Truman explained that the “extremely traumatic event” on a solo backpacking trip when she was 21 prompted her to explore group travel “as a solution for my safety”.
After finding a lack of affordable and sustainable group travel options, she launched Plotpackers in September 2023, turning £3000 of personal savings into “over £1.5 million in sales, £1.36 million turnover” in the following year.
Jones said Louise’s business “sounds great”, and then asked why she did not “explain” the event that prompted her to launch Plotpackers.
Truman said: “I’m happy to address it. It is obviously a very traumatic thing.
“I was sexually assaulted very violently and consider myself very lucky to be alive. But as much as I don’t enjoy talking about the topic, it is a big reason why I did this.
“Seventy per cent of the people who travel with us are women, and if you look at studies, women’s primary concern when it comes to solo travelling is safety.
“And, obviously, group travel, I’m never going to pretend that this eliminates all risk, but it does give you an additional layer of safeguarding.
“It could have made me never travel again, but I’m glad it led to this.”
Jones said: “I’m so dreadfully sorry. Thank you for sharing, it’s inspiring of what you’ve done and turning that into this now. Well done, incredible.”
Bartlett offered Truman £60,000 for a 6% stake, while Ma made the same offer and Meaden offered £60,000 for 5%.
Truman sought Meek’s advice before she chose Meaden and Bartlett, accepting their £60,000 for a 5% stake in her business.