Zero Launches Crowdfunding Campaign Ahead of Series A

Deal News | Feb 12, 2025 | EIN

Zero Launches Crowdfunding Campaign Ahead of Series A

Cardiff-based fintech company Zero has launched a crowdfunding campaign with the help of Crowdcube, targeting an initial £750,000, ahead of a planned series A funding round later this year. Having previously secured over £1 million in seed funding in September 2023, the firm aims to expand its team and invest in platform development. Zero's sustainable money app, a B Corp certified offering, debuted after a two-month early-access phase and promotes environmentally-aware financial practices. Zero aims to appeal to the UK’s climate-conscious under-35 demographic by joining forces with several financial service providers. Meanwhile, legal firm Hugh James announced a record-breaking year, handling transactions worth approximately £650 million in 2024. Furthermore, Zip World has been acquired by Dolphin Capital, yielding a profitable exit for LDC and marking the beginning of future expansion plans. Additionally, Pelly, a North Wales-based AI platform startup, has secured a six-figure equity investment to boost its sports operations, while BCB International was acquired by Wescom Group in a multi-million-pound deal.

Sectors

  • Fintech
  • Venture Capital
  • Legal Services
  • Adventure Tourism
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Defense and Safety Equipment

Geography

  • Wales – Zero, Hugh James, Pelly, and BCB International are Welsh businesses involved in the reported activities.
  • United Kingdom – Deals and events have significant implications across the UK, impacting the fintech, M&A, and adventure tourism sectors.
  • United States – Economic and political developments in the US, such as a new president, are considered as potential influences on future market activity.

Industry

  • Fintech – Zero is a fintech company expanding its portfolio to include sustainable financial services.
  • Venture Capital – Zero's crowdfunding and investment activities involve venture capital fundraising.
  • Legal Services – Hugh James specializes in legal advisories and experienced significant deal volume in M&A transactions.
  • Adventure Tourism – Zip World operates in the adventure tourism industry and was acquired to further its growth.
  • Artificial Intelligence – Pelly uses AI for sports operations, streamlining recruitment and operational decisions.
  • Defense and Safety Equipment – BCB International, acquired by Wescom, manufactures safety and survival equipment for military and outdoor applications.

Financials

  • £750,000 – Initial crowdfunding target set by Zero.
  • £1 million – Seed funding secured by Zero in September 2023.
  • £650 million – Total value of deals managed by Hugh James in 2024.
  • £100 million – Valued deal for Dolphin Capital's acquisition of Zip World.
  • £355,000 – Equity investment raised by Pelly.
  • £14.6 million – Sales generated by BCB International in its 2023 financial year.

Participants

NameRoleTypeDescription
ZeroCompanyTargetCardiff-based fintech focusing on sustainable financial products.
Hugh JamesLegal AdvisorCompanyLegal firm providing advisory services for mergers and acquisitions.
Zip WorldCompanyTargetAdventure tourism firm acquired by Dolphin Capital.
Dolphin CapitalPrivate Equity FirmBuyerEquity investor acquiring Zip World to facilitate growth and expansion.
LDCVendorCompanyFormer minority stakeholder in Zip World facilitating the exit to Dolphin Capital.
PellyCompanyTargetAI platform startup focused on sports operations.
BCB InternationalTarget CompanyCompanyManufacturer specializing in survival and life support equipment, acquired by Wescom Group.
Wescom GroupBuyerCompanyAcquired BCB International, expanding its presence in the defense equipment sector.