Start-up business Sibstar launches after winning significant funding from Saints
A start-up business that received £20,000 in funding from Southampton Football Club has officially launched to market, after winning the club's Positive Impact Pledge and securing a tax-free grant and expert mentorship.
Sibstar was selected as a joint winner of the club's Positive Impact Pledge following a competitive process that saw both businesses impress with their entrepreneurship and potential. Since winning the pledge, Sibstar founder Jayne Sibley has significantly grown the business, with the funding accelerating product development and launch plans.
Sibstar, a pioneering start-up business that helps families living with dementia manage their everyday spending, has officially launched to market. Through its secure, pre-paid debit card and app, Sibstar aims to provide financial independence to the 885,000 people living with dementia in the UK while re-educating society and improving tolerance and respect for those living with the condition.
Jayne Sibley founder of Sibstar said: “Participating in - and winning! - the Positive Impact Pledge was a fantastic experience. The club's brand and endorsement of our work have been a great motivator and very encouraging. As a bootstrap business, every penny counts, so the funding has been pivotal in developing our product and played a huge part in getting us to launch today.”
Sarah Batters Director of Partnerships and Marketing from Southampton Football Club said: “It has been fantastic to see the strides that Sibstar has made since winning the Positive Impact Pledge.
“As a club, we’re keen to promote innovation and use our platform to help power the growth of businesses we believe have the potential to make positive change. To hear that the Positive Impact Pledge has been integral to helping Sibstar in their development and success so far is fantastic. We look forward to offering our continued support and following their journey as they continue their inspirational work.”
Launched in November 2020 as part of the club’s Corporate Responsibility initiative, the Positive Impact Pledge sought to create a positive impact by encouraging entrepreneurialism and innovation.
The club received many applications from small start-ups and entrepreneurs across the UK that share its vision of innovation and doing things differently.
Applicants were taken through two rounds of shortlisting before five finalists were invited to St Mary’s Stadium to pitch to senior figures at Southampton Football Club, with Sibstar selected as the initial winner.
Main Club Partner Sportsbet.io, a sportsbook of the Coingaming Group, played an integral role in the Positive Impact Pledge by taking part in the virtual shortlisting event and allowing the club to award a second winner, Labl.it, by matching the £20,000 grant that was initially offered by the club.
