Carocell Bio is innovating by developing patented anti-inflammatory peptides delivered via nanoparticles to address severe inflammatory conditions such as atopic dermatitis. Their primary peptide, JEL0305, not only halts inflammation but also prevents its initiation, as evidenced by its effectiveness in reducing inflammation in human AD biopsies and burn tissue. With AD impacting a substantial population and costing $21 billion yearly for unsafe treatments, Carocell Bio's safer peptide remedy has the potential to avert AD recurrence. Additionally, their pioneering approach to skin-related inflammation involves topical peptide products that target mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), a crucial element in inflammation. This breakthrough offers promise for managing and forestalling AD and mitigating skin aging.
days to go:
Extended
investment:
Withheld
PULMOBIOMED is addressing the failings of current lung tests, which are expensive, infrequent, and invasive. Their so-called "clinically proven" solution claims to offer non-invasive liquid samples from deep within the lung, promising affordable tests for lung diseases. They assert that their product can empower clinicians to diagnose and treat conditions like lung cancer and infections, even though there's limited evidence to support these claims. With a few customers in the USA and Australia, and vague partnerships in the EU, PULMOBIOMED hopes to disrupt the asthma diagnostics market by introducing what they call a comprehensive diagnostic test for asthma, despite the skepticism around their capabilities.
days to go:
Extended
investment:
£295,000
Optimise BP, the debut product by Optimise Health, introduces an innovative digital solution that offers secure and efficient semi-automated blood pressure management within primary care, focusing on hypertension. This advancement is projected to lead to substantial appointment savings in the range of millions.
days to go:
TBC
investment:
£127,001
Plerith works with high growth start-ups and scaling companies to plan for and deliver growth. The company asserts that it helps companies promote their business to potential funders, through its network of angel and venture capital investors depending on the stage and sector of the said business. Plerith is partnering with Newable and Bristol Private Equity Club to deliver the fund in the South West London (SWL) area and identify and invest in the most exciting high growth companies in the region. Plerith argues that its deep knowledge of fundraising, sales, strategy, finance and technology would help SWL businesses flourish. Plerith aims to provide investors access to the highest quality local companies in the SWL region.
days to go:
Stretch
investment:
Withheld
Stroli – the shopping trolley reimagined for modern needs. The shopping trolley, often associated with a particular image, is an untapped category ready for innovation. The market is flooded with generic, budget-friendly options that lack charm, with the exception of Rolser, which is pricier and claims the green niche. Stroli steps in as the go-to brand, offering a unique approach, positioning, voice, and eco-friendly credentials. Say goodbye to sore hands and plastic bags – Stroli makes shopping a pleasure with its high-quality, stylish trolley bags designed to enhance your convenience and style
days to go:
Extended
investment:
Withheld
A fashion brand in the contemporary luxury accessories market ethically producing handbags to be sold directly to the consumer through e-commerce. Hill & Friends's handbags are manufactured from high quality materials in Western Europe. All leather used is ethically sourced and is a by-product of the food industry. The company sells its products via their own website, through wholesalers and at retailers such as Selfridges, Barneys, Harvey Nichols and Fenwick.
Hill & Friends are raising funds to invest in three initiatives. Firstly, they are seeking change in their manufacturing process to utilise more scalable and agile methods that will reduce total expenditure and shorten lead times when reordering high-selling products.
Secondly, the company intends to re-platform from Magento to Shopify due to the latter's greater impact on the market. This will result in an improved customer experience and better integrations with affiliate sites.
Finally, with the rapid increase of online shopping, Hill & Friends will use the funds raised to invest further in digital marketing by increasing the number of social ads and working alongside a diverse range of online influencers.
days to go:
Expired
investment:
£773,059
Hungry Tomato is a successful children’s educational publisher that makes fun and illustrated non-fiction children’s books. It has created 170+ successful soft-learning titles, enjoying global interest with 700+ title licenses sold. Hungry Tomato is an established brand, with proven sales in North America. The company's EBITDA is positive for the last 2 yrs with turnover £361,107 EBITDA £98,135 (27%), Dec '18. The funds will be used for growth, for expanding the product range and for launching in the USA.
days to go:
Expired
investment:
£160,830
Gunna Drinks (GD) manufactures and sells craft soft drinks, consisting of natural juices with less than 5% sugar having zero artificial colours or flavours. The company asserts that it has outshone established competitors like Gingerella, Fentimans and FeverTree in taste tests. GD is stocked in major supermarkets and convenience stores across the UK such as Co-ops, Sainsbury’s, Amazon, Ocado, and JD Wetherspoon. The company won the prestigious 'Great Taste Award' in 2020 and witnessed more than doubled revenues in 2018-2020, with a 23% growth in 2020 despite COVID. The company will utilise the investment to boost consumer advertising to accelerate the growth of its online store, focus on trade investment to further increase the rate of sale, and concentrate on New Product Development (NPD).
days to go:
Expired
investment:
£696,261
JOHNNY'S is an ethical, vegan, and sex-positive subscription condom brand. The company aims to deliver its products on a subscription basis, following in the footsteps of Direct-To-Consumer (DTC) health disruptors like Harry's and Dollar Shave Club. It aims to become a contender in the global condom market that is set to be worth $15 Billion by 2026 and enter the lubricant and sex toy market later in 2021. The company has also pledged to give a condom to HIV/STI/NHS clinics for each condom sold. It will use the investment for a PR launch, social media advertising, stock purchase, and attract talent to help the business hit its growth targets.
days to go:
Expired
investment:
£182,281
A hardware designer and manufacturer specialising in innovative tools and equipment for yachts. Ark Marine have developed a solution for modern yachts to lift and launch dinghies with ease from a simple pushbutton operated system. According to the team's research, the product market could be potentially valued at over £600m. The company is a member of British Marine and has submitted patents for approval for developments in the future.
days to go:
Expired
investment:
£108,590
