UCE Involvement
Entré $85K Start-Up Challenge 2018 (Second place)
UCE EY Summer Startup Programme 2018/19
You came second in Entré’s $85K Start-Up Challenge, what was that experience like?
I had been thinking about the potential to use technology in the management of horse welfare for a long time, but hadn’t moved past the idea stage. The challenge was advertised in one of my lectures and I thought it could be the push my business needed! During the five months of the challenge, I validated my concept and market, and ended up winning second place!
What inspired the ideas behind your business, Equilibrium Equine?
I have always loved horses and began riding when I was three years old. When I was younger, I wished I had devices which could tell me more about my horses - even if just to help with choosing what thickness of rug to put on them at night.
When I was 19, I moved to Australia and worked as a stable manager and studied Equitation Science - the biomechanics and psychology of horse riding. Doing this made me realise that there are a lot of ‘old-school’ beliefs around about horse welfare. This lack of awareness puts many horses in danger - a problem I wanted to help solve.
What are you hoping to achieve for Equilibrium Equestrian during the UCE EY Summer Startup Programme?
My big goal is to have a minimum viable product and app ready to test, which I am working with some local businesses to produce. I have spent a bit of time launching a website and establishing my social media presence, which has been great to achieve already!
What have you enjoyed about the Summer Startup Programme?
It has been such an inspiring environment! It is so nice to be around like-minded people, who understand the process of starting up a business. I used to think that only certain types of people could start a business, and I wasn’t one of them. Being around so many other young people and students doing amazing things, it proves that is definitely not true!
Have you faced many challenges with Equilibrium Equine so far?
I knew about horses and the equestrian market, but not so much the technical side of things. The product I am developing is complex, so I have had to learn about the technology to be able to understand it. I have also had to stop comparing my business to others which are at different stages - it puts too much pressure on me, which isn’t helpful!
What are your long-term goals?
I am determined to have my own business. I hope that Equilibrium Equine will be a success and I will be able to keep growing it, but if not, that wouldn’t stop me wanting to be an entrepreneur and try something else.
What would you say to people wanting to get involved in entrepreneurship?
Definitely get involved with UCE and entré’s events! Even if you don’t have an idea yet, their programmes are such a good way to find inspiration and kickstart the process. If you really want to start a business, don’t just wait for a great idea to come along - use your initiative and look for a gap in a market that interests you.
For more information on the UCE EY Summer Startup Programme click here, or to read more about Equilibrium Equine, visit their website here.
