A new device that encourages creativity in children under 12 is one mother’s response to seeing increasing numbers of children using fitness trackers. She wants to offer an alternative to parents not keen on buying their kids a smartwatch.
As a mother of three daughters, I understand that kids love a gadget with a screen, so I came up with the Taggamo as something that can accompany them on their adventures in the great outdoors, that also encourages creativity.
– Lucy
Tell us about your idea or startup.
Toggamo is a digital wrist-worn device that challenges children to find beauty in the everyday.
It’s a digital camera, a gallery and creative treasure-hunt tool.
I’m currently in the design phase. I’m speaking with a company about software development, then need the hardware designed and built too.
What were you looking for when you came to Startup Shakeup?
I knew I wanted to develop the product and I had looked into it, but I just didn’t know how to do it.
What I wanted was mentorship and that’s exactly what I am getting. Mark Cooper was running the course and he’s now mentoring me.
I realised I just couldn’t do it on my own. Especially with no tech experience; how would I be able to find someone who understands how to meld the software and hardware so they are right for each other? That was looking like an overwhelming challenge.
Please describe what Startup Shakeup did for you?
The JumpstartMe course explained pretty clearly exactly what had to happen and the order that it had to happen. It also opened up a network of people to me that I didn’t know how to access.
I had already been speaking to a product development company that said I would need $100,000 so, I thought, ‘I won’t be able to do this’. Mark showed me there are other avenues you can take and also opened up the doors of investment to me. I didn’t really know how to get in front of investors, so that’s why I have found the pitch nights amazing. The fact that the mentoring is free is also amazing value. I feel very lucky I came across Startup Shakeup. It’s a very supportive and exciting thing that’s happening in North East Victoria. For me it was sort of a chance encounter that has really changed the course of my life.
What has changed in your business and/or life as a result of Startup Shakeup?
I feel like this is actually possible. In addition to the connections, it’s given me a boost of confidence.
And I feel much more safe navigating this world under the umbrella of Startup Shakeup than if I was on my own.
Where to next for you?
I need to find investment and develop and test the product. The pitch night next month is going to be the start of my journey to seek investment. Until then I will continue with the development and determining the final cost of the product.
What would you like to tell other people in startup mode about your journey?
Others might like to know that the finances don’t have to be the be all and end all – you don’t have to be super wealthy to execute your idea.
Visit her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/toggamo/