Ace High Sports scores funding touchdown

A Bournemouth-based video games start-up is gearing up for growth after securing new funding to develop a portfolio of sports-inspired titles.

Ace High Sports has raised £600,000 in a funding round to support its expansion strategy and the development of a new genre of sports-led video card games. 

The round includes £300,000 in equity funding from the British Business Bank’s South West Investment Fund, managed by The FSE Group, alongside backing from private investors and grant funding from the UK Games Content Fund.

Founded as an early-stage studio, bosses at Ace High Sports say they plan to use the funding to build a scalable games portfolio, starting with its debut title, Touchdown Poker, which is scheduled for release in 2026. 

The game blends the mechanics of Texas Hold’em with the fast-paced action of American football, offering players a fresh take on two established genres.

Mike Hawkyard, chief executive and co-founder of Ace High Sports, said: “This investment is a major step forward for Ace High Sports. 

“With support from the South West Investment Fund, FSE and our other investors, we can scale the business, grow our team and bring Touchdown Poker to life across multiple platforms. 

“Our goal is to create games that feel instantly familiar yet completely fresh, and this funding allows us to make that happen. 

“Touchdown Poker is just the beginning of a portfolio that will redefine how audiences engage with sports and traditional card games.”

Matt Browning, investment manager at The FSE Group, added: “Ace High Sports demonstrates the qualities we look for in a growth business: experienced leadership, innovative product design and a scalable commercial model. 

“With strong advisory support, scalable plans, and validation from the UK Games Content Fund, the company is well-positioned to capitalise on growth in the creative industries, and we are excited to be working with them as they grow.”

The South West Investment Fund offers loans from £25,000 to £100,000, debt finance up to £2 million, and equity investment up to £5 million, helping smaller businesses access funding they might otherwise struggle to secure.

Paul Jones, senior investment manager at the British Business Bank, added: “The creative industries, including games development, is an important growth sector in the South West, and Ace High Sports is a good example of the innovative, high-potential businesses the South West Investment Fund was set up to support.

“Our investment will help Ace High Sports accelerate development while supporting skilled job creation here in the region. 

“We’re delighted to back their ambition and look forward to seeing the company scale and succeed.”

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