STARTUP STORY
PIONEERING SUSTAINABLE HOME CLEANING
STARTUP STORY
PIONEERING SUSTAINABLE HOME CLEANING
In a world increasingly mindful of environmental impact, Tim Nightingale emerges as a visionary entrepreneur poised to redefine home cleaning.
His startup journey is centered around an electric spray bottle designed not just to clean, but to eliminate plastic waste and enhance sustainability without compromising on quality. Inspired by his deep-rooted connection to nature and honed by years as an executive chef, Tim’s mission transcends mere product innovation; it’s a commitment to transforming everyday habits for a greener future.
A Vision for Change
Tim is an ambitious entrepreneur on a mission to revolutionise home cleaning by tackling two major challenges: reducing plastic waste and redefining how we interact with cleaning products.
At the idea stage of his startup journey, Tim is developing an electric spray bottle designed to break away from the conventional, disposable design.
More than just a tool, this innovation transforms the humble spray bottle into a durable, visually appealing household appliance—one that seamlessly integrates into daily life, enhances efficiency, and supports a circular economy by prioritising longevity and sustainability.
Inspired by Nature, Driven to Solve
Tim’s entrepreneurial spark ignited from a deep connection to the environment. Growing up in and around the ocean, he developed a profound respect for protecting the natural world. This passion, combined with his professional background as an executive chef, fueled his drive to create impactful solutions.
“As a chef, you’re constantly solving problems and thinking on your feet,” Tim shares. “That experience has equipped me to tackle the challenges of building a startup.” Tim believes that new technologies can create products that benefit both the environment and people, showing that sustainability doesn’t have to come at the expense of quality of life. By addressing both environmental and usability concerns, he realised he could make a difference with a single product.
“People are becoming more mindful of what they buy and use at home. I wanted to offer something that aligns with that shift—something meaningful.”
From Chef to Changemaker
After years of culinary creativity, Tim decided to apply his problem-solving mindset to a new challenge: sustainability. Transitioning into the cleanTech sector felt natural, blending his love for innovation with his desire to protect the planet. But the shift wasn’t without its hurdles.
Realising the complexities of building a business, Tim began seeking the guidance he needed to bring his vision to life.
Ryan’s background in veterinary science gave him the expertise to design DAGI’s system, but turning it into an app required the right technical support. "I tried a few low-code platforms, but I quickly realised I needed someone who really understood software development. That’s when I brought in Alex Deval, a Christchurch-based developer, to build the app. Having the right person on board made all the difference."
However, building a business around DAGI required skills that Ryan hadn’t anticipated. "I’ve had to learn about contract negotiations, trademarks, employment design, and user interface flow. As a data geek, it’s easy to get lost in the nuts and bolts, but usability is key."
He also had to navigate funding opportunities, collect user feedback, and refine the front-end experience to ensure the app met farmers' needs. "One of the biggest challenges was balancing scientific accuracy with ease of use. Farmers need something that works quickly and intuitively."
Farmers Are on Board—But They Don’t Want ‘Another App’
The response from farmers has been overwhelmingly positive. Those dealing with drench resistance are eager for solutions, and they love how DAGI simplifies a complex problem into an easy-to-use visual tool. But one thing is clear—farmers don’t want yet another standalone app.
"We kept hearing that farmers didn’t want more data entry. They wanted a solution that fit into their existing systems," Ryan explains. That’s why Agvisory NZ is working on integrating DAGI with existing farm management platforms like FarmIQ and Resolution. By eliminating the need for double data entry, this integration makes it easier for farmers to adopt DAGI without disrupting their existing workflows.
"The one-on-one sessions were tailored to what I needed, which was incredibly valuable since I’m only working on this one day a week."
The Right Help at the Right Time
When Tim discovered Startup Aotearoa, it was a game-changer. “I heard about Startup Aotearoa and worked out this is exactly what I need right now,” he recalls. Connecting with the right people was seamless, and it led him to Keren Phillips, whose expertise was instrumental in shaping his path forward.
“Keren helped me break down problems and focus on what really matters in the early stages,” Tim explains. Through Startup Aotearoa’s support, he gained clarity on his product design, business strategy, and how to connect with mentors and industry experts.
“Before this, I would’ve hesitated to reach out to people,” he admits. “But Keren encouraged me, and having that push made all the difference.”
Keren Phillips - Startup Aotearoa Coach
"We’re building something that can truly change how people approach cleaning & sustainability in their homes."
Big Goals, Bigger Vision
Tim envisions his brand as a global leader in sustainable home cleaning solutions. His electric spray bottle, with its innovative features is just the start of a much larger journey. “The timing is perfect,” he says. “People are ready for change, and we want to be the ones leading it.” Beyond the core product, Tim is already exploring patents and innovative design elements, such as a one-way valve system, to ensure his brand stands out in the market.
What’s Next?
The coming months are crucial for Tim’s startup. He’s focused on finalising a financial plan, securing suppliers, and exploring funding opportunities. “Developing a strong business model is a top priority,” he says.
Brand identity is another key focus. “We’re taking our time to make sure the brand name and story resonate with our community,” Tim shares.
Tim’s vision doesn’t stop with one product. Over the next few years, he plans to scale production, expand the product line, and make a meaningful dent in global plastic waste.
“This is just the beginning,” Tim says. “We’re building something that can truly change how people approach cleaning & sustainability in their homes.”
With a clear vision, unwavering passion, and the right support system, Tim Nightingale is charting a path toward making sustainable innovation a household standard.