The challenge
Belgian start-up IPee is set to revolutionise the world of sanitaryware with its use of sensor solutions to automatically flush urinals. Not only do its solutions use less water than current systems, but can help assure the hygienic condition of sanitaryware, an important consideration for the comfort of users, especially in public places.
As with any start-up, having a smart idea is just the first step. Already, IPee has created working prototypes and introduced them to the market, but finding the right contacts to broaden its reach internationally is a challenge.
As a global firm with operations in 157 countries and expertise in many of the domains in which start-ups may need support, PwC is well placed to help.
Making connections
PwC plays an active role in developing startup ecosystems around the world and supporting entrepreneurs as they work to get their ideas off the ground and build sustainable businesses. That’s one of the reasons why in 2010 we began partnering with Slush, a not-for-profit organisation that matches entrepreneurs and tech talent with top-tier international investors, multinational corporations, family businesses and high-net worth individuals looking to invest. In 2015, PwC became Slush’s first global partner.
"For the pre-Slush event, PwC brought in interesting parties with relevant expertise and a real interest in start-ups, which made it extremely beneficial for us."
PwC invited IPee to take part in our unique pre-Slush event which offered start-ups and scale-ups the opportunity to pitch their business idea to a jury of top Belgian companies. Not only did IPee win the competition, and a full package to the global Slush Helsinki 2017 event, but made a number of important connections that could help it make real inroads in the market.
Opening doors
With PwC’s support, IPee was able to make more global connections at the Slush event itself. "PwC hosted meetings during the Slush event to help us meet contacts that could be of interest to our business. With no agenda of their own, PwC was open to help us connect with whomever we believed would be of value to us, and that on an international scale. They really were there to support us however they could," says Bart Geraets, Technical Director and co-founder of IPee.
The PwC Belgium delegation was joined in Helsinki by colleagues from across the PwC network which offered the opportunity for IPee to see how everyone at PwC shares the same values and ideals, and how we strive to offer the same experience the world over.
"As a start-up, it’s been impressive to see how approachable and available PwC is."
Global from the outset
Virtually unchanged since its conception, the sanitaryware market is not just a traditional concern, but a sector with no manufacturing in Belgium, meaning that IPee had to think internationally from the very beginning. Having support from a professional services firm that has broad expertise and international reach makes it much easier for IPee to access and guidance it requires.
Help is at hand
Since Slush, IPee has reached out to PwC with a number of questions regarding how to move the business forward and has been impressed with the support made available to them.
"We’ve had questions about intellectual property (IP) strategy, about setting up an office in the US and more. Everyone has been extremely open and helpful, either guiding us to an internal expert or pointing us in the direction of a partner that could help. As a start-up, we admittedly never considered turning to a firm like PwC as we assumed it was just for large corporates."
"Given the pro bono assistance we’ve received as a result of Slush, as a start-up, it’s been impressive to see how approachable and available PwC is. When we’ve grown the business, I think we’ll certainly be calling on PwC for support,” says Jan Schoeters.
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