Rebecca Pick, BA Business Enterprise, has won investment of £60,000 from Gabriel Investments to help further her business idea, Pick Protection.
Pick Protection Ltd is a Glasgow-based company set up to launch a new product in the personal security industry. The business will introduce an evolution of the traditional personal attack alarm into the market. This alarm is different from existing personal attack alarms as it can be worn comfortably and discreetly under clothing. When activated, a message will be sent to selected contacts who can respond to the incident, and an integral microphone will record what’s happening.
An event on the news about a girl being attacked and no one responding to her shouts for help was what prompted the idea in Rebecca. Summer work experience with a fire and security company also made her think about ways to protect people in the same way we use alarms to protect homes.
The funding came about through the Strathclyde Entrepreneurial Network and a Meet the Mentors event which led to Rebecca being invited to pitch to Gabriel Investments. Rebecca was delighted when they informed her they were investing in the business. "There are a few conditions which I'm happy with but I'm aiming to finish my final semester and then get stuck in to the business. My next step is to get the patent process started and get the manufacturing aspect and app sorted."
Through the course of the last year, Pick Protection has won over £4,000 from finalist selection in the SIE Young Innovators Challenge, and second place finish in the Kickstart award offered through the prestigious Converge Challenge Competition 2014. Rebecca has also been inducted into the University of Strathclyde's Rising Star Programme, which helps with office space, a dedicated mentor, and support.