Reinventing Children’s Footwear—and the Way Founders Work

How Dubs Universe’s Stuart Davis used NOAN to manage investors, create content, and accelerate growth after trialling it through the BE100 partnership.

When Stuart Davis co-founded Dubs Universe, he set out to solve a problem most parents know all too well: kids’ shoes that just don’t fit, don’t last, and don’t consider the needs of growing feet. Dubs Universe’s answer? Footwear designed from the ground up for children—comfortable, sustainable, and built to last, with a resale program that keeps shoes out of landfill and money in parents’ pockets.

But building a standout product is only half the battle. For Stuart, the real challenge was scaling Dubs Universe—navigating investor relationships, keeping strategy and execution aligned, and finding time to create content that truly reflected the brand.

That’s where NOAN entered the story.

Trialling NOAN with the BE100: A Turning Point

As part of applying for the Blue Earth Summit BE100, Stuart had the opportunity to trial NOAN—a platform designed to be a virtual co-founder for ambitious entrepreneurs. The timing couldn’t have been better: Dubs Universe was gearing up for its next funding round, and the demands on Stuart’s time were only increasing.

Building a Single Source of Truth for Scale

One of the most powerful shifts for Stuart came from using NOAN’s Fact Base. By centralizing every key detail—strategy, market insights, brand values, and operational know-how—he created a single source of truth for Dubs Universe. This foundation didn’t just keep the business organized; it set Stuart up to scale with confidence. Every new idea, campaign, or investor update was built on accurate, up-to-date knowledge, ensuring that as Dubs Universe grows, its vision and execution stay perfectly aligned.

Investor Management, Reimagined

With NOAN’s Network, Stuart found a new way to manage investor relationships. Instead of juggling spreadsheets and scattered notes, he had a single, AI-powered hub for every conversation, follow-up, and document. As he prepared for his next raise, this clarity and organization proved invaluable.

Business Advice and Content—On Demand

NOAN’s Assistant quickly became Stuart’s go-to for business advice and content creation. Need a pitch deck update? Campaign copy? A second opinion on a new idea? The Assistant delivered, always in the Dubs Universe voice, always in context. As Stuart puts it:  

“It’s like a combination of Minority Report and talking to my company.”

Ideas, Captured and Actioned

With NOAN Notes, Stuart could finally keep every idea, strategy, and creative spark in one place. No more lost thoughts or disconnected plans—just a living, breathing record of Dubs Universe’s growth journey, ready to be actioned at speed.

The Results: Faster, Smarter, More Focused Growth

Since adopting NOAN, Dubs Universe has moved faster, stayed investor-ready, and built a brand that stands out in a crowded market. For Stuart, NOAN isn’t just a tool—it’s a strategic partner, a virtual co-founder, and a force multiplier.

For BE100 Founders: What Could You Unlock?

Stuart’s story is proof of what’s possible when founders have the right support. If you’re a BE100 applicant who hasn’t yet explored NOAN, now’s the time. The next stage of your business could be just one conversation away.