Dirt Factory smashes £300k crowdfunding target

A campaign to raise cash for Dirt Factory, an indoor bike park with plans to launch in Greater Manchester, has flown past its £300k goal in just 16 days.

Now, the cyclists behind the business have decided to increase the target of their campaign, hosted on crowdfunding site Crowdcube, to £450k.

One of the investors to back the plan is entrepreneur and former Dragons’ Den panelist Piers Linney.

He commented: “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. Since then, their vision combined with unwavering persistence has really paid off.

“After consultation with myself and other investors the team have taken the decision to increase the target to £450k to strengthen the Dirt Factory offer and to allow the more rapid development of key revenue streams.”

Speaking further, Piers said: “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.”

If they reach the £450k target, the Dirt Factory founders plan to turn an existing warehouse or distribution site into a recreation centre complete with indoor bike trails, a bike shop, on-site café, classrooms and space for other enterprises.

Dan Makin, one of Dirt Factory’s founders and directors, said: “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.”