Our story so far

In 2017, my son and I opened two successful cafes in the student area of Cathays, Cardiff, but in 2018 sold them to raise £250,000 to develop Podi, a device that could create a “halo” around surfers in the water using a synthetic essence of rotting shark flesh.
The chemical was already in use as a repellent but the Podi device aimed to deter sharks up to three miles (5km) away, as opposed to the original which was used in close proximity.
We were initially going to research off Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean, but decided to study shark interactions off the South African coast after a shark scare during a surfing event. The trials to test our new shark deterrent invention took place over 18 months. off the Cape peninsula.

Our goals

Podi aims to provide a passive means of protection for people who choose to engage in water-based activity in potentially hazardous environments, without the need for aggressive self-defence.

The key is to ensure protection both for humans and for those marine species – principally members of the shark family – that are currently endangered through human activity.

This objective, along with the secondary aim of mitigating the subsequent ripple effects on tourism, local economies and side-kill, has led to the concept of the ‘Podi’ brand.

Join us

Our Research and Development programme continues in earnest and we would welcome your support – whether through purchasing our products, donating to fund our research, simply following us and spreading the word, or becoming a valued team member.