugar, and are free from gluten and palm oil. Perkier aspires to dominate the global snack bar market that is worth $22 billion. The company claims that its products are distributed in every Sainsbury’s supermarket, in over 450 Morrisons stores and over 400 ASDA stores. It further points out that it is listed in major foodservice companies including Compass, Brakes and Bidfood. The company has over 55,000 followers across social media, and a brand ambassador program including team GB Olympians reaching 1.6 million people. Perkier states it will use the investment to expand its team, increase digital marketing, and invest in innovation.
days to go:
Expired
investment:
£811,695
Lemonade Dolls (LD) is the UK's first subscription underwear brand that aims to make hassle-free and comfortable underwear for young women. The company's revenue has grown 550% since January 2020. The Lemonade Dolls brand is sold in Topshop, New Look, and ASOS Marketplace. LD has 2,600 subscribers, 15,000 Dolls on its database, and over 70,000 followers across LD and Lemon's on Instagram. It also aims to bring audiences different brands like Candy Kittens, Frank Body, Dr Paw Paw, Mooncup, and Oh K!. The company has been praised by fashion magazine Grazia as having 'Broken the mould'. The company will use the investment to develop the technology behind its subscription platform, grow its product offering, strengthen its virtual presence, and drive brand awareness.
days to go:
Expired
investment:
£258,328
