Aiming to challenge the traditional diaper industry, The Hague-based startup Go Potty has raised €350K in pre-seed funding. The company, founded in 2022 by Elianne Leeffers, seeks to encourage earlier potty training through its innovative app and software solutions. By doing so, it hopes to reduce diaper dependency, benefit child development, and contribute to sustainability efforts. This funding marks a notable step in reshaping childcare practices, targeting both parents and childcare organizations.
Why has potty training been delayed?
Potty training, once completed as early as one year of age in the 1940s, has been delayed over time, with the average age now nearing three years. According to Go Potty, the rise of disposable diapers—designed for convenience and efficiency—has reduced the urgency for parents and children to transition away from them. This delay benefits the diaper industry financially, while potentially increasing ecological concerns. Go Potty’s app, available on iOS and Android, counters this trend by offering personalized schedules, motivational tools, and readiness assessments for parents.
How will the funding be used?
The €350K investment, led by Dutch venture capital fund YoV Capital, will be used to further enhance Go Potty’s technology and scale its operations. The startup plans to expand its reach among parents and organizations, aiming to reduce the average age of potty training by 6 to 12 months. Elianne Leeffers, the company’s CEO, highlighted that the funding allows them to develop their platform further and drive its adoption. She stated,
“This investment enables us to further develop and scale up our technology. This way we can reach even more parents and organisations.”
Go Potty’s environmental and developmental focus aligns with YoV Capital’s vision. Renske de Bruine from YoV Capital remarked,
“By potty training children earlier, they contribute to the child’s development and to a more sustainable world.”
This dual emphasis on social and ecological impact reinforces the startup’s mission.
In earlier reports on Go Potty, the app’s features and purpose were highlighted as innovative tools for modern-day parenting. The emphasis has consistently been on reducing reliance on disposable diapers while fostering healthier child development. This direction remains unchanged, reflecting a steady commitment to its foundational goals and values.
The broader implications of Go Potty’s initiative are significant. Early potty training not only reduces environmental waste but also offers financial relief to families by cutting down diaper usage. Additionally, it supports children’s autonomy and development, showcasing how technology-driven solutions can address modern parenting challenges efficiently. While the startup has made progress, its ability to scale successfully will determine how widely its benefits are realized.
