Innovation Fund Fast Tracks Business

Ethan Todd founder of Backlanz

Backlanz was founded by Ethan Todd in 2018. As a keen hunter, and an engineer by day, Ethan had found a problem he knew he could solve. Hunters found existing bipods on the market heavy and tricky to take on and off. Determined to find a solution to the problem, Ethan worked on a detachable bipod design that was lightweight, easy to use, and suitable for all hunters.

Working on the design over the year, Ethan was supported through the innovation fund to develop a prototype. "The innovation fund was a huge boost for us and fast-tracked our Carbon Bipod to the market. The fund allowed us to invest in injection molding for the rubber feet on our bipod which also led to the creation of our Multi-Feet."

"The bipod is extremely popular amongst hunters and shooters within New Zealand and we're now looking at investing in our own manufacturing equipment. We've also been able to take it offshore, with international markets accounting for 15% of our sales currently" says Ethan.

Since the success of the first carbon bipod, Backlanz has developed three further variations of the bipod, including the most recent launch of the ultra-lightweight bipod. The business has gone from strength to strength, "sales are up 80% from this time last year and we've just launched our brand new bipod, the Backlanz Carbon Notched." www.backlanz.co.nz