Vanessa and her business partners are trying to address the waste crisis, with 2 steps. Replacing new plastic, including ending single use plastics and Eliminating existing plastic waste. Find out more about Trashd below.

How did your startup/business journey begin?

My (now) business partners and I kept seeing some amazing innovations coming down the pipeline which we thought really had the potential to 'turn the dial' on tackling sustainability, so we decided it was time to roll our sleeves up and play our part in ensuring that these come to market.

What are you working on at the moment?

More trials of our solution which, compared to current methods, extracts a greater proportion of precious and other metals, quicker and cost-effectively, and is non-toxic.

What are you most looking forward to as part of CORE Sprint?

Talking to some incredible people - potential partners, mentors, and other participants - doing some amazing things.

Can you share with us one of your favourite success stories from your business journey so far?

One of my favourite indicators thus far that we might be on the right track is that we've had smart, capable (and humble) people come to us and pretty much tell us to get a move-on and grow faster so that we can afford to hire them, as they want to quit their jobs and come and work with us, as they love what we are doing!

How have you adapted post COVID-19?

Clearly the impacts of a global pandemic has added an extra layer of difficulty to trying to start a business! But it's also made some people more willing to think about the sorts of businesses, economy and society we need to create which is 'fit for purpose' - these are the people we've tended to 'pivot' towards.

What is one interesting thing about you? (A hobby, something you love, something curious that no one would expect!)

I have a black belt in kendo (a form of Japanese martial arts). Always nice to surprise people.

Are you interested in learning more about Vanessa and Trashd? We have our Virtual Pitch Night on November 10th. All welcome, register here.