Grant Sinclair stands at the forefront of innovation, echoing his famous uncle, Sir Clive Sinclair. With the launch of the IRIS eTrike, Grant ventures into the realm of sustainable transport.
A Legacy Reimagined
Sir Clive Sinclair made history with the C5 vehicle, a creation ahead of its time. Despite the challenges it faced, the C5 opened a new avenue in personal electric transport. Grant Sinclair now aims to redefine this vision with his IRIS eTrike, offering a modern take on eco-friendly travel.
The C5, although commercially unsuccessful, was a significant technological achievement. The expectations were high, aiming for millions in sales, but reality hit at 17,000 units. Today, Grant recognises the product was revolutionary, attributing its failures to the lack of appropriate infrastructure during its launch.
Influences of a Pioneering Family
Growing up, Grant was surrounded by pioneering figures. His father and Chris Curry, his uncle’s close friend and Acorn Computers founder, greatly inspired him. Their achievements and innovative spirits set a foundation for Grant’s entrepreneurial journey.
Grant’s childhood memories include cutting-edge prototypes scattered at home, from his father’s innovative dining table to low-cost home essentials. This environment fostered his inventive spirit, igniting a passion that continues to drive his entrepreneurial efforts.
Career Beginnings and Lessons Learned
From a young age, Grant sought opportunities beyond familial ties. He worked at Cambridge tech firms, gaining invaluable experience.
Securing an interview at Sinclair Research at 14 was a pivotal moment. Despite his surname, Grant learned to earn his path, facing standard recruitment processes just like any other candidate.
These experiences taught Grant resilience and the value of hard work, essential traits that would aid his later ventures in technology and innovation.
The Inception of IRIS eTrike
Inspired during a garden party by a resilient remote-controlled helicopter, Grant envisioned a similar ruggedness in personal transport. The IRIS eTrike emerged from this inspiration, boasting advanced battery technology akin to the helicopter.
Unlike its predecessor, the C5, the IRIS eTrike is fully enclosed and designed for safety. It positions itself higher on the price scale, reflecting its comprehensive safety features and advanced design.
This new transport solution aims to cater to commuters and recreational users alike, enhancing safety and comfort.
Expertise Behind the Innovation
Running a lean but highly skilled team, Grant collaborates with experts from the automotive sector, including those linked to McLaren supercars. Such partnerships ensure the IRIS eTrike’s excellence in both design and performance.
Grant maximises his extensive network, which he plans to expand, bringing diverse skills in-house to further the development of innovative transport solutions.
This strategic approach allows the fusion of cutting-edge technology with practical design, crucial to the eTrike’s success.
Looking Ahead
Grant’s aspirations extend beyond the IRIS eTrike. His future projects include developing an affordable kit house and an electric car. These ventures aim to revolutionise not just transport but housing, aligning with modern sustainability goals.
His vision is rooted in simplicity and efficiency, essential in producing accessible and impactful innovations. Grant’s approach exemplifies forward-thinking in both product design and business strategy.
Words of Wisdom
Grant encourages innovators to persevere, stating, “Keep going until you get it right.”
He advises simplifying business models and tapping into online markets, a strategy that proved successful for past ventures.
Grant Sinclair embodies the spirit of innovation and resilience. Through the IRIS eTrike and future projects, he continues to push boundaries, inspired by his family’s pioneering legacy.