New technology from startup ventures is transforming the sports industry. The mission of this series will be to introduce startup companies in the sports technology space to a broader audience and allow Founders of promising new ventures to tell their story. Feel free to contact us if you know of a startup that should be considered for this series.
Company: Headkayse ltd
CEO: Andy Creak
Headquarters: London & Bristol UK
1. What is your elevator pitch?
“This is the world’s first official multiple impact and one size fits all cycle helmet. Made of our new material “Enkayse” its performance adapts to a wide range of impacts. Keeping you safe again and again on both small and large knocks. This completely removes the need for expanded polystyrene in cycle helmets.
The Headkayse ONE. SAFER, multi-impact, flexible & foldable cycle helmet from Headkayse on Vimeo.
2. Problem & Solution
The Problem: Used in over 95% of the world’s cycle helmets for over 40 years, Expanded Polystyrene (or EPS) is designed to sacrificially compress and cushion a fall. It does work, however EPS is brittle and fragile, damaging easily from everyday small knocks thus reducing its ability to perform in a more serious impact, providing less, little or no help on a second hit.
EPS is also designed for optimum performance on large (crash) impacts, this means EPS does not compress as efficiently with smaller knocks. For example, a small child learning to cycle, or a ding when coming over whilst still “Plugged in” at some traffic lights (We’ve all done it!). If EPS doesn’t compress fully at these speeds, where does the excess energy go? Into our brains? Is this not a major cause of concussion?
In this product rich, over crowded cycle industry, no matter how many bells & whistles are slapped on, most helmets are the same inside. This is the problem.
The Solution: We have spent years looking into alternatives, other materials from EPP and various branded performance foams claiming outstanding properties. However they all fall short when exposed to either multiple impacts or extremes in temperature (Current safety regulations state variations from -20’c to +50’c)
The result of exhaustive testing and research, verified at one of Europe’s leading official test centres for cycle safety standards. Enkayse is a true replacement and creative step forward away from EPS.
It’s a new category of material, a hybrid combining various qualities far more suiting to the multitude of risks presented when on a bike, snowboard, or any falling / impact risk.
3. Market – your target market and the overall market
Our market is targeted in phases according to the audiences we wish to reach and achieve over set periods of time.
Are cycle helmets any good? Full video from Headkayse on Vimeo.
4. Business Model – how do you make money?
Selling the HK One helmet internationally, we are also starting to work with companies in and outside of cycling who see the benefits of including Enkayse in their technology.
5. Management Team – with titles
There’s 4 of us, Andy, Tony, Andrew and George. We’ve all got specialisms but everyone works together.
What else do you want the audience to know about your venture?
We are proud to be making everything in the UK. Even the components and webbing is made entirely in the UK.
Bonus Questions: If you were to invite any CEO to dinner who would it be and why?
I’d have to say my boss Andy as he works so hard 24/7 it would be great to get an hour or so just to catch up!