Two breweries offer crowdfunding opportunities
Gloucester Brewery, which won the Society for Independent Brewers (SIBA) national cask beer competition in 2019, is aiming to raise £500,000 to expand its brewing operations and add a taproom and self-serve bar after demand has outstripped its production capacity. It is offering 9.09% equity in the business for investment, which offers a pre-money valuation of almost £5m.
The Jared Brown-founded brewery’s pitch stated: “Prior to covid-19, the group had been profitable for three years with 2019 profits of £40,863. Post-Covid recovery has been exceptional. Revenue in August 2021 was 612% up on January 2021 from £15,600 to £116,000, with average monthly growth of 39% over the past six-month period. Total revenue in the year to date is £695,413.
“We will open Gloucestershire’s first waterside taproom and self serve bar, with a shop for take away beers and spirits produced on site, an extension of production space allowing a 100% increase in beer production and a 500% increase in spirit production capacity.
“Our purpose is to be a leading independent Eco-friendly brewery & distillery in the UK by producing high quality, progressive and exciting beers & spirits.
It has raised more than £260,000 from over 320 investors with 26 days of the fundraising drive remaining.
Target smashed
Meanwhile, Lister’s Brewery has smashed its £100,000 target already after receiving pledges in excess of £110,000 with 27 days left of its campaign.
Lister’s, which is based in Worthing, West Sussex, produces beer and spirits for humans and dog treats too. The brewery was named after a dog called Lister (who was named after the lead character in the TV series Red Dwarf) who came from Battersea Dogs’ Home.
The funding will be used to expand the business in terms of staffing, brewing capacity, develop further dog foods and implement more eco-friendly technology to turn waste products into biogas.
Record third quarter
Lister’s is offering 4.59% equity in the exchange for investment, giving the business a pre-money valuation of £2.3m. The company recorded a record third quarter this year with £56,000-plus sales, which were up 84.7% on 2020 and up 86.9% on 2019.
The pitch stated: “Named after our fondly remembered rescue dog, Lister’s has become known as the “doggy” beer, particularly with the Tail Wagger brand. Turning our spent barley into dog treats, we entered the £2.9bn pound pet food market launching them in all 144 stores of Pet's Corner pet shop chain as well as other pet food wholesalers.
“After overfunding during lockdown number one, Lister’s Brewery has moved onto the Angmering Park Estate, expanded beer distribution capabilities with its hub model & created Tailwagger Gin.
“Lister’s products and brand spans both the beer and pet food industries putting what would usually be an unused product back into the food chain. Our aim is to become as sustainable as possible.
“Having previously donated over £10,000 to Battersea Dogs & Cats Home we formed Lister's Dog Foundation to donate to some of the UK's smaller rescue centres.”
