Leeds, UK. June 10, 2024 – Adventuro, the innovative marketplace platform dedicated to adventure sports, has closed its latest funding round with the support of esteemed angel investment network, Lifted Ventures.
Adventuro, founded in 2023, has rapidly become a go-to platform for thrill-seekers looking to discover and book adrenaline-pumping activities, trips and equipment rentals. From skydiving and scuba diving to rock climbing and white-water rafting, Adventuro offers a diverse array of experiences, at every level, facilitated by trusted providers. The platform’s user-friendly interface, comprehensive reviews, and secure booking system have contributed to its growing popularity.
The strategic partnership with Lifted Ventures is set to propel Adventuro’s mission of connecting adventure enthusiasts with unique sports activities and experiences worldwide.
To make it easier for female-led start-ups to access early-stage funding, Lifted Ventures has created a diverse investment community passionate about supporting female founders through capital, expertise and mentorship. Alongside creating angel investor and co-investor networks, Lifted Ventures provides full support to emerging female entrepreneurs, helping them to understand investment initiatives, and the funding options available and ultimately help them become investor-ready.
Lifted Ventures was co-founded by Jordan Dargue and Helen Oldham, previously known as the joint leaders of the award-winning NorthInvest angel network, and co-founders of Fund Her North, and Women Angels of the North. Since launching Lifted Ventures in September 2023, the duo have helped to leverage over £2m of investment into female founders.
The pair’s impressive track record and previous initiatives demonstrate their unique experience of building inclusive, early-stage investment capacity, angel networks and communities. Together, Jordan and Helen have facilitated over £450m of funding, helped over 1,000 entrepreneurs and became one of the most active Innovate UK investor partners outside of London.
The angel investment network, comprising successful and seasoned entrepreneurs as well as industry leaders, recognises the potential of Adventuro to transform the adventure sports market. The financial backing and strategic guidance from Lifted Ventures will enable Adventuro to expand its offerings, enhance its technological infrastructure, and reach new markets. This marks the third successful raise that has been supported by the Lifted Ventures team.
Kate Hawker, Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Adventuro, highlighted the impact of the investment: “We are thrilled to have closed a successful funding round with the support of Lifted Ventures. The adventure sports industry is a very exciting space, and Adventuro is poised to be a real game-changer. We are growing a community of people who love adventure sports as much as we do, and providing a space for those just starting out, as well as those who are looking to develop their skills and take up adventure sports coaching as a career. As a mixed founding team, we are delighted that working with Lifted Ventures on this raise has helped us to build a group of shareholders of which 42% are female – something quite rare in both the funding ecosystem, and the adventure sports industry.”
The funds raised will be allocated towards several key areas:
- Helping Adventuro to connect with more partners, to support their growth and offer their customers more choice.
- Developing the platform further, adding exciting features for both customers and partners, across the full range of adventure sports and experience levels.
- Increasing brand awareness, so they can help even more people get outside and explore their passion for adventure sports.
Jordan Dargue, Co-founder of Lifted Ventures, said: “The passion, dedication and drive of the Adventuro team made this such an exciting deal to be involved in. Their vision was a key component in their ability to bring new and experienced angel investors onboard from our network. We’re thrilled to have supported Kate and the team from beginning to end, and will continue to provide guidance during this exciting next phase.”
Stephanie Houghton of law firm, Gordons, the recently appointed legal partner of Lifted Ventures, advised the provided guidance to the network of angel investors throughout the funding process. The partnership between Gordons and Lifted Ventures was established to ensure that both founders and investors have access to straightforward and practical legal advice .
Amy Pierechod, Gordons partner and head of start-ups and emerging companies, said: “Adventuro is a business full of ambition and energy which has created an outstanding marketplace platform within the adventure sports space.
“It has been a pleasure advising the Lifted angels on the investment and we look forward to watching Kate and the Adventuro team using it to implement the next phase of the business’s growth journey.”
About Adventuro:
Adventuro is a leading marketplace platform dedicated to adventure sports. Launched in 2023, Adventuro connects thrill-seekers with a wide range of adventure activities offered by trusted providers. With a focus on safety, quality, and customer satisfaction, Adventuro aims to make adventure sports accessible to everyone.
About Lifted Ventures:
Lifted Ventures is an early-stage investment connector, which exists to increase the flow of early-stage capital to female founders, and to promote the business benefits of backing women. Headquartered at Leeds University, in the UK, Lifted Ventures aims to ensure regional funding is accessible to all, irrespective of gender, ethnicity, neuro or physical diversity. Lifted Ventures has an angel network which works alongside education, community and consultancy.
About Gordons
Gordons understands emerging companies and the people who want to invest in them. Whether founders of start-ups looking to accelerate their company’s growth, or investors looking for their next opportunity, the firm is ideally placed to help make it happen. Gordons’ emerging companies lawyers are on hand to support founders and investors on the initial stages of growth through seed rounds and on to Series A, follow-on investments and exits. The firm advises companies on all legal aspects of operations including licensing and exploiting ideas and technology, commercial contracts and incentivising employees. Gordons has offices in Leeds and Bradford and employs 170 people.