Peter Vullings | V-Electric Scooters
We've posed a few questions to our contestants to give you a better idea about who they are and what their idea is about.
We'll interview a new contestant each week and this week, we're talking to Peter Vullings about his V-Electric Scooter..
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What's your idea all about?
My idea is to create high-quality craftsman style electric scooters out of wood, leather, brass and other natural and found materials. I like the juxtaposition of the latest in technology with the raw style of the materials. The electrics and running gear are state of the art, and the body work is like fine handcrafted furniture. A good way to think about it is Indiana Jones meets Electric Scooter.
What made you enter Innovate Manawatu and do you think you have what it takes to win it all?
Well, I had already completed a prototype for my own use (commuting to work). Innovate Manawatu started me thinking about a possible market for the product, and I thought "why not?". Having met the competition this week I am not sure I can win there are some great concepts in the mix!
How did the practice pitch evening help you with the real pitch you gave to our judges?
I got really good feedback at the pitch session about the content of the talk that helped my cut it right down (in half) and at the same time deliver much more succinct information. As part of my job I have spoken to rooms of people for an hour at a time with no problem. Speaking to just 4 judges for 2 minutes was amazingly nerve-wracking!
How'd you find the first Market Validation meeting?
It was great. I've had to go through the process previously with my current business but that isn't to say I did it right the first time. It was a fantastic opportunity to learn a new way of validating the market, and to meet the other contestants (I wasn't able to make it to the awards evening).
What are you going to do with your $1k prize?
I have already spent some for the market validation phase, but I plan to invest it into the next scooter prototype. Building the scooter started as a hobby so it still feels like I am spending the money all on myself :)
And finally, can you tell us why it's important for others like you to enter Innovate next year?
It is important for New Zealand to set ourselves apart and create high-value products and services to compliment the primary sectors. The world is changing and New Zealand can't hope to compete on volume or price anymore, so time to get smart about it. Innovate is a way for people to realise that taking the step from a great idea to a viable business is not difficult, especially if you have guidance along the way from the BCC.
