Sports booking platform raises £650k Crowdcube investment to spearhead 2020 growth

A booking platform for recreational sports has made £650k investment for Crowdcube in just two weeks.

Playfinder’s mission is to make it easier for people to play sport across the UK. The funding will aim to underpin the company’s growth strategy in 2020 and help establish its services.

Only 35 per cent of sports facilities are said to be bookable online or through an enquiry system. Playfinder’s search and booking platform wants to change this with better access to recreational sports through its online marketplace.

Since launching in 2014, Playfinder has helped 2.3 million people find somewhere to play sports and is now generating £170k of bookings per month, growing at an average 8.5 per cent month-on-month since January 2018.

Jamie Foale, Playfinder’s CEO and co-founder, said: “We believe in the power sport has to make a real difference to everyday life and the fact we’re already overfunding shows our community shares that passion.

“The business idea came from my personal frustrations of being unable to find anywhere to play sport and technology has provided a solution.

“Despite hitting 101 per cent of our funding, there is still the chance for our community to play a part in our future and help build a healthier society through sports.”

Playfinder is keeping the Crowdcube round open for 10 more days.