Member Article

Premium footwear entrepreneurs secure £40,000 funding to launch first product line

An East London entrepreneur who co-founded luxury footwear brand Seven Feet Apart alongside his business partner has secured £40,000 in startup funding to support the launch of the company’s first product.

Founders Ian Cartwright and Matt Bagwell sealed the funding package from NatWest and put the money to use developing a new website and branding for their footwear business, as well as stocking their first product.

The pair launched their unisex sneaker, the Original 172, this Spring and will soon follow it up with a men’s brogue and a ladies’ Chelsea boot to round out its initial range which can be ordered directly from the brand’s website.

The St Albans-based business came to fruition two years ago after Cartwright and Bagwell met at a networking event with a shared vision of developing an affordable premium footwear brand.

Outlining their aspirations for the business, Ian Cartwright commented: “We want to capitalise on the direct-to-consumer business model revolution, creating a premium product and experience at an affordable cost.

“Funding from NatWest has enabled us to invest in materials upfront meaning we haven’t had to bootstrap the business, as we get ready to launch to market. We’ve invested a lot of time and developed many prototypes to ensure our products are beautiful and have a premium quality which will endure.”

Addy Ashton, Relationship Manager, NatWest, added: “Ian and Matt have a desire to contribute to the disruptive forces of change and innovation in retailing. They have a great quality product and a clear vision to grow their business.”