Student and Graduate founders pitched their innovative business ideas to panel of external judges, demonstrating a new wave of successful start-up.
Judge, Paul Stead, Loughborough alumus said: “I very much enjoyed the experience and meeting your resident entrepreneurs.”
Joe Fuggle, theAthletePlace added: “The Start-Up Fund has been a complete game changer for us and has opened doors we never thought possible. We can’t wait to see what’s to come!”
The Start-up Fund has awarded grants to the following businesses:
Fitness by Science: Founded by Jack Vernon - Sport Management Graduate
A business that aims to support individuals to become personal trainers and to grow successful businesses within the fitness industry.
Ovrbloom: Founded by Jessica Strain - Textiles: Innovation and Design Graduate
A service that allows businesses to track the social and environmental impact of their supply chain through an app plug-in.
Ivory Tree: Founded by Flany Amoussa Koulibaly - International Business Graduate
A food business which provides organic products inspired by traditional African recipes, such as hibiscus ice tea and hibiscus tea bags.
INCLUS: Founded by Robert Mckinna - Industrial Design and Technology Student
An inclusive design consultancy that promotes the use of inclusive design to change businesses and people's lives for the better.
Anthony Tanton Photography: Founded by Anthony Tanton - Marketing and Management Student
A business which provides wedding and portrait photography as well as corporate and commercial photography.
Moti Me: Founded by Katie Michaels - Industrial Design and Technology Graduate
A service designed to help with physiotherapy at home for children with disabilities.
TheAthletePlace: Founded by Joe Fuggle - Applied Sports Science Graduate
A platform that provides guidance and support to athletics athletes and their parents.
Tanzii TV: Founded by Dario and Ottavio Tanzillo - Sociology Graduates
A business that aims to boost children's activity levels by making exercise and movement fun.
Blade Rower: Founded by Lewis Naughton - Architectural Engineering and Design Management Graduate
A rowing machine that can be stored vertically against the wall.
Gumbo: Founded by Jacob Strauss - Doctor of Philosophy PhD
A search engine that finds recipes based on the ingredients users have in their fridge and pantry.
Jacob Strauss commented: “The Start-Up Fund has had a significant impact on my business, accelerating our growth and opening up new development opportunities. The application process itself was a valuable experience that helped shape our direction and strategy, and receiving this funding has been a crucial step in taking our business to the next level.”
The diverse range of businesses that received grants from the fund highlights the creativity and innovation that exists within the start-up community here at Loughborough University.
The Start-Up Fund will enable these businesses to take their ideas to the next level, providing support and resources to help them achieve their goals.
The Loughborough Enterprise Network team have recently engaged with 53 entrepreneurial students and graduates who are currently undertaking stage 2 of the Start-Up Fund application. The next cohort of successful founders will pitch live again in April.
The Start-Up Fund expression of interest will open again next academic year. Find out more information.