Kelda Showers Company Profile

Background

Founded in 2009 as Kelda Technology, Kelda Showers is a British manufacturer specializing in innovative, energy-efficient shower systems. The company's mission is to revolutionize the showering experience by integrating cutting-edge technology that conserves water and energy without compromising performance. Kelda's vision is to lead the industry in sustainable shower solutions, contributing significantly to global water and energy conservation efforts. Their primary focus is on developing Air-Powered™ showers that deliver a superior experience while reducing environmental impact.

Key Strategic Focus

Kelda Showers' strategic objectives center on:

Sustainable Innovation: Developing proprietary technologies like Air-Powered™ and BubbleSpa® to enhance shower performance while conserving resources.

Market Expansion: Collaborating with major housebuilders, leisure centers, and hospitality groups to integrate their technologies into new and existing developments.

Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring products meet and exceed environmental standards, as evidenced by recognition from the Government’s Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) through SAP Appendix Q.

Financials and Funding

In February 2022, Kelda Showers secured £1.35 million in funding, surpassing their initial target by 25%. This round was led by private equity firm Growthdeck and aimed at launching the BubbleSpa® shower, a consumer product utilizing patented air-injection technology to create spa-grade bubbles while reducing energy and water consumption. The funds are intended to accelerate product development and market entry.

Pipeline Development

Kelda's product pipeline includes:

BubbleSpa® Shower: Launched in April 2022, this product offers a luxurious shower experience with large, air-filled droplets, promoting relaxation and water conservation.

Air-Powered™ Showers: Continuously refined, these showers have been installed in various settings, including the London Aquatic Centre and David Lloyd Leisure clubs, demonstrating significant water and energy savings.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Kelda's proprietary technologies include:

Air-Powered™ Technology: Inspired by aerospace engineering, this system uses a microprocessor and digital fan to inject water into a high-velocity air stream, creating larger droplets that enhance the shower experience while conserving water.

BubbleSpa® Technology: This innovation generates large, air-filled droplets that mimic the sensation of a Swedish massage, offering therapeutic benefits such as improved circulation and muscle relaxation.

Leadership Team

Richard White, CEO: Appointed in June 2019, Richard brings extensive experience from previous roles, including CEO of Bristan Group and President/CEO of Kohler Kitchen and Bathroom Europe.

Paul Ravnbo-West, Marketing Director: Paul has been instrumental in promoting Kelda's technologies and securing strategic partnerships.

Leadership Changes

In June 2019, Richard White succeeded founder Chris Jackson as CEO. Chris Jackson remains on the Board as a Non-Executive Director, continuing to contribute to the company's strategic direction.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The global shower market is experiencing growth driven by increasing consumer demand for water-efficient and technologically advanced products. Sustainability and energy conservation are key trends influencing product development and consumer preferences.

Competitor Analysis

Kelda's main competitors include:

Hamwells: A Dutch company offering e-showers with circulation modes, claiming up to 90% savings on water and energy.

Orbital Systems AB: A Swedish firm providing showers that recycle and purify water in real-time, reducing water usage significantly.

RainStick: A Canadian company with a WiFi-enabled shower system that saves up to 80% of water and energy by capturing, circulating, and cleaning water in real-time.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Kelda has established significant partnerships to enhance its market position:

Barratt Developments: Kelda's Air-Powered™ showers were installed in Barratt's zero-carbon concept home, ZED House, showcasing their commitment to sustainable building practices.

David Lloyd Leisure: A flagship installation resulted in daily water savings of 10,000 liters, leading to further rollouts across the leisure chain.

Hilton Hotels: BubbleSpa® showers were featured in Hilton's EMEA Leadership Conference, aligning with Hilton's sustainability goals.

Operational Insights

Kelda's strategic considerations include:

Product Differentiation: Leveraging proprietary technologies to offer unique shower experiences that combine luxury with sustainability.

Market Positioning: Targeting both commercial and residential sectors to maximize impact and adoption of their technologies.

Competitive Advantages: Patented technologies, verified energy savings, and successful partnerships with industry leaders position Kelda favorably in the market.