Poolhouse Secures $34 Million for a New Era in Pool Entertainment
Poolhouse, the latest innovation brought to life by the founders of Topgolf, is set to shake up the traditional pool entertainment scene after successfully raising
$34 million in its seed funding round. This round was notably led by
Sharp Alpha, a prominent US-based venture capital firm, along with contributions from
dmg ventures, which is part of the Daily Mail and General Trust group. This substantial investment signifies strong confidence from well-known investors such as
David Blitzer, owner of the Philadelphia 76ers, and
Simon Sports, co-owner of Ipswich Town F.C.
As the culmination of four years of intensive development by siblings
Steve and Dave Jolliffe, who were previously at the helm of Topgolf, Poolhouse promises to provide a groundbreaking experience anchored in technology. The company's innovative platform, complete with patented technology, will create an atmosphere reminiscent of Las Vegas, aimed at pool enthusiasts of all skill levels. Their diverse selection of interactive pool games further enhances the guest experience, and the beverage menu is curated in collaboration with
The Venning Brothers, known for their bar,
Three Sheets, which regularly features on the prestigious World's 50 Best Bars list.
Steve Jolliffe remarked, _“Poolhouse represents the most ambitious and scalable concept my brother and I have created so far, building on our lifelong work. While Topgolf has already transformed how people engage with golf, we aspire to make an even larger impact on the world of pool.”_
Poolhouse will launch its debut venue in a sizable
21,500 square foot space located near Liverpool Street Station in London and has plans for future expansions targeting locations across the
Middle East,
North America,
Southeast Asia, and
Europe. This ambitious expansion is backed by another significant investor,
Signature Hospitality Group, which is among Australia's largest hospitality firms and has signed a franchise agreement to help realize Poolhouse’s vision down under.
The leadership team is complemented by seasoned professionals, including
CEO Andrew O'Brien, a former board member at F1 Arcade, and
COO Matt Fleming, who previously held roles at Vagabond Wines and Be At One. The team also boasts experience from other entertainment venues like
Puttshack,
Bounce,
Flight Club, and
Swingers. To steer the culinary vision, Poolhouse has enlisted a former Executive Chef from the
Gordon Ramsay Group, ensuring high-quality food and beverages.
Andrew O'Brien asserted, _“The Poolhouse experience signifies a monumental shift in the nearly 700-year history of the sport. The Jolliffe brothers have already transformed golf, and we are on the cusp of doing the same for pool.”_
Poolhouse is set to redefine leisure activities and create extraordinary experiences. The convergence of high-quality entertainment, innovative technology, and exceptional service is bound to attract a wide audience, setting Poolhouse up as a potential leader in the leisure industry. With their sights set on reshaping how people view and engage with pool, the company is poised for an exciting future.
For more information on Poolhouse and to stay updated on their latest developments, visit their
official website.