Students of Design seeks £300k via crowdfunding to grow global business

Two years after launching their online shopping and showcase platform for emerging designers, the three entrepreneurs behind Students of Design (AKA SODS) have launched a crowdfunding campaign to fuel the business' global growth.

Lindy Staadecker, Anoesjcka Gianotti and Michelle Parekh developed SODS to allow sustainable, independent art, homeware and fashion designers to create their brand, market items and fulfil direct sales online. In addition to e-commerce SODS offers designers the opportunity to meet with buyers and network with industry professionals.

The new funds will be used to bring industry shows online using Virtual Reality, which they say will save brands valuable time and budget. "SODS’ goal is to help brands drive sales whilst bringing longevity and relevance to tradeshows, allowing anyone in the world to visit a show and view that designer’s items through SODS," the trio said in a statement.

To feature on SODS brands pay a listing fee of £1 per item which is renewable quarterly and 15% commission on each sale. So far its growth has been organic and the platform now represents 50 brands from across the globe including Japan, South Africa and Columbia. It has recently added Vivienne Westwood to its portfolio.

Its goal is to host up to 350 independent designers by the end of 2018 and 2,000 brands by 2019.

The Crowdfunding campaign is about to launch on Crowdcube but potential investors can register their interest with no obligation before the campaign goes live.