The students presented a range of business ideas and products to an investment panel made up of Island business owners and operators, intending to secure funding to move products into production and fulfil pre-orders.
Their flagship product, the ‘Walk The Wight’ board game, has been inspired by the Isle of Wight and Mountbatten Isle of Wight, with the game designed to encourage adventure, tourism and outdoor activity across the Island.
During the presentation, the students explained that one of the driving forces behind the project was encouraging people to spend more time outdoors and reconnect with the Isle of Wight.
The investment panel included Charlie Panayi, Alison Lee, Mark Lee, Andrew Tapsell and Jonathan Thornton, who questioned the students on their ideas, business plans and future growth before deciding whether to invest.
Following the presentations, the panel agreed to invest in the students and support the next phase of development.
Charlie Panayi has said:
“These students didn’t just come up with ideas in a classroom. They’ve built real businesses with real concepts, purpose, pre-orders and growth opportunity.
Article continues below this advertisement “Watching young people stand up confidently and pitch in front of experienced business owners was genuinely brilliant to see. I certainly was not doing that at their age.
“This is exactly the type of opportunity and experience young people need more of and the future generation of business owners on the Isle of Wight is looking very bright.”
The event highlighted not only entrepreneurship and creativity, but also the confidence, communication skills and resilience required to pitch ideas in a real investment environment.
Special recognition was also given to Tracy Osborn for supporting and mentoring the students throughout the project.
More information about Boundless Wight can be found here.
Looks a great game, all we now need are cheaper
ferry fares to encourage tourism.