Poolhouse (from the Founders of Topgolf ) secure $34m in funding to revolutionise pool

LONDON, April 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Poolhouse, the new tech-enabled pool entertainment business from the founders of Topgolf, has raised $34m in its seed round.

The round was led by Sharp Alpha, a US venture capital investor, and dmg ventures, DMGT's consumer venture capital fund. Participants across the globe include David Blitzer, owner of the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils; Simon Sports, co-owner of Ipswich Town F.C.; Active Partners, early investors in Soho House; and Emerging Fund, investor in F1 Arcade. Signature Hospitality Group, one of Australia's largest hospitality operators, has taken an equity stake and signed a franchise agreement.

Poolhouse is the result of four years of development by Steve and Dave Jolliffe of Topgolf, which merged with Callaway at a valuation of $2.1bn in 2021. Its patented technology and vibrant Las Vegas-inspired ambiance, offers guests of all skill levels an engaging experience through a diverse library of interactive pool games. The drinks offering is curated with the Venning brothers from Three Sheets, a staple on the World's 50 Best Bars list. Poolhouse's technology and world class food and beverage offering will meet consumers' demand for high quality, unique experiences.

Poolhouse will roll out its own venues, starting with a 21,500sqft site by London's Liverpool Street Station. The company is in discussions to expand in the Middle East, North America, Southeast Asia and Europe.

Steve Jolliffe, co-founder of Poolhouse, stated: "Poolhouse is the most ambitious and scalable concept my brother and I have created, representing the pinnacle of our lifelong work. Today, more people play at Topgolf than on traditional golf courses in the US, and we aim to make an even greater impact on the world of pool. Whilst we have a strong track record of incorporating technology into golf balls, this project has been our most challenging endeavour yet."

The heavyweight team is led by CEO Andrew O'Brien, board member at F1 Arcade and formerly of Credit Suisse, and COO Matt Fleming, who held senior positions at Vagabond Wines and Be At One. The senior team brings experience from Puttshack, Bounce, Flight Club, and Swingers. Leading the culinary vision is a former Executive Chef from the Gordon Ramsay Group.

Andrew O'Brien, CEO and co-founder - "The Poolhouse experience heralds the most significant transformation in the history of a near 700-year-old sport. The Jolliffe brothers changed the landscape of golf with Topgolf, and they are set to do the same to pool."

https://www.pool.house/

SOURCE Poolhouse