Topgolf Founders Launch £25m Poolhouse Venture
Deal News | Apr 15, 2025 | Active Partners
Poolhouse, a new tech-driven pool entertainment business created by the founders of Topgolf, has garnered £25 million in funding from several venture capital firms, including Sharp Alpha (US) and dmg ventures (UK), along with strategic investors like Active Partners and industry figures such as David Blitzer. The company plans to disrupt the traditional game of pool with a revolutionary offering that combines advanced technology and unique experiences. Led by the founders Steve and Dave Jolliffe, the venture includes efforts to create interactive pool games in a vibrant Las Vegas-themed setting and expand globally with upcoming venues and licensing to hospitality operators. The experienced management team comprises CEO Andrew O'Brien and COO Matt Fleming, with culinary expertise from a former Executive Chef of the Gordon Ramsay Group. Poolhouse aims to roll out its venues, starting with a significant site in London, while discussing expansion plans in regions like the Middle East, North America, Southeast Asia, and Europe. The initiative signals a major evolution in this centuries-old sport, with top-tier backers confident about the team's potential for global impact.
Sectors
- Leisure and Entertainment
- Technology
- Food and Beverage
- Venture Capital and Private Equity
Geography
- United Kingdom – Poolhouse plans to launch its first venue near London's Liverpool Street Station, the UK’s busiest rail station.
- United States – Sharp Alpha, a US-based venture capital firm, is one of the leading investors in Poolhouse.
- Australia – Signature Hospitality Group, a large hospitality operator in Australia, has taken an equity stake and signed a franchise agreement with Poolhouse.
- Global – Poolhouse will license its technology to operators around the world, with expansion discussions ongoing in the Middle East, North America, Southeast Asia, and Europe.
Industry
- Leisure and Entertainment – The article focuses on Poolhouse, a new entertainment business aiming to revolutionize the traditional game of pool by creating engaging leisure activities.
- Technology – Poolhouse's innovative use of technology in transforming the game of pool highlights its participation in the tech industry.
- Food and Beverage – The business includes a significant emphasis on food and beverage offerings, curated by acclaimed professionals like the Venning brothers.
- Venture Capital and Private Equity – The enterprise's funding was secured with the help of multiple venture capital firms, underscoring its connection to this sector.
Financials
- £25 million – Total funding raised by Poolhouse to support its expansion and development plans.
- $2.1 billion – Valuation of Topgolf at the time of its merger with Callaway in 2021.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steve and Dave Jolliffe | Founders | People | Creators of Poolhouse and founders of Topgolf, driving the innovative concept to transform pool. |
| Poolhouse | Target company | Company | A tech-enabled pool entertainment business aiming to revolutionize the game of pool. |
| Sharp Alpha | Investor | Company | A US-based leisure-focused venture capital investor leading the investment round. |
| dmg ventures | Investor | Company | DMGT's consumer venture capital fund participating in the investment. |
| Active Partners | Investor | Company | An early investor with a track record in successful lifestyle brands like Soho House. |
| David Blitzer | Investor | People | Owner of the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils, participating as a strategic investor. |
| Signature Hospitality Group | Franchise partner and investor | Company | One of Australia's largest hospitality brand operators, involved as a franchise partner. |
| Andrew O'Brien | CEO | People | CEO of Poolhouse, board member at F1 Arcade and former employee of Credit Suisse. |
| Matt Fleming | COO | People | COO of Poolhouse with experience in senior positions at Vagabond Wines and Be At One. |