James's profile

James

Location:

Thatcham, UK

Reputation points: 20

James's startup

Startup industry:

E-Commerce

Startup stage:

Growing - Small to reasonable customer/ user base

Website link:

James's co-founder search details

Why James would make a good co-founder

I’ve proven I can take an idea and turn it into a working business. With Phoenix Projectors AV, I didn’t just talk about building an e-commerce platform — I created one with multiple revenue streams, strong supplier relationships, and high-value accounts.

I understand how to operate across different models — from B2B supply agreements and OEM manufacturing to selling on Amazon, eBay, and Etsy. I know how to manage margins, fees, ads, fulfilment, and how to structure a commercial model that works in the real world.

I’ve faced setbacks, both in business and personally, but I’ve kept going. I’ve adapted my plans without losing sight of my goals, and I’ve learned to thrive even when conditions aren’t perfect.

Relationships matter to me. I’ve built long-term partnerships with suppliers and distributors, including lifetime OEM supply rights and open-region brand rights — the sort of connections that can’t just be bought.

I have a big-picture vision — from global distribution to sustainable, circular-economy initiatives — but I also break it down into realistic, executable steps. I know the operational detail too: SKU management, API integrations, fulfilment workflows — I’ve been in the weeds and know what it takes.

Above all, I’m persistent. I don’t give up easily. I push through challenges and keep finding new commercial angles until something works. I can see the big vision, but I’m equally committed to the day-to-day grind of getting there.

Elevator pitch for startup:

Born Again Eco is a circular home brand making beautiful, durable products from rescued glass. Think bar-worthy tumblers, carafes, and coconut-wax candles in reclaimed bottles with reusable bamboo lids—giftable, sustainable, and repeat-purchase friendly.
We’re Amazon-first for speed (FBA/MCF, synced to eBay/Etsy), then local inbound in DE/FR, and a lean US launch at Month 12. Our launch playbook targets 12%+ CVR on hero ASINs, ≤14–15% TACOS, and 25–30% contribution margin after ads (CM-A). Pricing sits at £42–65 for sets and £17–26 for candles; glass 4-packs land at £6–8 COGS with eco-packaging.
We’re building a brand that stands on sustainability and unit economics—robust packaging (ISTA-level), EPR compliance, and a content engine that compounds reviews and rank.

Looking for: a hands-on co-founder (or venture-partner) to own growth (retail media + brand) or ops (sourcing/QA/logistics/compliance). Meaningful equity for the right builder.
Funding: pre-seed to accelerate inventory, creative, and EU local inbound; happy to structure SEIS/EIS-friendly.

Why now
Consumers want sustainable + premium; glass upcycling is credible, tangible, and giftable.

Amazon rewards operational excellence; we leverage FBA/MCF to scale fast, then diversify channels once heroes are proven.

Clear playbook from UK → EU RF → local inbound → US.

Early economics & proof points
Target CM-A 25–30%, TACOS ≤15%, 60–90 days cover on top SKUs.

Packaging spec designed to pass ISTA 3A to keep DOA ≤1.5%.

Content system: Lean A+ → Premium A+, Store video, UGC lift.

What we need (co-founder profiles)
Growth Co-Founder (Brand + Performance): owns PPC/retail media, creative testing, Store/A+ roadmap, influencer/UGC flywheel, EU/US launch calendars.

Ops Co-Founder (Supply + QA + Compliance): factories, BOMs, ISTA testing, FNSKU/FC flow, EU EPR file, returns partners, and inventory models.

Moat (how we defend)
Design/IP pack: repeatable, giftable ranges + personalisation layer.

Ops excellence: damage control, fast replens, fee-tier audits—Amazon favours operators.

Story that scales: measurable impact narrative without green-washing claims.

Business model (in one breath)
Amazon-first (FBA/MCF) with synchronised API to eBay/Etsy. Hero SKUs drive rank and reviews; expand into EU locals where unit economics win; roll out new ranges every ~6 months; add B2B/Gifting once U.K. heroes are stable.

Call to action
If you’re a builder who loves brand + margins, let’s talk.
Contact: james@bornagain.eco
Location: UK (remote-friendly) · Stage: pre-seed · Vehicle: SEIS/EIS compatible

Idea stage:

Planning - Business model & business plan writing

Idea industry:

E-Commerce

James's skills:

Sales
Product

Skills James is looking for:

Marketer
Business Development

Hours per week available to commit:

20-30 hours per week