People’s Champion finalist 2018: Mush

Start-up name: Mush
Founders: Katie Massie-Taylor and Sarah Hesz
Started in: 2015
Based in: London
Business description: Described by some as a Tinder for new mums, this app connects local mums experiencing a sense of isolation and loneliness

Shortlisted categories:

Founders Pledge Social Impact Award

The Mush story:

A cold, wet morning is enough to induce negative feelings in anyone – but for ex-equity derivatives broker Katie Massie-Taylor and former ad executive Sarah Hesz it led to a bright new beginning.

The pair realised they weren’t alone in feeling a sense of isolation and loneliness following the birth of a child. While lucky to have met, they wanted to make the process easier for others. Inspired by Tinder and other dating apps, they built Mush.

Users of the app are able to see other users’ photos and interests before seeking a connection. And while it’s still pre-revenue, the evidence confirms they are onto something with more than 400,000 users signed up.

In addition, they’ve raised a total of £3.25m, following a £250,000 seed round, £1m via Crowdcube, and a follow-on round.

Parents’ charity NCT is on board as an official partner and the mental health charity Heads Together has pledged support for their efforts. All bodes well for the future and to capitalise, Massie-Taylor and Hesz plan to introduce a premium service for paying users in 2019.

Why Mush made our shortlist:

When almost half a million of your target group decide they’ve found what they were looking for, you know you’re onto something.

Mush has the potential to have a genuine social impact on mothers at a time they need support most. With significant funding in place and with dating or meeting others now dominated by the ability to swipe left or right, we predict a bright future for the app.

Where to find out more about Mush:

Website: letsmush.com
Twitter: @mushmums