Newcastle founder lands Start Up Loan to launch Bass Turtle device
What's the deal? Nick Tyler, founder of Newcastle-based Pisces Devices, has secured five-figure debt funding to bring his Bass Turtle sensory device to market. The Start Up Loan came through the British Business Bank, with support from Business Enterprise Fund (BEF)Dealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →.
What's the product? The soft, plush device uses bass shaker technology to transmit vibrations, letting users physically feel low-frequency sounds while listening to music. The idea emerged after Tyler moved into a smaller flat, began using headphones more, and missed the physical sensation of bass.
Why now? Tyler built a homemade prototype, drew attention on social media, and ran a successful Kickstarter campaign to fund initial manufacturing. But more money was needed to launch the business properly, and the loan bridged the gap between prototype and production.
Why debt? Tyler had already invested his savings into developing the product. "I didn't want to compromise or give away part of the company too early, so a Start Up Loan was the ideal solution," he said.
What's the endgame? With the first production run underway, Pisces Devices is preparing to fulfil pre-orders and launch its online store. It is also exploring further products aimed at supporting neurodivergent individuals and promoting wellbeing.
The signal: "Nick's journey demonstrates how the Start Up Loans programme can help entrepreneurs take an idea from the earliest stages of development through to bringing a product to market," said Louise McCoy, managing director of Start Up Loans at the British Business Bank. She called it encouraging to see funding support a business in the creative industries, a key part of the Government's Industrial Strategy.
Read more: bdaily.co.uk
Image credit: garryknight
