Role 1317
Invest in the future of sleep & join Zed Sleep in our ambitious mission to create a better-slept world.
- Zed Sleep is redefining a $20B sleepwear category, stagnant since the 1870s
- Developed with world-leading sleep scientists, design and performance experts and working in partnership with Loughborough University
- Backed by advisors ex-Apple, Team GB and Lululemon, plus a former pro footballer
- First product launching this month to 1k+ waiting list, plus athlete wearer trial and hospitality conversations in motion
The company is seeking three investing NEDs (SEIS/EIS eligible) with the following areas of expertise who will also help to close the current £270k pre-seed round.
- Strong network in retail & hospitality (hotels, spas, airlines)
- Supply chain & commercial expertise in apparel
- Growth marketing expertise working with premium consumer brands
- Fundraising & commercial strategy
About Zed Sleep
Zed Sleep is waking up the $20 billion global sleepwear market, stagnant since the 1870s. Traditional “pyjamas” aren’t just functionless, they’re dreadful for the planet. A colossal, sleepy category long overdue for disruption.
We’re solving this by creating the world’s most comfortable sleepwear, backed by science and designed with performance experts to support deep, restorative sleep for wealthy wellness lovers, athletes and active agers. Think On Running, Lululemon or Rapha, but for sleep.
Zed Sleep Apparel is engineered with world-class sleep scientists, material innovators, and elite sports recovery coaches to deliver high-performance, natural fabrics that actively regulate temperature, reduce friction, wick moisture, and move effortlessly with the body. Our sleepwear doesn’t just keep you clothed, it helps you sleep better, recover faster, and wake up feeling your best. We’re developing collections to meet your unique sleep temperature needs.
But we’re not stopping at apparel. We’re aiming to become the world's leading sleep fitness brand by 2030. We’re building a high-growth premium sleep brand with ambitions beyond clothing, expanding into sleep-enhancing supplements, bedroom technology and software. We look up to brands like Wild Nutrition and Pure Sport in the supplements space, and our vision is to create an ecosystem of science-backed sleep solutions that support the natural rhythms of the body and brain, backed by an aspirational brand that champions your sleep.
By year 6 our apparel business will be generating £22m revenue, operating in 4 countries, employing 15 people and generating £4.5m profit. We see significant upside and category opportunity in the adjacent product categories mentioned above. 
Why Now?
The Sleep Market is Booming
- Sleepwear is a $20 billion global category, yet it has seen almost no innovation in over a century.
- The wider $600 billion sleep industry is growing, with consumers actively seeking science-backed sleep solutions.
- 40% of sleepers struggle with temperature regulation, yet almost all “pyjamas” ignore this fundamental need.
- 50% of sleepers wake up due to physical discomfort - our purpose-built fabrics eliminate this.
Early Validation & Strong Foundations
- 1k+ customers on our waiting list, validating demand pre-launch.
- Following 18+ months building, our limited soft launch is set for November 2025.
- Currently partnering with Loughborough University on a pilot programme.
- Warm conversations with hospitality partners e.g. Equinox Hotels
- Raising the remainder of a £270k pre-seed round at a £2.7M valuation, offering significant upside for early investors.
- First product to market 2025, setting the foundations for scale in 2026.
A Standout Team & Advisory Network
Our founding team brings early-stage and leadership experience from Harry’s & Google, with 25+ years in disruptive consumer goods & tech. We are backed by a world-class advisory team including:
- Nick Littlehales – Elite Sports Sleep Coach to Team GB and Premier League footballers.
- Dr. Roy Raymann – Leading sleep scientist, formerly at Apple, Dagsmejan.
- Russell Short – former professional footballer turned elite sports consultant.
- Top apparel experts from Nike, Rapha, Lululemon and beyond, ensuring product-market fit at the highest level.
The Opportunity: Investing NEDs
We are looking for two to three Investing Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) to join our board and support our critical launch and scale phase.
These NEDs will provide both financial investment and strategic expertise or connections in one or more of the following areas:
1. Supply chain & commercial expertise in apparel
- Commercial expertise building a global apparel brand (ideally in the world of sport and wellness but fashion-first also OK)
- Deep knowledge of how to balance product range and life cycle expansion with cashflow needs
- While ensuring robust operations and supply chain foundation
2. Strong network in retail & hospitality (hotels, spas, airlines)
- Experience scaling apparel brands via B2B partnerships, speciality retail, hospitality, airlines or international distribution.
- Strong network in fashion, wellness, or hospitality sectors (e.g., luxury hotels, boutique gyms, high-end retailers, airlines).
- Sustainable clothing expertise—ensuring our supply chain aligns with ethical, low-impact production methods.
3. Growth marketing expertise working with premium consumer brands
- Expertise in premium consumer brands or DTC e-commerce.
- Deep knowledge of digital marketing, influencer partnerships, and customer acquisition strategies.
- Strong customer-orientation.
- Strong understanding of brand storytelling & community-building in wellness and performance sectors.
4. Fundraising & commercial strategy
- Background in raising capital, structuring investment deals, and scaling early-stage brands.
- Strong connections with angel investors, VCs, or strategic partners in consumer goods, wellness, and sleep innovation.
All candidates should have experience in high-growth consumer brands, startups, or investment, with a passion for innovation and wellness.
Role & Expectations
Investment: Minimum £25k (S/EIS available).
Time Commitment: 2-3 days per month.
Support Areas: Strategic mentorship, industry connections, and hands-on expertise.
Exit Potential: Zed aims to become an attractive acquisition target for premium lifestyle, wellness, or sleep-tech brands within 5-7 years.
What’s in It for You?
- Early investor advantage in a category-defining sleep brand at the intersection of wellness, fashion, and science.
- Equity in a high-growth, mission-driven business with a strong brand vision and scalable market opportunity.
- A seat at the table in shaping the future of sleepwear innovation, adjacent sleep solutions, and a disruptive consumer brand.
How to Apply
If you align with Zed’s vision and expertise needs, apply through First Flight Non-Executive Directors by submitting your CV and application via their platform.
NDA Required – A copy of our pitch deck will be shared upon signing an NDA.
Application Deadline: 4 weeks from today
For an informal discussion, contact First Flight Non-Exec Directors at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
