A Cool Evening Along Nyhavn
The idea for StaySeat came one summer evening in 2020 on a cool and happy walk along Nyhavn in the intense glow of the restaurants' many heat lamps. As Jon walked there along the water, a question began to take shape. Would it really be possible to reduce energy and make the product itself better – for the environment and for the guests? Out of curiosity, an idea sprouted to make outdoor heating more comfortable and more energy-friendly. It was an idea that quickly led to action and created the foundation for our company and our product.
Intensive work is being done on our heating element
An old car seat, truck battery and a cheap cushion from Jysk
After the idea was created, only 12 hours passed before we had our first prototype. As a young engineer I had, and still have, real faith that we can make a difference - that's why it also went well when I felt we had the idea that could help us with just this. Our first prototype was made from an old car seat, a truck battery and a cheap cushion from Jysk.
Every day since, we have worked to create a new industry standard in outdoor heating. With our seat cushions, which are an energy-saving, efficient and comfortable alternative to the traditional heat lamps, we believe that we can do the job as long as we work purposefully.
A Strong Network
From the very beginning, we have focused on good, long-term collaborations and we see each individual relationship as both unique and important. It is our close collaborations that have helped drive the development right from the start, and our product has been created in close dialogue with both restaurants and guests. We continue to appreciate both help and feedback from good people in the industry and are always responsive to other people's ideas. We are also always ready to spar with our customers and allow guests and customers' experiences to be included as invaluable input in the further development of our product and company. StaySeat is a company in constant development. But we will always keep our eyes fixed on our most important goal: that our company makes a real difference and that we contribute positively to the climate crisis.
An Inspiration for Others
At the same time, we hope that our idea can help inspire others to develop products that protect the climate. And this without necessarily implying a compromise with the guests' experience. Because we are passionate about the experience and good hosting. It is not least the relationship and the presence between people that we put first. For us, it's about helping to create a backdrop for happy, unforgettable evenings where people meet and spend time with each other - on cool summer evenings as well as in the dark autumn. This is why we at StaySeat have developed a setup with innovative and intelligent seat cushions that provide warmth to guests locally and where it is actually needed. So they only have to spend their energy on enjoying themselves with each other.
For us, StaySeat began with an idea to contribute to more responsible consumption and production, and we stick to that ambition. At the same time, we are passionate about creating a product that makes just as much of an impression on our customers and their guests as traditional heat lamps leave an impression on the climate.
Jon Sødergreen - Founder and inventor of StaySeat