Footy.com, a price comparison site for football merchandise and clothing, has raised £1.625m in funding to boost its brand, increase its workforce and invest in new tech to improve customer experience.
Founded in 2015 by five entrepreneurs, the internationally operating website help customers compare the price of footwear, football kits and sports clothing.
The investment comes from the North East Innovation Fund, supported by the European Regional Development Fund and managed by Northstar Ventures, and a selection of angel investors.
The Durham firm said it will begin relocation plans and is looking to add new talent including marketers and a relationship manager.
Its CEO Paul Lucherini said: “We believe we’re the only company globally comparing prices across the football world and the technology we have built is robust and innovative. We’ve got a great opportunity to grow a North East based business into something that millions of people will benefit from.
“The new funding we have acquired will help us reach the millions of football fans around the country, and the world.”
Ian Richards, Director, Northstar Ventures, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting FOOTY.COM, we’ve been impressed by the team and the vision as well as the ability to scale the business.
“We look forward to working with them as they take their innovative platform further and grow the team.”
Paul Lucherini added: “We’re in a great position following investment to really take the next steps in growing awareness of FOOTY.COM.
“We’ll improve our technology even further and with our vision of making football affordable for everyone we really feel we can become a household name across the country. The next stage of the journey is going to be an exciting one.”