Here, we’re bringing you a snapshot of the future of the consumer industry – tracking who’s been raising what and when, and most importantly, why. Get ready to learn about the ambitious go-getters currently supplying the products and services we use every day…
All Things Butter
Co-founded by culinary maestro Thomas Straker and entrepreneur Toby Hopkinson, All Things Butter has been spreading golden creamy goodness throughout the UK since its launch in November 2023. In just under a year, the all-British, all-organic butter brand has secured a position on shelves across major retailers including Sainsbury’s, ASDA, and Ocado. A recent £2.2 million seed funding round, led by Access Industries and bolstered by Hollywood producers Josey McNamara and Thomas Ackerley, has set the stage for global expansion. Next on the list for All Things Butter? Churning its way into kitchens worldwide, with its eye on markets in America and the Middle East.
Classic Football Shirts
Two ambitious students, a love of the beautiful game, and a penchant for sharp sportswear is all it took to establish Classic Football Shirts back in 2006. Almost two decades later, Doug Bierton and Matthew Dale’s college project has grown into a global sensation for football fans. With two permanent shops in the UK and a booming online presence, the Manchester-based company recently secured $38.5 million from The Chernin Group to fuel its expansion into North America. Accounting for 15% of its revenue, the US is set to welcome stores in New York and Los Angeles ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Leading the charge is executive chairman Cormac Barry, former CEO of Sportsbet and CarTrawler.
Doughlicious
Doughlicious is one of those brands that gets you wondering, “did the clever name inspire the idea, or vice versa?” The brainchild of visionary female founder Kathryn Bricken, this innovative snack brand offers gluten-free cookie dough and gelato bites that are better for us consumers as well as the planet – with an eco-friendly, renewable-energy powered facility in West London. Back in May, Doughlicious secured £3.5 million from Dutch investment group Triple B to support its stateside expansion. Soon, it’ll be satiating the American sweet tooth as it launches nationwide in Whole Foods Market stores.
Heidi
Dynamic Bristol-based online tour operator Heidi was launched in 2018 by alpine adventurers Marcus and Alexander Blunt. With a decade of travel industry experience under their belts, the Blunt brothers navigated the challenges posed by the pandemic with resilience and innovation. Their hard work paid off spectacularly – with sales skyrocketing to £24 million in 2023 and £37 million in 2024. Bolstered by a recent £5.6 million investment round led by Mercia Ventures and Active Partners, Heidi is not just weathering the storm, but soaring above it and redefining the future of travel.
Purple Dot
Why did the “back in stock” notification retire? Because Purple Dot made sure it never had to come back! Revolutionising ecommerce with its pre-order platform, Purple Dot enables brands and retailers to start selling products before they even hit the warehouse. This approach not only tackles the issue of unsold inventory, but also benefits businesses, consumers, and the environment. Fresh off a €9.2m Series A funding round led by OpenOcean, Purple Dot is set to broaden its impact across other industries. Founder Madeline Parra previously built social content platform Twizoo, which was acquired by Skyscanner in 2017. Now, she’s paving the way for a smarter, more sustainable shopping experience.
Steel City Interactive
Named for the industrial hub it hails from, Sheffield’s Steel City Interactive is knocking out the competition in the gaming realm with its highly anticipated and aptly titled boxing game, Undisputed. After successfully raising £15 million in an impressive funding round led by Novator, the dynamic studio is set to deliver the first major boxing video game in over a decade. The full release is expected on 11th October 2024, and this is a game that promises to pack a punch.
XOXO Soda
Launched in May 2023, XOXO Soda is the prebiotic soda sensation fizzing its way across 4,500 shops throughout Europe and the UK. With its refreshing twist on health-conscious beverages, the consumer brand has attracted the attention of a number of investors. Following a £4 million funding round with JamJar Investments, which is diving into the soft drinks scene for the first time since selling Innocent to Coca-Cola, XOXO is set to disrupt this giant category. (Eco-friendly) straws at the ready!
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