Improving existing solutions: What do Mount Evo founders have in common with Werner von Siemens?

Revolutionizing Car Mounts with the help of Solid Edge for Startups

Innovation often springs from the desire to refine and elevate what already exists. This ethos of improvement has been the driving force behind countless transformative endeavors throughout history. Whether in technology, industry, or everyday life, enhancing existing solutions has led to breakthroughs shaping progress.

Take, for instance, the pioneering work of Werner von Siemens in the field of telecommunications. In the mid-19th century, Siemens recognized the limitations of the pointer telegraph, a prevalent means of communication at the time. Rather than accepting its shortcomings, he embarked on a mission to enhance its functionality and reliability. Through a series of ingenious modifications and innovations, Siemens transformed the telegraph into a more efficient and effective tool, laying the foundation for modern telecommunications networks.

In the bustling world of start-ups, where innovation is the currency of success, few stories are as compelling as that of Mount Evo, a U.K.-based company that is reshaping the landscape of car mounts with its revolutionary approach. Founded by brothers Matthew and William Hartley-James, Mount Evo is on a mission to reinvent the way people transport their sporting gear, all while simplifying the process and reducing costs for consumers.

The genesis of Mount Evo can be traced back to the frustrations experienced by the Hartley-James brothers themselves. As avid snowboarders and car enthusiasts, they were all too familiar with the hassle of mounting sporting equipment onto their vehicles. The lack of standard roof mounting points on many modern cars, coupled with the prevalence of panoramic roofs, presented a significant challenge. Every time they changed their cars, they had to invest in new roof bars and fitting kits, leading to both frustration and unnecessary expenses.

Determined to find a solution to this common problem, the brothers set out to design a car mount that would be both versatile and cost-effective. Their vision was to introduce modularity to vacuum-mounted roof racks, allowing customers to use a standard mount with interchangeable attachments for different sports equipment. This was the moment when Mount Evo was born.

One of the critical components in bringing their vision to life was the use of advanced software tools. Matthew Hartley-James, leveraging his engineering background, turned to Siemens’ Solid Edge, a CAD program renowned for its comprehensive capabilities in product development. With Solid Edge, he was able to design and prototype various suction cup mounts and racks, simulating their performance and load-bearing capacities with precision.

The journey from concept to creation was marked by relentless experimentation and iterative design processes, all facilitated by Solid Edge. The software empowered the brothers to mock up ideas, create 3D prototypes, and even visualize product renders seamlessly. As the product lineup expanded to include mounts for bikes, cameras, surfboards, and more, Solid Edge remained a cornerstone of Mount Evo’s design and development strategy.

Beyond design, Solid Edge played a crucial role in optimizing production and reducing waste. By providing insights into manufacturing processes and material usage, the software enabled the brothers to streamline their operations and minimize costs. Additionally, its integration with KeyShot facilitated high-quality renders for marketing purposes, enhancing the presentation of Mount Evo’s products to potential customers.

Inspired by the legacy of innovation, the Hartley-James brothers embraced the spirit of improvement. Much like Werner von Siemens, who revolutionized communication with his improvements to the pointer telegraph, Mount Evo sought to enhance an existing solution and redefine industry standards.

Learn more about the Solid Edge Startup Program.