BrewDog closes in on £10m Equity for Punks crowdfunding target
More than 19,000 new investors have bought shares in the brewery in the latest round of crowdfunding – which was launched in October - bringing the total number of ‘Equity Punks’ to over 65,000.
Having raised more than £41m from previous rounds of the record-breaking initiative, the brewery set a target of raising at least £10m from EFPV, with a stretch goal of £50m to further its global expansion.
Australia and Asia targeted
The brewery’s plans include the construction of new breweries in Australia and Asia, the opening of 15 craft beer bars in the UK, increasing the capacity in its UK brewery, and the creation of a dedicated craft beer TV network.
In an interview with The Morning Advertiser in October 2017, BrewDog co-founder James Watt said that the Australian and Asian markets were a key priority for the business, as it seeks to become the largest craft brewery in the world.
"China is very key for us; it is our biggest export market at the moment,” he said. “We've sold about 20,000hl in China this year. We are struggling to keep up with the demand, and it is really difficult to service that market from Scotland. We see a lot of long-term potential in China for craft beer and we want to be part of that movement.
“Australia is another really good market for us. We want to invest and build a really good brewery so that we can get beer into people's hands that is much more friendly for the environment and at a much lower cost."
Cicerone certified staff
Earlier this week it was revealed that all 700 of BrewDog’s staff have achieved the Certified Beer Server qualification after passing the first stage of the Cicerone Certification Program.
The Cicerone Certification Program is an industry standard qualification for identifying those with significant knowledge and professional skills in beer sales and service. The programme offers independent assessment and certification so that beer drinkers and industry professionals can be sure of the knowledge and skills possessed by bartenders.
Equity for Punks closes on 15 January 2018. Shares cost £23.75 each are issued in blocks of two, with a minimum investment of two shares for £47.50.
