The Climbing Hangar has received a remarkable investment exceeding £20 million from Verlinvest to expand its operations internationally.
Starting from a warehouse in Liverpool in 2011, this bouldering gym chain has rapidly grown, operating nine locations in the UK, offering both sporting events and social gathering spaces.
The Significant Investment
The Climbing Hangar, a prominent UK-based bouldering gym chain, has successfully secured an investment of over £20 million from Verlinvest, an investment group known for its association with brands like Tony’s Chocolonely and Oatly. This substantial funding aims to propel the brand’s ambitious international expansion plans. The Climbing Hangar, established in a humble Liverpool warehouse in 2011, has evolved to operate nine locations across the United Kingdom. These locations are not only venues for climbing but also hubs for sporting events, housing food and beverage sections, and retail outlets. The investment marks a pivotal moment in the company’s growth strategy.
Growth and Expansion Plans
The recent financial injection will enable The Climbing Hangar to accelerate its expansion beyond UK borders. CEO Ged MacDomhnaill has expressed a commitment to ‘accelerating the growth of the business’ and aims to introduce more individuals to the sport of climbing by incorporating data and advanced technologies. The investment reflects the brand’s dedication to scaling its operations and reaching new audiences globally.
There is a noticeable shift in the climbing industry as indoor climbing continues to gain popularity. According to the Association of British Climbing Walls, approximately 1 million individuals participate in indoor climbing annually, with a committed group of 100,000 enthusiasts visiting facilities twice a month. Among them, 75% prefer the consistency offered by indoor centres over outdoor conditions.
A Cultural Shift in Leisure
The rise of indoor climbing centres, particularly in London, highlights a broader trend towards competitive socialising and experiential leisure activities. In 2014, London hosted merely 10 climbing centres, a number which has now escalated to over 50.
The popularity of ‘combo’ attractions, which blend various leisure activities, has surged by 455% over five years. This growth indicates a shift in consumer preferences towards activities that offer both a physical challenge and social interaction.
Verlinvest’s investment aligns with emerging leisure trends, as consumers seek engaging and healthy alternatives. Ben Black of Verlinvest states, ‘As a consumer investor, we actively seek growth propositions that drive healthy and exciting alternatives for consumers.’ This approach is indicative of the increasing integration of physical activity with social experiences.
Strategic Partnerships and Opportunities
Verlinvest expresses interest in pursuing mergers and acquisitions to support the Climbing Hangar’s international growth. They are keen on collaborating with like-minded partners to build the business on a global scale. MacDomhnaill’s strategy involves leveraging mergers and acquisitions to penetrate new markets effectively.
This approach is complemented by data-driven strategies and technological enhancements, which aim to improve climbing experiences and engage users efficiently. The integration of technology within the climbing facilities is expected to refine user engagement and operational efficiency, attracting more users to the sport.
Increased Interest in Combined Leisure Venues
The recent £15m investment by Luke Johnson in the leisure firm The Light reflects a similar interest in combined leisure attractions. This trend underscores the growing fascination with venues that offer multifaceted entertainment options, blending cinema, dining, and physical activities like climbing.
Such strategic investments indicate a broader industry trend towards amalgamated leisure venues, forecasting a promising outlook for enterprises like The Climbing Hangar seeking to diversify their offerings and enhance customer experience.
The popularity of these venues signifies a change in entertainment consumption, wherein patrons favour venues offering enriched experiences over traditional single-concept locations.
The Role of Data in Climbing
Data and technology are playing an increasingly significant role in modern climbing gyms. The Climbing Hangar is poised to leverage data analytics to refine operational efficiencies and personalise climbing experiences for users. By understanding user preferences and tracking engagement, the company can tailor its services to enhance customer satisfaction.
By integrating data solutions, The Climbing Hangar aims to set a benchmark in the industry for smart climbing experiences. The focus on data-driven strategies not only improves the business’s internal operations but also ensures that customer interactions are optimised.
The use of technology is not merely about operational management; it is about creating a community-centric environment where climbers can find value in their experience at The Climbing Hangar venues across the world.
Conclusion
The Climbing Hangar’s partnership with Verlinvest and its focus on technological integration signify a promising future for the climbing industry. The strategic investments and expansion plans underscore a commitment to enhancing the climbing experience while tapping into global markets. As indoor climbing gains traction, The Climbing Hangar’s innovative approach is expected to solidify its standing as a leader in the industry.
Through strategic investment and a commitment to innovation, The Climbing Hangar is poised to make a significant impact on the global climbing scene. As the organisation continues to expand and integrate technology, it sets a precedent for what future climbing centres can aspire to be. The brand’s journey from a single location in Liverpool to a burgeoning international presence underscores its visionary approach to business growth.
