Edinburgh-based eco start-up Pawprint smashes fundraising target

An Edinburgh-based eco start-up app has smashed its crowdfund target in just a few hours, saying this proves that even as the UK battles coronavirus, “we haven’t forgotten the longer-term climate change crisis”.

From left: Mark McCafferty, Christian Arno and Douglas Cook of Pawprint. Picture: Micah Stanabridge.

Pawprint, which says it is one of the most “globally impactful” start-ups, said that after launching the fundraiser on Crowdcube on Tuesday, it had beaten its original £100,000 goal in six hours, attracting more than 200 new investors.

Founder and chief executive Christian Arno said: “We very nearly postponed this crowdfund, as we, like everyone else, became immersed in the coronavirus fight. But, when we checked with people who’d shown an interest in investing, their overwhelming feeling was that they want us to press on and do our bit to fight another global threat.

“The coronavirus is the UK’s most pressing crisis, but many of us have been impressed witnessing how everyone is pulling together to tackle it. The impact our changed behaviours have so quickly had on the environment also persuaded us that now is the right time to push on with the climate change fight. And, judging by the crowdfund response, others agree.”

Crowdcube co-founder Luke Lang said: “It’s no surprise to me that Pawprint, with its inspiring vision to empower people to fight climate change, has raced into overfunding so quickly. People love to back innovative, ambitious businesses who are on a mission to make a difference and Pawprint certainly meets that criteria.”

The crowdfunder remains open for investments of between £10 and £15,000.

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