British Design Fund works with ambitious British product start-ups who are ready to scale-up and build thriving stand-out businesses.
British Design Fund has backed the space services startup to support its affordable microgravity testing solutions.
"There are currently very few ways to conduct research when you’re developing a product for use in space. Of those that do exist, the cost is prohibitively high and waiting lists can be years long and access to SME’s is almost non-existent. We knew there had to be a solution, which is where the idea for Gravitilab was born."
The pre-seed round was led by British Design Fund with backing from Bethnal Green Ventures and angel investors.
"While working in central London, I discovered my employer had a two-year waiting list for bike parking spaces, which I thought was crazy."
British Design Fund backs Cornwall-based start-up creating breathable and decorative breast prostheses.
"Following surgery for breast cancer, my mum was given a breast prosthesis to wear. It was hot, it made her sweaty and was uncomfortable against her scar. It was also heavy and pulled her clothing down when she moved. So in the end she refused to wear it. But there were times when she felt it would be nice to have some shape under her clothes and we really struggled to find any alternatives."
The maiden investment round was backed by the British Design Fund and angel investors including Tom Blomfield.
"This funding is not only a huge vote of confidence in PEEQUAL but also a big moment for pee equality the world over. We want PEEQUAL to empower women to take back their time and break the taboo around female urination. We are building a team to bring our urinals to festivals, sporting events, outdoor shows and more. We’re really proud to be changing the way women pee, and doing it in a safe way which reduces time spent in queues."
The Buckinghamshire start-up secured the backing to bring its flexible protection technology to market following rigorous safety testing.
"I had always found body protectors to be very uncomfortable, but my accident really hit home to me the importance of wearing one. When I started asking fellow riders about their experiences, I quickly found that most riders don’t wear one because they find them incredibly stiff and restrictive. That was a lightbulb moment for me."
