Piers Linney, Ex Dragons’ Den Star Backs Dirt Factory as it Raises Capital on Crowdcube

Founder Dan Makin with the Dirt Factory team

Piers Linney, a former Dragon’s Den star who left the popular show last year after 2 seasons, has invested in the Dirt Factory – UKs first indoor BMX/Mountain bike park. Dirt Factory easily topped its £300,000 funding target and stands at over £346,000 today.   Founder Dan Makin has increased his crowdfunding target to £450,000 – a switch said to be driven by investor demand. The equity offer remains open until February 29th. Adding the well known Dragon’s Den investor should help boost the equity crowdfunding campaign.

3D model of Dirt Factory 2Linney, a mountain biking enthusiast (he owns an evil undead frame for downhill), explained that Makin and his team’s “unwavering persistence” and vision compelled him to invest in the project.

“Dan and the Dirt Factory team contacted me a couple of years ago for advice on structure and how to develop their dream from a great plan into a business … After consultation with myself and other investors the team have taken the decision to increase the target to £450,000 to strengthen the Dirt Factory offer and to allow the more rapid development of key revenue streams. This is a huge success for a determined team that is tapping into the huge growth in all forms of cycling and the Dirt Factory will be a UK first and will no doubt become another regional cycling hub. As a keen mountain biker myself, having the ability to ride undercover all-year-round will be very welcome.”

Dirt Factory Ride InsideWhile growing in popularity around the world indoor bike parks are new to the UK. The company expects to open additional locations elsewhere in Europe.  The Dirt Factory will be located in the Manchester region and will have trails for all ages and abilities.  The recreation facility will also house an on-site café, bike shop, classrooms and space for other businesses or social enterprises.  The Dirt Factory already has a solid list of supporters including Bell Helmets, Bikeparkitect, Cotic, Curricula & Co, Dare 2b, Dirt Wars, DMR Bikes, Edinburgh Bicycle Cooperative, Green Oil, Hope Technology, IMBA Europe, Innovate UK, Muc-Off, One Vision Global Racing, Renthal, Swifty Scooters, University of Salford – THINKlab and WeRide.

Dan MakinMakin explained, “Over the last few days the rate that people have been investing in Dirt Factory has really increased. We’re delighted with the response from the crowd and urge others to find out more and invest before our campaign closes at the end of February.”

 


Have a crowdfunding offering you'd like to share? Submit an offering for consideration using our Submit a Tip form and we may share it on our site!



Sponsored Links by DQ Promote