Cot designer receives first investment from Jersey Innovation Fund

Wednesday 30 July 2014

The Jersey Innovation Fund (JIF) has made its first investment since it was founded over a year ago, awarding £60,000 to Stumpydog Innovations Limited to aid development of its baby care products.

Stumpydog’s founder, Catherine Curtis, has designed a number of products including a patented portable travel cot, the BabyHub SleepSpace. The JIF funding will help Stumpydog secure initial stocks and support sales in the UK and overseas as well as helping to bring forward development of its award-winning prototype "BabyHub" bedside crib.

Catherine said: “Accessing growth funding for early stage, start-up companies can often prove difficult, and it is therefore important to recognise the forward thinking of States Members in establishing and funding the Innovation Fund.”

The BabyHub SleepSpace is a travel cot that has been designed to be easily carried, erected and folded with one hand, allowing a parent or carer to carry a baby in the other arm at the same time. Stumpydog modified the prototype following feedback from Mothercare and the Baby Products Association in order to help maximise its appeal to parents on the move.

Catherine has also been supported by Jersey Business who have helped develop her business plan and helped to define the brand and its marketing strategy. As well as attending the Harrogate International Nursery Fair with Catherine, Jersey Business set up meetings between Stumpydog and international companies to discuss supply and export.

Catherine said: “The support I have received from Jersey Business has been absolutely key in the development of my business over the past 12 months.  The team has provided invaluable, realistic and wise counsel in the critical planning phase of my journey so far and they continue to be trusted business advisors as I take the BabyHub brand to market.”

The Jersey Innovation Fund was awarded £5 million by the States in May 2013 to invest in innovative local companies. JIF Chairman Tim Herbert said: “I am delighted to be able to confirm the first investment recommendation by the Jersey Innovation Fund and it is fitting that the recipient is a strong example of an enterprising and innovative local start-up company that has identified a significant niche within he global baby-care market.”