Prime Highlights-
- Urban Zoo secures 20 million pounds from BGF to fund global expansion.
- Urban Zoo works with more than 60 professional clubs across UK football leagues.
Key Facts-
- Geoffrey Finlay joins Urban Zoo as non-executive chair with 35 years experience.
- BGF committed 3 billion pounds to UK growth companies over five years.
Background-
Warrington based sports technology firm Urban Zoo secured a 20 million pound investment from BGF, the UK and Ireland’s most active growth capital investor, to fund international expansion, particularly across North America.
Founded in 2013, Urban Zoo builds digital platforms for sports brands, clubs and federations across mobile, web, streaming, e-commerce and retail, helping organizations boost fan engagement and revenue.
The company’s platform, Gamechanger, was built with global sports leaders to streamline content workflows and deliver data rich websites and apps.
Urban Zoo has built a strong UK presence, working with more than 60 professional clubs across English and Scottish football leagues, including Aston Villa, Everton and Celtic, along with the Professional Darts Corporation, Motocross GP and the Rugby Football League.
Chief Executive Officer Chris Grannell said the company has built a strong foothold in the UK sports market over the past 13 years, working with major brands, clubs and governing bodies. He said the business sees a significant opportunity to expand its platform into global markets and chose BGF as its investment partner following a competitive selection process.
Geoffrey Finlay, former Chief Executive Officer of Lysanda and nCipher, will join Urban Zoo as non-executive chair as part of the deal. Finlay brings more than 35 years of experience scaling technology businesses globally and was appointed through BGF’s Talent Network.
Rhys Davenport, investor at BGF, said the firm has built a close relationship with Urban Zoo over five years, helping shape a flexible deal centered on long term growth capital. He added that Urban Zoo’s proven UK track record creates a strong foundation for global scaling.
The investment follows BGF’s announcement last year of a 3 billion pound commitment to support high potential UK companies over five years, including 400 million pounds earmarked for businesses in the North West.