For our Startup Spotlights, Times of Entrepreneurship scouted the most successful startups that spun out of top university competitions and programs. The impact of such awards can be many years in the making, especially in the DeepTech space.
Interviewee: COO and Co Founder Jamie Steenbakkers
Which university challenge did you win and when?
We have won the Babson Beta Challenge in 2016, the Smith College Women Entrepreneurship 2017 and the UGA Collegiate Next Great Consumer Brands 2017.
What is your elevator pitch?
Our elevator pitch has changed a lot. We started off as a function-forward company pitching “Helping women get ready in 5 minutes or less.” Now, we focus only on wipes and highlight sustainability first.
What should we know about you?
Busy Co makes wipes that are better for people and the planet. Over 60 trillion wipes are used yearly in the USA alone and it’s estimated 90% of them are made of non-recyclable plastic! Many are also made by manufacturers that may have questionable standards. Busy is on a mission to make up-cycled, biodegradable, locally made wipes the industry standard.
Why should someone invest in you?
Investing in Busy Co is investing in the sustainable future. The wipes market is growing at 11% CAGR, but consumers and lawmakers are making changes towards biodegradable alternatives. Think of wipes as the next plastic straw.
Is there a clear evidence of success you would like to share?
Busy Co is distributed in over 1,000+ locations across the USA and is on track for over $1.5M in Revenue for 2021.
What is the number of employees in the startup and where are you currently located?
We are located in New York city and have four employees.
If you would describe your startup to have a superpower, what would it be?
Our Superpower is sustainability! We are the first ever zero waste wipe, right down to our shipping boxes and tape. Even our manufacturer is local and uses wind power!
If you have a Startup Spotlight to suggest, please contact Shirly Piperno, [email protected]
This story and others on Times of E are made possible by a sponsorship from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is a private, nonpartisan foundation that provides access to opportunities that help people achieve financial stability, upward mobility, and economic prosperity – regardless of race, gender, or geography. The Kansas City, Mo.-based foundation uses its grantmaking, research, programs, and initiatives to support the start and growth of new businesses, a more prepared workforce, and stronger communities. For more information, visit www.kauffman.org and connect with www.twitter.com/kauffmanfdn and www.facebook.com/kauffmanfdn.
