Two sisters, one big idea
Cubbi (pronounced Cub-bee) was founded by sisters Olivia and Tanyka, after Olivia's own experience of becoming a mother. Here's how one year turned into a mission, and a trip to the Den. 🐉
2023
🍼 Where it all began
Olivia had her first child and quickly discovered how expensive parental leave could be. With finances stretched, even the smallest things like a coffee or a new pair of jeans were tinged with guilt.
Out of that frustration came the idea for Cubbi, inspired by Olivia's nickname for her son “baby bear”.
With no coding background, Tanyka rolled up her sleeves and built Cubbi's very first app from scratch.
2024
🚀 We pressed go
Tanyka finished the build, Olivia convinced 30 brands to give parents a discount.
The sisters pressed the big red button and put Cubbi into the world. Our clunky first app was inundated with thousands of downloads within weeks.
Seeing that reaction, Olivia and Tanyka knew they were onto something and decided to go all in.
2025
🔨 Build mode
In 2025 the call came, Cubbi had been invited into BBC's Dragons' Den.
Olivia and Tanyka filmed the episode in the summer of 2025 when Olivia was 9 months pregnant with her second, who was born just a week after filming.
They spent the second half of 2025 in serious build mode, to make sure the platform was perfect for the biggest moment in Cubbi's story so far.
2026
🐉 Into the Den, and beyond
Cubbi's episode aired in February 2026. Since then, we've expanded the team, reached 450+ brand partners, and partnered with the NHS to reach even more families across the UK.
And this is just the beginning.
The founders
Olivia Davson
Co-founder
Olivia is the spark behind the creation of Cubbi. She couldn't ignore how little support was available for parents, she knew there had to be a better way. Together with her sister Tanyka, she set out to change that. Now a mum of two boys, Olivia knows first-hand the juggle of raising little ones while building something new. Her lived experience continues to shape Cubbi, keeping the platform grounded in what parents actually need, and ensuring every feature makes life a little easier.
Tanyka Davson
Co-founder
When her sister Olivia shared how overwhelming the costs of parental leave were, it was Tanyka who pushed her to take the leap and turn the idea into a business. While Olivia brings the big ideas, Tanyka focuses on nailing the execution, making sure Cubbi moves from vision to something parents can actually use and benefit from.