Improving the lives of millions of people with limited mobility with a simple idea – that is the goal of the Paderborn-based start-up "Steets". The three founders Philipp Battisti, Thorben Engel and Phil Janßen have developed a support module for crutches that allows the walking aids to simply stand still when a free hand is needed. With a simple hand movement, users can put their crutches down anywhere they want. The founders have now attracted several investors for their idea.
Managing everyday life with crutches is challenging. Everyone who has ever been dependent on walking aids knows the situation of not having a free hand, for example when opening a door. Walking aids often severely restrict the mobility of older people in particular. The founders of the start-up "Steets" wanted to create a simple solution that can be "plugged in" to any known crutch model. garage33, the Excellence Start-up Centre and start-up centre at Paderborn University, supports the young start-up not only with office space and access to workshops. The founders also learned about relevant funding programmes through the start-up coaches and were able to "pitch" their solution at major events and idea competitions and get in touch with investors.
From the idea to innovation
In the meantime, their innovation is not only attracting national interest among doctors, medical supply store chains and health insurance companies. The start-up has also attracted the attention of well-known investors. Last year, a so-called "business angel" from the region invested in the young company, and another investor from London joined in. Now the company ROLLAX is also joining "Steets". The medium-sized automotive supplier from Bad Salzuflen will support the founding team in the development process of the product and take over the production of the support modules. The total investment amounts to a high six-figure sum.
The team has already applied for a patent for their innovative idea. The three founders bring interdisciplinary expertise from the fields of business administration, biomedical technology and the media and creative industries. Three years of working with and on crutches have given them a comprehensive understanding of the industry and they have already built a strong network along the crutch value chain.
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