Scotland’s largest independent brewery, BrewDog has launched its most ambitious project to date, attempting to raise £25 million through its record-breaking crowdfunding scheme Equity for Punks – more than five times the previous record set by the brewery in 2013.
This round of the UKLA-accredited investment scheme will see 526,316 shares in the brewery being made available for anyone to buy for a minimum investment of just £95 for two shares.
BrewDog previously raised £4.25million in less than six months through Equity for Punks in 2013, making it the world’s most successful independent crowdfunding programme to date, but the new scheme is set to shatter that record and catapult independent crowdfunding into the mainstream.
Funding expansion
With the funds raised, BrewDog plans to build a new 300HL brewhouse to operate in tandem with its existing 100HL brewhouse in Ellon, Aberdeenshire. The brewery will also invest up to £2million worth of funds into environmental technologies. Other new projects include a craft beer hotel, custom sour beer facility and distillation plant.
The brewery would also use the money raised through the share sale to open new bars in the UK, and will be giving priority to opening new bars in locations with a high number of Equity Punk investors.
Equity for Punks shareholders
As well as owning part of the BrewDog business, Equity for Punks shareholders are also given benefits including a discount at BrewDog’s global network of craft beer bars, and at BrewDog.com and an invite to the brewery’s AGM.
Bypassing banks and brokers, the UKLA-accredited Equity for Punks scheme allows anyone to buy shares in the fast-growing craft brewery online at the click of a mouse. Shares cost £47.50 each, with a minimum investment of two shares (£95). Anyone keen to invest can purchase shares here or in any of BrewDog’s 27 bars around the world.
For the first time, BrewDog has also launched its Punk to Punk referral scheme offering those who invest the chance to earn extra rewards by encouraging their friends to invest. All new Equity Punks will receive a unique referral code to share with friends and family to give them rewards.
James Watt, BrewDog co-founder commented:
“The craft beer revolution has succeeded in redefining beer and Equity for Punks is redefining business finance. By making profit king, the financial institutions of the City gave rise to the bastardisation and commoditization of beer. To grow BrewDog whilst being true to our values, we have had to build a whole new generation of business model. Equity for Punks puts the people who really care about our beer in control and keeps the passion and integrity in people’s beer glasses.”
Launch video
To mark the launch, BrewDog has created a video showing founders James Watt and Martin Dickie attempting to raise funds for expansion in a variety of ways including busking, jumble sales and even posing semi-naked in the window of its Aberdeen bar. Launched on social media today, the founders beg #DontMakeUsDoThis in an appeal for investment.
About BrewDog
Growing from two men and a dog brewing with second-hand equipment in 2007, BrewDog is now Britain’s fastest-growing food & drinks brand, opening 27 bars worldwide since 2010, exporting to 55 countries and employing more than 360 staff.
It announced its sixth consecutive year of record growth earlier this month, having increased its annual turnover by 64 per cent to over £29.6million in 2014, compared with £18million in 2013. Its turnover is expected to exceed £50million this year and the company is yet to pay a penny for traditional advertising.
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