Portsmouth-based startup Tangle chosen by Amazon to join its Sustainability Accelerator programme

Portsmouth-based pet brand Tangle, launched last year, is one of eight startups in the UK to have been chosen by e-commerce giant Amazon for its Sustainability Accelerator programme.

The program last 12 weeks and helps founders of companies navigate the challenges of starting and scaling a business.

Amazon with EIT Climate-KIC run the programme and help the startups through a Climate Impact Forecast and develop strategies to improve their environmental footprint and consumer proposition.

Tangle was founded by Xavier Warburton and Sam Cartwright whose idea is to repurpose end-of-life fishing nets into long-lasting, premium dog products for environment conscious dog owners.
Warburton said: "We’re thrilled to be part of the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator program and to have the opportunity to work with other innovative startups.

"We believe that our approach can make a real difference in protecting our oceans and marine life, and we’re really looking forward to this next chapter and scaling up our impact with the support of Amazon and EIT Climate-KIC."

The pair, both dog lovers, first met in a co-working space in London and discovered a joint passion for sustainability and a desire to make a tangible difference in the world.

The idea for Tangle was born out of their shock at the impact ghost nets had on ocean life combined and realised approaching the problem with the help of man’s best friend was a great way to also raise awareness.

Warburton said: "We’re all aware of the impact of plastic bottles and straws, but in reality, ghost nets make up nearly half of all plastics in our oceans and they’re far more deadly to marine life.

Lost or discarded nets continue to ‘ghost’ around the ocean entangling and killing marine life so unnecessarily.

"By creating our beautifully made dog products from recycled nets, Tangle stops the ghost net problem and in-turn allows animal lovers help save marine life. We're on track to stop over 500 tennis courts worth (137,800 sqm) of fishing nets becoming ghost nets this year."

Tangle's dog lead is a strong, lightweight 4 ft lead made from discarded fishing nets and every product sold also supports Ghost Fishing UK - a charity dedicated to removing abandoned, lost and discarded fishing gear from UK waters.

Coming in 2023 is a Tangle dog bowl and a Tangle throw toy.

John Boumphrey, UK country manager at Amazon, said: "The Amazon Sustainability Accelerator is the ideal launchpad for high-potential startups, and we are proud to be helping a second cohort of founders scale their businesses to deliver innovative technologies and sustainable products."

At the end of the Accelerator programme, all startups can pitch their business to a board of investors. Last year’s Amazon Sustainability Accelerator startups raised more than £4.5 million.