Former Connacht Rugby player Michael Swift (pictured) is looking for investors to dip their fingers into his men’s haircare products, which officially launch this week as the Frankman brand.

Swift, who is one of Connacht’s most capped player, retired from sport in 2015. Frankman is his second entrepreneurial play, having set up and sold an online subscription business that shipped boxes of cosmetics to women every month.

Frankman comprises four hair styling products that are manufactured in Ireland. Swift said that he has already tied down stockists in the pharmacy, barber and gym sectors nationwide.

The grooming products are also being sold through the Frankman website for €12 per pot.

Swift is now actively seeking investors through the Employment and Investment Incentive Scheme (EIIS).

In Association with

“Masculinity has evolved and is transitioning to an environment where more time and money is being invested in appearance and more products sought by men to fuel this need,” said Swift.

“We took a design-thinking approach, speaking to over 1,000 Irish guys to ask them what they look for in a grooming product. From this data, we worked with experts to produce samples. We then tested, re-jigged and tested again until we were totally satisfied with the final products.

“We’re simplifying the customer journey with an initial four-product suite, yet still providing a premium product at a mid-range price.

“One of our key USPs has been working with a French fragrance house to create a bespoke signature smell – basil and spearmint. The initial positive feedback has blown us away.”