Trunki designer aided by SWIG Finance for new children's sleep venture
The man who introduced the world to the Trunki - the ride on suitcase for kids - has received a £25,000 Start Up loan from SWIG Finance for his latest venture.
Bristol entrepreneur Rob Law MBE has developed the Zeepy Sleep Training Clock, which is aimed at improving sleep patterns for young children.
READ MORE: Dragons' Den "reject" Trunki sold to e-commerce brand builder Heroes
It uses melatonin-friendly lighting to help foster a more restful sleep for children aged between two and six.
Law said “Securing the Start Up Loan was a pivotal moment for my new business Zeepy.
"As sales surged faster than we anticipated, we faced a critical cash flow gap that could have hindered our growth.
"SWIG Finance provided the ideal solution. The application process was swift and straightforward - I simply integrated my business plan into their template, and within weeks, the funds were in my account. This loan has allowed us to meet customer demand and continue our upward trajectory."
Inconsistent sleep patterns for children are proven to have a negative effect on children and the venture aims to foster healthier sleep patterns and better sleep hygiene routines.
To complement the clock, Law has developed a library of expert-backed content, such as meditative podcasts.
"We’re pleased our Start Up Loans programme was able to support Rob to scale his business at such a pivotal time," said Richard Bearman, managing director of small business lending at British Business Bank.
"The Zeepy Sleep Training Clock can help address a need for healthier sleep patterns in children and we’re excited to see how Zeepy continues to grow and make a positive impact on families."
Law designed the now globally-recognised Trunki, which was famously featured on the television programme Dragon's Den, back in 2006.
At the time, dragon Theo Paphitis broke the strap of a sample Trunki, while fellow dragon Richard Farleigh offered £100,000 for 50% of the company - an offer, which Law rejected
Roll on to 2016 and Trunki was celebrating its 10th anniversary. Magmatic, the firm formed to manufacture it, has sold more than 3 million Trunki suitcases, in over 100 countries.
