WITH 3D printing expected to have a huge impact on manufacturers around the world, a young entrepreneur explains how he harnessed the technology to speed up the development of an innovative toy.

Name:

Euan Lind.

Age:

40.

What is your business called?

I’m am the inventor of a new construction toy called Stems and the co-founder of Splatform Limited.

Where is it based?

Edinburgh.

What does it produce?

Stems is a flexible 3D toy that promotes fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination and dexterity. With just one piece its weird wobbly geometry can zip together to make bouncing balls, rolling wheels and even wearable accessories. I think Stems extends the boundaries of play and encourages creative problem solving skills such as curiosity and lateral thinking. It’s also an immersive off-screen way for children to explore and understand 3D geometry. Aimed at ages five and up - so far it’s found no upper age limit!

To whom does it sell?

Children, parents and teachers. We sell through our website and recently started to partner with museum shops and sell directly to schools.

What is its turnover?

Since launching in April we’ve sold over 1000 packs direct, 500 through retail and over 150 directly into schools. It is early days but we’re aiming for a turnover of £200,000 by April next year.

How many employees?

At the moment just me.

When was it formed?

May 2016.

Why did you take the plunge?

My biggest ambition has always been to create work for the mass market, and with Stems I feel I have finally created a product I’m confident is good enough to be judged on this basis. So taking it to market was the logical next step.

Stems evolved through lots and lots of small steps, many prototyped using 3D printing. The first was an investigation into whether I could make a simple zip like fixing out of a single material with no moving parts using the simplest and most efficient type of mould. Another key moment came from an orange which I pealed in a spiral. When I laid it flat I thought if I could change that flat shape I could “change the shape of the orange” so to speak. This led to the idea of an expandable mesh which could offer an amazing amount of geometric freedom and eventually led to the open sided shape of Stems pieces. The whole process started around five years ago but the most important step was when the prototypes reached the hands of children for the first time and we saw the potential Stems had as a toy.

What were you doing before you took the plunge?

After getting a degree in painting I moved to Denmark in 2001 to teach English and Art in a residential school. It seemed like a great opportunity to explore my interest in teaching while travelling and seeing a bit of the world. Instead it planted the seed for me to pursue a different career.

I was inspired by the prominent place design has in Scandinavia, which ultimately led me to give up teaching and move into 3D Design. I graduated in Interdisciplinary Design from Napier university in 2008, having supported myself during the course by working as a nursery and school learning assistant. Highlights since graduating have included selling a table I designed at Christie’s auction house, on the evening of the financial crash in 2008. Also working as a consultant on a variety of exciting product and interior design projects.

How did you raise the start-up funding?

Splatform was formed with seed funding from two STEM education enthusiasts I got to know through Edinburgh International Science Festival. Prior to that I self-funded the development of Stems and patent costs through income generated by my other design projects.

What was your biggest break?

In 2014 an early prototype of Stems won a place in the British Inventors Project Final which gave us the opportunity to exhibit and sell at Gadget Show Live in the NEC. We sold out of all 150 prototype packs which was really exciting and led me to realise, for the first time, what a success Stems could be.

What do you most enjoy about running the business?

The business is really a by-product of the ambitions I have for Stems to communicate. I enjoy that we’re making a success of it.

What do you least enjoy?

My biggest challenge is staying focussed. I have lots of exciting new ideas for future Stems products but I realise these are unlikely to see the light of day unless this version is a success. Ultimately I would like to take on a Chief Operating Officer to give me the freedom to focus more on product development and strategic matters.

It can be a challenge to talk about Stems with grown-ups who aren’t always quite as playful as children. That’s why being chosen to complete Business Gateway Edinburgh’s Gateway to Investment programme was so beneficial. It gave me the chance to really perfect my pitch, not just in front of potential Angel investors but to others in a similar boat to me. Having that introduction to the local Angel community - and discovering they’re not as intimidating a bunch as I perhaps feared – was invaluable.We are considering our options with regards to taking on investment.

What are your ambitions for the firm?

We aim to be the second most successful construction toy within five years.

What could the Westminster and/or Scottish governments do that would help?

To continue to provide support to help businesses grow. We’ve had fantastic input from Business Gateway Edinburgh.

What was the most valuable lesson that you learned?

Don’t let other people pigeonhole you. Stay curious and persevere!