We interviewed the CEO of Neit Case, Christian Cook, to tell us about his unique flat-pack suitcase – a world’ first!
About Christian Cook
What gets you out of bed in the morning?
The idea that we’re creating products that solve real consumer needs. I’m also a problem solver. We have operations in multiple countries across various timezones and languages. We inevitably run into unexpected issues, this could be on the supply chain, logistics or production side, and I am driven to solve these problems and put systems in place to ensure they don’t happen again.
Did you always know you wanted to be self-employed? If so, why?
I was initially driven towards a career in financial services, however, had always had ideas for businesses. While working in financial services, travelling regularly for work & living in a small apartment in the centre of London, I constantly had issues with storing my bag.
Tell us a bit about yourself?
I grew up on the Surrey/Hampshire border, attended university at King’s College London and Imperial College London before embarking on a career within Financial Services which ultimately took me down a path of entrepreneurship. Although I don’t come from a family of traditional entrepreneurs, I was always inspired by my fathers work ethic. He joined an SME early in its life and helped grow it into the largest business of its kind in the World, ultimately becoming Managing Director and overseeing its acquisition by a listed company.
About Neit Case
Our suitcase is the first hard case bag in the world to be able to collapse down flat (3 inches) for convenient storage.
What is the best thing about Neit Case and what is the USP?
We’re trying to look at the world differently and convert travel frustrations into genuinely useful products that add value to travellers. Our first proprietary designed and manufactured a product, the NeitCase is a collapsible hard case suitcase with 3 unique design innovations. Our suitcase is the first hard case bag in the world to be able to collapse down flat (3 inches) for convenient storage. In addition to this, we have also invented the worlds first collapsible wheel system as well as a carabiner-style handle for clipping additional bags and shopping while on the road, as well as hanging your collapsed case in your closet.
We also offer an optional tracking device which slips seamlessly into a hidden pocket in your bag and notifies you via Bluetooth if you’re bag has moved a certain distance from you and allows you to locate your luggage (almost) everywhere in the world via GSM/GPRS.
Are you scared of failure? Why?
No. I’d much rather take a shot at something and fail than never have taken the chance. I believe that fear of failure is a concern of how you will be perceived by your network connections should you fail.
Startup Advice
What would you say to somebody who is thinking to go self-employed but isn’t sure?
Make sure it is something that excites you and you have enough savings in case it doesn’t work out
What’s the first bit of advice you’d give to someone who’s thinking of starting their own business?
Be passionate about what you are doing, research everything thoroughly and find someone more experienced than you to help guide you through the process.
What characteristics does a startup entrepreneur require to succeed?
Perseverance and a little bit of luck never hurt.
Things inevitably don’t always go to plan and you need a positive and relentless attitude to keep pushing things forward.
How crucial is it to have a website designed well and it’s accompanying online presence?
Hugely important for any digital business. Luckily it’s never been easier with website builders such as Squarespace. You don’t have to spend a fortune to create a very professional looking website.
What’s an unexpected way to grow your customer base?
Good press has always proved more valuable to us than almost anything else. It often means that when we’re at events, people have heard of us before which helps with engaging potential customers.
If you’d like to read more about how to invest in Neit Case via crowdfunding website Crowdcube – click here.