Leisure operator secures £5.5m funding for UK expansion
ThinCats, a specialised business lender based in Ashby, has provided £5.5m to leisure operator Big Fang Collective.
The investment facilitates Big Fang Collective’s ambitions for extended growth throughout the UK, amid speculation of a new venue in Nottingham.
Founded in 2016 by Kip Piper and Dan Bolger, BFC started with Ghetto Golf in Liverpool’s Cains Brewery and has since grown to six indoor venues across the UK, employing over 260 people.
Big Fang Collective, said: “Following a successful year in 2023, including the launch of our all-new Big Fang Karaoke concept and first in-house food brand, Nothing Cheezy, we are excited to further accelerate our venue growth plans with the support of ThinCats and our investors, IMBIBA. We now have Heads of Terms signed across three major cities and a strong pipeline for the coming year. With the right people, property and funding now in place, we are set to make 2024 our best year yet.”
Each venue offers crazy golf, art, DJs, and cocktails in a graffiti-filled atmosphere.
BFC has expanded its offerings to include in-house pizzeria Nothing Cheezy and immersive karaoke destination Big Fang Karaoke.
With the additional funding, BFC aims to launch new venues in various UK cities.
Mike Dinnell, director of business development at ThinCats, said: “It is fantastic to be involved with a business like Big Fang who have a strategy to grow their brand across the UK. The management team has an ambitious vision and is pushing the boundaries of the crazy golf experience. I am excited to see their continued growth and to be on this journey with them.”
