News / Entrepreneurs
‘Marathon Man’ wins pitching competition at ‘Festival of Entrepreneurs’
The business founder of a fresh juice startup has won the pitching competition at the inaugural FOUNDERS Playground, a new “Festival of Entrepreneurs” .
Ben Smith, from Portishead, launched fresh juice and concentrated fruit shot brand Happy Shot in 2024, turning his passion for health and wellbeing into a business.
However, he first came to national attention in 2016 when he completed 401 marathons in 401 days, a challenge that earned him the Helen Rollason Award at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards.
During the challenge, Smith ran more than 10,000 miles, visited 101 schools and raised more than £330,000 for charity.
Ben Smith won the pitching competition at the inaugural FOUNDERS Playground, a new “Festival of Entrepreneurs” – photo: Kieron Obee
Motivated by his experiences of bullying as a child because of his sexuality, he has continued to place community at the heart of his work, with 10 per cent of Happy Shot’s annual profits supporting Bristol-based LGBTQ+ charities.
At FOUNDERS Playground event, held at Emersons Green, Smith faced a different kind of endurance test as he pitched his business in front of an audience of around 700 entrepreneurs and creatives from across the UK.
The event, founded by Samantha Hamlin, featured panel discussions, workshops and appearances from leading business figures including Roger Saul, founder of Mulberry; William Chase, founder of Tyrrells Crisps; entrepreneur and investor Simon Squibb; Helena Hills, co-founder of TrueStart Coffee; and Bristol-based serial entrepreneur Johnny Palmer.
Recounting his own story, Smith told the judges how a life-changing Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), often referred to as a mini-stroke, in his late twenties helped shape his understanding of health and wellness.
He explained how his recovery and subsequent marathon challenge inspired him to create healthy fruit and vegetable drinks and asked for support in helping more people access the benefits of better nutrition.
Ben Smith from Portishead grabbed national headlines when he ran 401 marathons in 401 days – photo: Ben Smith
After being named the winner, Smith said: “Pitching in front of the entire festival and the panel of judges on stage was a nerve-wracking experience, I’ve never done anything like that before. But I’ve been through some very tough physical and mental challenges in the past, so I knew I could put myself out of my comfort zone to try this.
“I am amazed that I won as everyone pitching had such great ideas, but I feel really passionately about wellness and believe that nourishing healthy drinks can have huge benefits on the body and mind.
“This is the next step on my journey and it’s helped me to believe that I can achieve my dreams of continuing to help people, so I’ll keep pushing on with my dream of Happy Shot.”
As the winner, Smith received a package of business support including a year’s membership of the ftF Inner Circle, tickets to EntreConf and Selling South, a mentoring session with HelpBnk and the FOUNDERS Pitch trophy.
After completing a “marathon of marathons”, Ben Smith was awarded the Helen Rollason Award at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards – photo: BBC Sport
Samantha Hamlin, founder of FOUNDERS Playground, said: “I’m really proud of what we achieved with the first Playground. We matched 24 startups with investors, welcomed world-famous founders to the South West, showcased seven local communities, connected 700 founders from across the UK, and brought the Wheel of Dreams to life.
“The highlight was awarding Ben Smith with the FOUNDERS Pitch award, he’s had such a remarkable life so far and it’s inspiring seeing him continue to explore into new territory and want to help people.”
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Smith said he takes pride in ensuring every Happy Shot product is made using real ingredients with no additives.
Planning is already under way for the 2027 edition of FOUNDERS Playground.
Main photo: for the FOUNDERS/Happy Shot
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