British technology start-up Lupe is looking to launch its first floorcare product next year and take on the leading players in the market.
It will be exhibiting the cordless cleaner at this year’s IFA trade show in Berlin (Aug 31-Sept 5).
The company was formed by two ex-Dyson engineers, Pablo Montero and Lucas Horne (pictured), in 2015 and has been developing what it says is set to be a leading product in the cordless floorcare sector.
Lupe says its appliance addresses an emerging problem in the burgeoning market for cordless cleaners – it believes that certain products are severely limited in their cleaning power and battery life, which has caused dissatisfaction with some consumers. The manufacturer saw an opportunity to use its engineering expertise to solve the problem.
Said Mr Montero (pictured on right): “At least two established manufacturers are now seemingly signalling their abandonment of the corded vacuum cleaner. While that might make sound business sense given the market dynamics, in my opinion this is jumping the gun a bit, given where the products are at technically.
“Many of the existing cordless machines are still quite limited, not least in capacity and, to my mind, are not viable replacements for a full-size machine. Our team is looking to address that with our technology and debut product.”
The duo have developed their own patented technology in a product that they say is capable of going head-to-head with the current leading brands, and beating them.
The aim is to convert more cordless-wary consumers by offering an ultra-efficient machine, in a product format that Lupe says is more capable than the “upgraded handheld” approach of other companies.
Over the past few years, Mr Montero and Mr Horne have been financing their business with their own money, two rounds of investment and government grants.
Said Mr Montero: “We have an outstanding first product that we’ve found both the trade and consumer is crying out for. Launching next year is a major milestone on a long road, but it is just the start for us and we have many other product ideas in the pipeline.”
- Lupe will be exhibiting at IFA in Berlin (August 31 to September 5) – Hall 26, Stand 109
