nir-vana innovation network

This company is a UK manufacturer of an innovative board that can function on multiple terrains including sand, snow, grass, frost etc. The company was founded in 2010, with the initial aim of offering something different to what was already in the market. The company aimed to surpass the barriers and limitations that normal sledges had become the go to product in the market.

The product idea was sparked when the snow hit the UK badly in 2010, the founders did not have any sort of sledge to go have fun with. They were all sold out in their area, but they still wanted to make the most of all the snow. So, they made their own. Out of laminate flooring. It had 2-foot grips and a front rope, and it formed the basis of what the company offers today.

After 2 years of research and development, the company created their final design and in 2013 they launched the innovative multi terrain sledge board into the market. The Company now offers its boards in over 17 countries worldwide including: Germany, Poland, Belgium and Luxembourg.

The boards are made to EN compliance and regulations enabling them to be sold in Europe. The boards are designed to stay flexible when used so can glide over and provide a way to get used to snowboarding without bearing the full expense of a regular board as well as being used as a traditional sledge.

The company is now looking to increase its presence further in Germany and Poland and is looking for distributors in Europe to achieve this. The company is looking to expand through a distribution agreement as the product can be sold on in the same state that it is supplied to the distributor.

The company is looking for distributors who are able to assist with the product marketing of the sledge and have relationships in the sports/toy sector. This knowledge will help the company to become established in the markets targeted, whilst also reducing the need for the company to physically expand into new territories.

Advantages & innovations

Designed to stay flexible when used so can glide - Has anti slip foot positions and handles to provide support and comfort - In expensive alternative to a full snowboard - Multi terrain – use can vary from sand dune to snow - EN71 Compliant

Stage of development

Already on the market

Partner sought

The company are looking to work with toy and sports good distributors that will work with the company and offer the sledge throughout its region/market sector. The distributors could be operating under the toy or sports market. Distributors should be able to assist with local marketing including targeting based on landscape (e.g. snow or sand); distributors that have relationships in areas such as ski parks would be ideal.