December 2018 Gap Funding: blistabloc
Female-founded startup blistabloc secures a second round of funding to continue growing and developing retailer partnerships.
We’ve all experienced it before: you excitedly put on a brand-new pair of shoes only to realize a few minutes later that they have given you painful blisters. For blistabloc co-founders Katherine Connors and Jacqueline Quill, this presented a massive opportunity to develop a product that could one day serve millions. Connors and Quill met while getting their MBA at Northeastern University — and a classroom project quickly became a full-fledged business. blistabloc’s flagship product b.bloc™, is a clear, adhesive insert that goes into your shoes, and significantly reduces friction, one of the main causes of blisters.
The company has come a long way since its inception. Connors and Quill received a first round of Gap Funding in August 2018, the same month they officially went into business. Today, just over a year after beginning the venture, the co-founders are not only wiser but are knowledgeable about the market they serve. By securing Gap Funding this past December blistabloc will continue to grow product awareness in new markets, secure additional wholesale partnerships with shoe retailers, as well as further solidify their e-commerce business.
What’s next for blistabloc? Now approaching their 6-month mark or being in business, Connors and Quill see 2019 as the year to ramp up awareness of their product by increasing marketing efforts, leveraging social media influencers and redesigning their website to better serve their customers. Most importantly, blistabloc is looking to boost sales in 2019 — and Connors and Quill won’t let anything slow them down — especially not blisters.
To learn more about blistabloc, or to purchase your own b.bloc™, click here.
blistabloc’s co-founders can be reached at katherine@blistabloc.com and jacqueline@blistabloc.com. You can also check out their own Medium page, Two Girls, One Blista-Free Grind here!
If you are interested in starting your own venture and being part of the IDEA process, please visit this page to sign up for an upcoming New Venture Orientation.
IDEA Gap Funding is a non-equity educational grant available to ventures in the GO stage of IDEA’s process. Applicants may apply on a bi-monthly basis where their business plans are reviewed by IDEA’s student Investment Committee upon being selected to pitch plans to IDEA’s Advisory Board. Applicants may receive up to $10,000 in funding.
