A remarkable 16-year-old entrepreneur, Harrison Nott, has triumphed in an international competition, earning a whopping £150,000 (approximately $200,000) for his innovative product—a towel that stays cool for up to two hours. Outshining 15,000 other inventors, Harrison has successfully launched his CoolTowel company, all while balancing his regular school responsibilities.
Harrison, who hails from Essex, England, started CoolTowel in his bedroom in 2023 and has seen impressive growth, generating £100,000 in revenue last year alone. His dedication has led to over 30,000 orders filled, showcasing the demand for his unique product.
The secret behind the CoolTowel lies in its three-layer polyester material, designed to retain moisture effectively. Users can experience its cooling benefits by simply wetting, wringing, and snapping the towel as per the instructions.
Harnessing the power of social media, Harrison began selling his towels on TikTok and through a Shopify website, achieving an extraordinary £15,000 in sales on his best day last summer. Recently, his business has surged, and he is now navigating the exciting challenges of a rapidly growing enterprise.
“I’ve been very, very busy,” Harrison shares. “It’s gone from a relatively small side hustle run from my bedroom to a big business. I’ve had to grow up very fast. My school has been very supportive; I’m now on a part-time timetable to help balance my business needs.”
In November, Harrison made a significant leap by attending the Alibaba.com CoCreate Pitch event in London, where he competed against 15,000 other young entrepreneurs. Out of only 30 finalists chosen to present their ideas to judges, he stood out and was awarded the grand prize of $200,000, impressing the judges with his compelling pitch.
One of the distinguished judges, former England footballer Rio Ferdinand, was so taken by Harrison’s presentation that he exchanged contact information with him, sparking hopes of future collaboration as an investor to elevate the CoolTowel brand.
“I felt like a celebrity. It felt like a dream…” Harrison expressed, reflecting on his incredible journey. He has also been inspired by his father, Matthew Nott, who has been a business role model throughout his life.
“I’ve seen my dad running a business my whole life and I’ve always wanted to run my own, having the financial independence to make my own decisions,” Harrison said. He embarked on his entrepreneurial journey at just eight years old by reselling items on eBay, paving the way for his future ventures.
With a passion for fitness and a love for squash, Harrison was motivated to create a high-quality cooling towel, filling a gap he noticed in the UK market. With guidance from his business teacher, he successfully trademarked his brand, turning his dream into a reality. Harrison is also committed to giving back, donating CoolTowel products to charities that support those in need.
