StudFast is one of the businesses sharing their proposition in front of ‘Mustangs’ David Mitson, Joanna Jensen, and Michael Darley, this Sunday at 3.45pm. With three other businesses, StudFast will be pitching for the chance to win up to £250,000 investment in the brand.
The live final will take place at the Seminar Theatre Stage, sponsored by Helmet Connect. Here’s a bit more about the brand. Over to Eleanore…
Can you tell us what business/opportunity you submitted a pitch for?
StudFast- the very first non-metal stud, developed to improve welfare and safety in horse sport.
Was there a moment that inspired the creation of your business/product?
When I was a full time event rider, I had experienced injuries associated with metal studs. I understood why studs existed- they provide grip and performance, but when my advanced horse stumbled in the water and lacerated himself badly, I always questioned whether I should stud or not and also why something other than metal was not available. It was when I became a sports journalist that I had my light bulb moment. I was reporting on women's football at West Ham and it reminded me that in football metal studs are a thing of the past. On being informed that at most levels of football, metal studs are banned because of the risk of significant injury, I decided to take matter into my own hands and produce a safer stud.
What makes you and your business different from others out there?
We are the only stud on the market that is not made of metal. StudFast uses a patented polymer that is also biodegradable
What’s been the biggest high point in your business so far?
There have been so many. First and foremost, with 100,000 in circulation we have had no reports of injuries to horse or rider. I know the same could not be said for metal studs.
Also seeing them jump clear around Burghley five star within a month of first launching StudFast. They have subsequently jumped around other 5 star cross-country courses, helped a German pony rider win a bronze medal at the European Championships and competed in Carriage Driving at the World Championships.
How did you feel when you were told you’d made it through to the live pitch?
Ecstatic and rather emotional. What started out as a ‘kitchen startup’ with the desire to make the sport safer and we have done that. Now to be considered as a concept worthy of serious investment gives me even more faith in what we are doing.
What do you want the Mustangs and potential investment to help you achieve?
As a one-woman band, I need help scaling the business with a focus on marketing and growing the brand beyond the UK.
As a young business, what’s something you know now you wish you knew when you started?
You can’t convince everyone.
What advice would you give any others looking to start a business?
Get the best team possible behind you. Even if you are a sole-founder, innovation and product launch is rarely a solo activity. My expertise was knowing the problem and understanding my market. Someone else's expertise was knowing the material, and someone else's was understanding biomechanics.
Where can people find out more about you online/social?
Instagram and TikTok:
@studfastofficial
Facebook:
Studfast
LinkedIn:
StudFast Equestrian