The three start-up businesses taking part in the Wild Card EDGE Public Vote were shortlisted from a pool of twelve Round Nine Wild Card EDGE winners by an expert judging panel, and provide a snapshot of the broad spectrum of businesses who apply for and win the support of Scottish EDGE bi-annually.
Commenting on the public vote’s return, Evelyn McDonald, CEO of the Scottish EDGE, said; “Blusho’s success at last round’s Scottish EDGE final following the Wild Card EDGE Public Vote is testament to Scottish people’s awareness of the innovative, high-growth potential, entrepreneurial talent that the country has to offer. We’re delighted to once again invite them to participate in the Scottish EDGE judging process, and offer one of our Wild Card EDGE winners the chance to pitch for additional funding of up to £100,000, above the funding of up to £10,000 which they have already won.”
So, without further ado, here are the three Wild Card EDGE Public Vote pitches!
- NU BLVCK: An ethical, fashion accessories brand – selling exclusively through its e-commerce platform – on a mission to change the way people shop. NU BLVCK sells accessories collections designed exclusively for the brand by emerging designers. The accessories are handmade by expert artisans using the highest quality materials and importantly – similar to online home furnishings business Made.com – are “made to order” and not produced until they are sold. The brand only works with artisans who produce in small batches to celebrate artisan craftsmanship and our ambition is to grow communities of designers, artisans and conscious consumers all fighting against fast fashion. As a high growth start-up who’ve executed at pace to date, £100K of investment would accelerate growth by adding to the team, and helping NU BLVCK reach new customers, designers and artisans all with the aim of making the fashion industry fairer and more ethical whilst still being fashionable! Visit Website | @ on Twitter
- Spark and Rocket: Music is wonderful, but for young children, traditional instruments are hard to play, not engaging and do not teach music. Dots are fundamental music building blocks that allow children to explore, create and learn music. It creates a positive first experience of music for 3- 9 year olds. Twenty percent of all parents would purchase Dots at a target price of $100, creating 10million potential customers in the US and in Europe. Winning Scottish EDGE will allow us to launch the product via Kickstarter in April 2017 and fulfill this massive demand. It will enable us to build the team, market the product, complete the design for manufacture and certify the product. We will empower children all over the world to play and learn music but we need your support to do so!
Visit Website | @ on Twitter
- SpeyCardio: In 2006, Simon Harrison’s son suddenly collapsed and almost died. Simon was shocked to discover, in such a terrifying manner, that the heart in a fit young boy could suddenly stop without any prior indication – but in fact, one in three hundred of the population are at risk. The heart isn’t diseased in these people, it is just prone to an electrical malfunction that can suddenly stop the pumping action – which if nothing is done within minutes, will lead to death. So, Simon set up SpeyCardio Ltd, and together with some of the brightest and most talented scientists, doctors and engineers, is developing a new generation of defibrillator – one that can be worn like an item of clothing. Winning £100,000 would help SpeyCardio develop a prototype, so with your help, they can make a really big difference to the lives of those living daily with the ultimate risk of sudden death. Visit Website | @ on Twitter
The public vote will close at 5pm on Wed, 23rd Nov, 2016. The winner will be announced on Thursday, 24th Nov, 2016.
Cast Vote
You can also get involved in the Wild Card EDGE Public Vote on social media using the hashtag #WildCardEDGEVote.
Terms and Conditions: In order to verify your vote, we will ask for your name and email address. We will also use your details to add you to the Scottish EDGE newsletter (don’t worry, you can unsubscribe at any time). You are only eligible to vote once, and incentives are NOT permitted to assist in promotional activity – any votes deemed suspicious will be discounted at the Scottish EDGE’s discretion. There is no guarantee that the winner of the public vote will win £100,000 or any additional funding or support following their pitch at the Scottish EDGE Round 9 final. Any disputes regarding the outcome of the public vote or the winner’s final pitch will be decided by the Scottish EDGE Team, Board of Directors or Judging Panels. Scottish EDGE can choose to amend or cancel the Wild Card EDGE public vote at any time without warning. Neither Scottish EDGE nor any of our staff, partner organisations, or other stakeholders will be held responsible for the Wild Card EDGE public vote or any associated processes.
