ENSO is developing a new generation of cleaner, sustainable tyres and plans to disrupt the £200 billion global tyre market. It argues that conventional tyres are largely made of fossil fuels and contribute up to 28%+ of all primary ocean microplastics upon wearing down. It further points out that the increased weight and torque of electric vehicles wears tyres even faster, emitting more pollution. ENSO is addressing this crisis by developing sustainable tyres for EVs, to help reduce carbon emissions in line with the UK Government’s 'Net-Zero Strategy'. Its business is built on a direct-to-customer ‘Pay-per-Mile’ model serving EV-carmakers, fleets and private individuals directly. It claims that its latest energy-efficient tyres have achieved ‘A’ energy efficiency ratings by TÜV SÜD in Germany. The company will use the investment to deliver its first commercial tyres to EV-carmakers in 2021, and launch trials via London FreightLab, with Transport for London and DPD, with plans to expand to California by 2022.
days to go:
Expired
investment:
£1,873,760
The Funky Appliance Company is the manufacturer of electronic appliances like irons, toasters and kettles. They give popular small domestic appliances a funky twist by designing them in a new stylish and smarter way. The company is working on a new product which will launch in the UK in 2020, and will be sold on its website and dedicated Amazon and eBay stores. They have also finalised arrangements with at least two large UK retailers which will see the new product range go into over 100 stores and online. Funky Iron has got the Good Housekeeping Institute Approval in 2019. The company will use the funds for the tooling and moulds of new products including their certification. The balance of capital will be used as working capital.
days to go:
Expired
investment:
£171,359
NGX is the world’s first genetically personalised nutrition shake designed to bring nutrition to everyday athletes. The company has ongoing discussions to form partners with U.A.E and U.S to expand. NGX's nutritionist approved formula is a less than average vegan-friendly, environmentally responsible, allergen-free, naturally sourced, and macro trends within the millennial and Z generations. With the proceeds, the company aims to create a range of products from personalised meal plans, and protein bars to enhance its position as the go-to personalised nutrition brand.
days to go:
Expired
investment:
£207,860
Tech Will Save Us is a company that specialises in making STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) kits for children in the 4-6, 7-10 and 11+ age categories. The company has created a home learning system that enables kids to learn about the world through technology and play. There are three core components to its home learning system: A Digital platform, Physical Experiences and Subscriptions through which the company has helped over 1 million kids build & create. For its ingenuity, the company received the 2019 Good Housekeeping Best Toy Award for Electro Guitar and the Design of the Year Nomination by the London Design Museum. It also collaborated with the BBC to develop The BBC micro: bit., a pocket-sized computer designed for kids to invent with which, in turn, was given to one million kids and is now used in over 40 countries. Its first coding product, Gamer Kit was launched at WIRED's 1st Next Gen conference amidst positive feedback. The company will use 15% of the proceeds in Technology and Research & Development, 25% for marketing, and 60% for working capital and team building.
days to go:
Expired
investment:
£843,940
The Cotswold Distilling Company Limited (trading as The Cotswolds Distillery) was founded in 2013 and is, in its director’s opinion, well on the way to becoming a leading producer of world class ultra-premium whisky, gin and other branded spirits, as well as a premier tourist/visitor experience in the Cotswolds. www.cotswoldsdistillery.com
days to go:
Expired
investment:
£1,001,000
Peckwater Brands (PB) is a company engaged in the growing cloud kitchen/delivery business that runs virtual restaurant brands from the kitchens of existing restaurants. It argues that restaurants need to pay high street rents and staff wages no matter how many diners visit. Nearly 5,000 restaurants have closed in the UK since 2015 due to not being able to fulfil these tasks. PB aims to change this scenario. It helps restaurant partners use their existing staff and kitchen capacity better, and help keep struggling businesses running. The company received more than 10,000 customer orders through Deliveroo and Uber Eats. It witnessed more than £250,000 in customer sales since June 2020 and is spread across London, Manchester, Leeds, and Coventry. PB has launched four brands with four more in the pipeline. It will use the investment to get more partners, launch more brands, and acquire more customers.
days to go:
Expired
investment:
£232,208
Premium popsicles partnered with Pimm's producers and available as alcohol and alcohol-free. POPS has pioneered a contemporary and innovative concept within the ice cream industry. Since inception, their business and product range has grown and now consist of popsicles made from real fruit, all natural ingredients and are less than 60 calories. One of their most notable products is the champagne ice popsicle, a world first.
POPS have generated sales of more than £590k in the first half of 2018, which is equivalent to their total sales in 2017. Their products are available at major retailers, including Ocado and Tesco. As well as regional locations, such as Spar, Musgraves, Whole Foods and 500 other independent stockists. The range is also sold at festivals, sporting events, cinemas, theatres and leisure groups.
Funds are being raised to launch new product ranges in 2019 that are aimed at a wider target audience and suitable in most situations. POPS aims to ensure their products meet consumer trends in regards to health and portion sizes.
days to go:
Expired
investment:
£479,550
Two Drifters Distillery (TDD) is one of the very few British distilleries that makes rum from raw ingredients, rather than importing and flavouring it. It has worked with Climeworks Direct Air Capture technology to remove CO2 from its products. The company's technique won admirers leading to a boost in sales. Since its launch in 2019, TDD converted existing equipment to increase capacity from 80 bottles per week to an estimated 1800 per week. It has also secured contracts from prominent entities including John Lewis (national and online), Exeter Chiefs Rum and Virgin Wines. The company has an active social media community with 10,000+ followers and also conducts weekly distillery tours that see full attendance from its customers. TDD has also received press coverage from media houses including The BBC, The Telegraph and The Independent. It will use the investment to grow its sales and showcase its product at retail outlets, and bring to the masses sustainably-made British products.
days to go:
Expired
investment:
£286,340
Bedlam is an award-winning eco-focused craft brewery which brews beer at the foot of the South Downs National Park. It has been in Sussex since 2015. The company has won four Gold medals at the 2018 SIBA Beer Awards. Moreover, it has experienced significant social media engagement (over 7,000 followers) and sales of over 500,000 pints. Bedlam has witnessed 180% revenue growth since 2016, 58% annual revenue growth and sales of over £526k in the last period.
days to go:
Expired
investment:
£624,950
Established by a team from a Michelin star restaurant, The Gaff is a small plate restaurant offering food in contemporary, comfortable, and relaxed surroundings. The first restaurant was opened in May 2019 and aspires for a Michelin Accreditation. The concept of small plate menus was the fourth biggest restaurant concept trend of 2019 which Gaff wants to capture. Gaff has been reviewed in The Good Food Guide 2020 and mentions by prominent food bloggers such as Kavita Favelle. They have also received good customer ratings with over 87% 5-star rating on Res Diary and a 75% rating on TripAdvisor. The funds raised will be utilised to open a second restaurant in Bath and three more around the UK.
days to go:
Expired
investment:
£71,950
