A Sydney-based startup who has made a platform where you can design your own sports equipment has set up e-shop in Bristol’s growth-incubator, Entrepreneurial Spark. Australian Small Business finalists DisruptSports.com’s website allows you to create a product from the ground up, and will use 3D visualisation to help you design it.
“This is an industry first and something we’re really excited about”
We caught up with Gary Elphick, founder of DisruptSports.com to find out more. He explains that it was only because of recent advancements in tech that he can offer a totally unique customisable product, and bring a new shopping experience to the high street.
He tells us, “One of the biggest hindrances to purchase has been ‘how will the end product look and feel’; full 3D real time visualisation and design solves this. This is an industry first and something we’re really excited about, it allows you to be immersive in the design experience and is far more lifelike than buying goods online.”
TechSPARK exclusive! Take a sneak peek at the 3D visualisation before it’s launched
Using 3D isn’t the only way tech has turned their ideas into reality, upcoming projects include in-store studios and kiosks, and virtual reality that will give you the ability to see how your sports equipment is being made in the studio, and hold it!
“You can go into your local sports store, feel and try out some traditional sports equipment and then design your own in store”
“We’re geeks who love sports and software,” Gary reveals, “We’ve been approached by various retailers keen to make use of our technology and integrated manufacturing solutions and we see the link between physical retail and online design as an important one.
“This essentially means you can go into your local sports store, feel and try out some traditional sports equipment and then design your own in store. It’ll be manufactured super fast, locally where possible and delivered to your house for the same price as boring mass-produced equipment you’re used to buying.”
How do I get on-board? 😉
It’s as simple as choosing an item from the range of equipment, which includes surfboards, skateboards, snowboards and yoga mats, then customise the size, shape and feel. You then create the look with the options to upload your own images, or, choose something from a marketplace of local artists (Ed: Banksy, anyone?). It’s then made locally and delivered direct to your door.
“It’s exactly the same price as mass-produced sporting goods from a large retailer, but 100% customised”
DisruptSports.com are embracing the ‘shop local’ movement, and are confident that it is also affordable. Chris Bailey chief operating officer pledges that “it’s exactly the same price as mass-produced sporting goods from a large retailer, but 100% customised”.
From Bondi to Bristol
With the move to the South West Chris is looking to expand their portfolio of product lines and run global operations for the US, UK, and Australia.
“I have found a massive startup tech culture here, with plenty of meet ups available a week”
We asked Chris what he thought about the South West tech scene. He tells us, “I imagined having to constantly travel to/from London to have any involvement in the start-up scene. However, in the few weeks I’ve been back, I have found a massive start-up tech culture here, with plenty of meet ups available a week, and a huge network/community of startups, with people who are genuinely willing to help you.
“I have had several really interesting introductions, and people reach out to me in ways they will be beneficial for our business.”
“A sense of creating something from nothing, and that you can literally achieve anything whoever you are, is the best feeling in the world”
Here’s a final note from Chris to inspire people wanting to get involved in tech startups themselves: “The rollercoaster is real! You have your good days, and bad, but a sense of creating something from nothing, and that you can literally achieve anything whoever you are, is the best feeling in the world.”
If you would like to try out designing your own locally made sports equipment, jump into their website and give it a go, they welcome feedback.
They are also looking for partners in sports and retail to trial the new Instore Studio Kiosks
Or, join them by helping the vision become a reality – they’re currently recruiting for a Business Development Management as well as a couple of summer internships, send an email to Chris@DisruptSports.com if you are interested.
