Entrepreneur named in top 100 start-up companies

A business launched by an entrepreneurial University of Wolverhampton student has been named as one of the UK's top 100 high potential start-up companies.

Marvin Robinson’s www.hausofgenius.com concept was selected to be part of The Intuit 100Up community, a new initiative between accountancy software firm Intuit and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS).

The scheme aims to shine a light on young start-ups and aspiring entrepreneurs who are taking the leap to get their companies going.

BA (Hons) Graphic Communication student Marvin, from Wolverhampton, launched his clothing brand ‘I am Generic’ at the beginning of 2011 with support from the University’s Student Placements for Entrepreneurs in Education West Midlands (SPEED WM). This initiative enables students to launch a business alongside their studies.

His designs have been worn by members of pop groups One Direction, JLS and The Wanted.

The 31-year-old says: “I’m delighted to receive this endorsement for my business. Being recognised as having one of the UK's top 100 high potential start-up companies at this early stage is a great achievement especially when i know that the 'magic' is still to come.

“I’m very proud but this is just the beginning and i want to achieve lots more.

“The greatest help for me from SPEED WM was the mentoring, I had a clear idea of what I wanted to do and where I wanted the business to go, i just felt a need for a soundboard as well as somebody to help me project manage and strategise particulars.”

www.hausofgenius.com is a multimedia arts, fashion, culture and e-ticket business, featuring the clothing brand ‘I AM GENERIC’ which is showcased in London and Paris and sold in high-end retailers, such as Saks Fifth Avenue, around the world.

The clothing brand was started at the beginning of 2011 with just a few print ideas, with the premise of highlighting everyday popular culture but using unique engineered print processes. The business has since grown and the platform now includes 'Ticketroom' offering e-tickets featuring QR codes for fashion, art and lifestyle events.

Marvin describes the products as ‘Made in Britain incorporating heritage fabrics and traditional craftsmanship with a progressive vision formed by the digital age’.

Marvin, who studied at Wolverhampton Grammar School from 1991-98, will soon be taking on a paid intern to deal with print and embellishment preparation, which he does by hand in an artisanal manner, and help with general administration.

Taking the form of a competition, the Intuit 100Up community was launched at the National Association of College and University Entrepreneurs (NACUE)’s National Student Enterprise Conference at Aston University. Applicants were asked to submit a 150-word elevator pitch outlining their business or business idea.

The community met for the first time at the Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC) in Liverpool earlier this year, the largest gathering of start-up champions from around the world, with the winning 100 each receiving a free ticket to the event, return travel and accommodation provided by Intuit, as well as the chance to share first hand their views on entrepreneurship with Business and Enterprise Minister, Mark Prisk at an evening reception.

For more information, contact marvin@hausofgenius.com or visit www.hausofgenius.com

ENDS

Pictures are available from Marvin on request - please email: marvin@hausofgenius.com

Additional press images and links are below:

JLS MUSIC VIDEO - T-SHIRT ON ORITSE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIzw7BHmkN4&list=UU36dG8IjZpTTjrBsNPsjmYA&index=6&feature=plcp

JLS RED OR BLACK PERFORMANCE - 'SICK' VEST http://www.youtube.com/watch?eature=player_embedded&v=T9XQDdRq3Tk

JLS 'THIS MORNING' INTERVIEW - 'ANANSI' T-SHIRT (SPIDERMAN) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oohurVsASLA&feature=related

JLS CHRIS MOYLES QUIZ NIGHT - 'BLOKE' VEST on ORITSE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTkHs9Sct2Y&feature=related

LIAM PAYNE ONE DIRECTION - 'MIMIC' T-SHIRT

JLS OFFICIAL SIGNED POSTER/CALENDER - BRACKET HOODED SWEATSHIRT

THE WANTED - 'SICK' VEST + ANANSI T-SHIRT (SPIDERMAN)

For more information please contact Vickie Warren in the Media Relations Office on 01902 322736