Tech21 welcomes Dragons’ investment

Support from Peter Jones and Theo Paphitis to assist future growth

London, August 20th 2009 – Tech21, a developer of impact protection solutions for the technology sector, has announced plans to welcome in a new era in gadget protection following a successful appearance on this week’s Dragons’ Den.

Jason Roberts, Founder and CEO of Tech21 appeared on the BBC programme in which entrepreneurs attempt to persuade some of Britain’s top business brains to invest in their company or idea, walking away with two high profile backers in Peter Jones and Ryman Chairman Theo Paphitis. This investment of £150,000 for 40% of the company split evenly between the Dragons’ will be used to expand on Tech21’s existing range of impact protection products and support plans for Europe-wide distribution.

Peter Jones comments “I’m delighted with my investment in Tech21. It’s a great fit with my existing portfolio of businesses and I’ve been impressed by Jason’s obvious drive and determination to make the brand the number one choice for impact protection within the mobile technology market. There is definitely a market out there for enhanced protection of electronic devices but without the bulk, and both Theo and I are looking forward to supporting the company’s future growth.”

Theo Paphitis said, “The Tech 21 team have spotted an important need for people to protect their much loved laptops, phones and gadgets in a foolproof way using clever technology.  I was naturally inquisitive about the product’s effectiveness and gave it a pounding but it passed muster with flying colours so my team at Ryman stationery look forward to stocking a range of Tech 21 bags and cases in the future.”

Tech21 has already signalled its intent, striking an exclusive deal with the world’s largest independent mobile phone retailer The Carphone Warehouse to stock its iBand case for the iPhone. The iBand is a revolutionary protection solution which incorporates d3o intelligent shock absorption material within its slim line design to keep an iPhone safe.  d3o is a specially engineered material with intelligent molecules which lock together, becoming solid, to absorb impact energy. Tests have confirmed that the iBand offers 134% more impact protection than most rubber and hard cases available world wide.

The iBand is just one of a number of patented protection products on offer from Tech21. The company supplies major computer manufacturers and high street fashion retailers with bespoke cases and fashion bags. All the products have an emphasis on protection with patented impact solutions built in, offering a first line of defence to electronic devices, whether it’s a laptop, mobile phone or MP3 player.

Other products from Tech21 include the flagship L.I.P.S (Laptop Impact Protection System) and C.A.P.S (Compressed Air Protection System). L.I.P.S suspends a laptop in a secure cradle within a lightweight alloy protective frame. When dropped the L.I.P.S system offers the ultimate protection against side or vertical impact as the lightweight alloy frame absorbs the initial shock allowing the laptop to float securely within the suspension straps. The C.A.P.S system consists of two injection moulded soft rubber corner sections which are fitted with high density foam and air, reducing impact and shock through the patented air release cushion when dropped.

Jason Roberts comments “This investment and the chance to utilise the expertise of the Dragons opens several doors for Tech21. So far we have used the money to secure the exclusive rights to use the d3o material in bags and cases for all mobile technology including laptops, mobile phones, cameras, sat-navs and hard drives. Next on the agenda is to roll out to 32 countries over the next few months, as well as developing additional partnerships with retailers. We are also planning to develop new and interesting products with unique protection features, so watch this space.”

The Tech21 iBand will be stocked exclusively at retail by the Carphone Warehouse from the 20th of August 2009, with prices starting from £19.99. Graham Stapleton, Chief Commercial Officer, The Carphone Warehouse, said: “The iPhone continues to be a best seller for us and we are confident that the iBand will strike a chord with customers who are keen to protect their investment. With the exposure this product receives from Dragons’ Den and its suitability as a gift for iPhone owners we are certain it will be a success.”

About Tech21

Tech21 is a privately funded young and dynamic company with 13 years design and manufacturing experience in supplying the leading computer manufactures and high street fashion retailers with bespoke design carry cases and fashion bags. Based on Eel Pie Island, London.

 

About The Carphone Warehouse

• The Carphone Warehouse is the largest independent mobile phone retailer in the UK, with over 820 stores nationwide
•  For more details see www.carphonewarehouse.com or call 0800 925 925

For further information on The Carphone Warehouse, please contact:

Emily Pendleton (emily.pendleton@freud.com) at Freud Communications on +44 (0)203 003 6553

 

For media enquires, please contact:
Ranieri Communications
Louise Richardson
+44 (0)1296 394614
Email Louise