logo
Bloobloom secures three million pounds funding to bolster expansion

Bloobloom secures three million pounds funding to bolster expansion

Fashion United27-05-2025

Bloobloom has announced the closing of a three million pound follow-on funding round which it said it would use to aid the roll out of European stores. The British eyewear brand also noted that it had its eyes on expanding its online presence in the US.
The funding was led by Pembroke VCT, which had initially invested 2.5 million pounds into Bloobloom as part of a 4.8 million pound fundraise in 2022. For this latest round, the venture capital trust contributed two million pounds, alongside an additional one million pounds from Social Impact Enterprises.
Through the fundraise, Bloobloom said it was 'well-positioned to scale its operations', expand internationally and grow its retail presence in the UK, where it currently operates seven stores across London.
Founded in 2017, Bloobloom is dedicated to a tech-focused approach to eyewear, utilising its proprietary AI technology platform, Theia, to perform readings and interpretations of prescriptions in order to select the correct lenses for customers and analyse their eye health.
The company has continued to grow since its inception, reporting over 100,000 active customers with a sales retention rate of 90 percent. Bloobloom further stated that it welcomed a revenue growth of 2.3x from FY23 to FY24.
In a press release, co-founders of the brand, Fares and Abbas Manai, said in a joint statement: 'We are both excited and grateful as we embark on this next phase of growth, in partnership with some of the finest investors in the UK. This latest round of funding will enable us to continue enhancing our technology platform and to maintain the outstanding service we provide to our customers online, in store, and beyond, thanks to our Pair for Pair programme.'

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Sterling set to end week higher with spending plans in focus
Sterling set to end week higher with spending plans in focus

Reuters

time21 minutes ago

  • Reuters

Sterling set to end week higher with spending plans in focus

June 6 (Reuters) - Sterling was on track to finish the week higher on Friday, supported by a UK economy largely resilient in the face of global turbulence, although investors will be monitoring the government's spending plans. The pound has gained about 0.6% this week, strengthened by data that showed UK services sector activity expanded more than expected. The currency was also boosted by relief Britain was spared from further U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminium following its deal with Washington last month. The pound slipped 0.2% to $1.3544 on Friday after touching its highest level since February 2022 the previous day. Against the euro , it was steady at 84.38 pence. Traders are still concerned, however, about the sustainability of growing debt loads in developed markets. A gilt auction this week indicated healthy demand for UK debt, but finance minister Rachel Reeves' spending plans on Wednesday could be the next test. The plans will set government departments' budgets up to 2029, with the focus on public investment in infrastructure and taxation plans, when analysts say sources of funding are diminishing and the benchmark gilt yield is among the highest in developed markets. "Wednesday's spending review will epitomise just how tight things look for UK government departments," said James Smith, an economist at ING. "And life is only going to get harder for the Treasury in the autumn. We think the government's 'headroom' will fully evaporate and that tax rises look increasingly inevitable later this year." Many of sterling's gains this year have resulted from a broadly weak U.S. dollar as investors price in the risk that President Donald Trump's erratic policymaking could result in a U.S. recession that could spill over to the rest of the world. Against this backdrop, Bank of England policymakers have urged a gradual and cautious approach to monetary policy decision-making. Interest rate futures point to the central bank leaving interest rates unchanged at its upcoming policy meeting, according to data compiled by LSEG. On the data front, British house prices fell by more than expected in May following an increase in property transaction taxes the prior month, Halifax said. The mortgage lender also said that the housing market looked "broadly stable". The market will also focus on a U.S. jobs report later in the day.

Manchester United boost profit forecast after Europa League run lifts ticket sales
Manchester United boost profit forecast after Europa League run lifts ticket sales

Reuters

time21 minutes ago

  • Reuters

Manchester United boost profit forecast after Europa League run lifts ticket sales

June 6 (Reuters) - Manchester United (MANU.N), opens new tab raised their annual core profit forecast on Friday as the club's strong performance in the Europa League drove ticket sales and broadcast revenue. United forecast adjusted core profit of between 180 million pounds ($244 million) and 190 million pounds for the year ending June, up from an earlier projection of between 145 million and 160 million pounds. Ticket sales jumped more than 50% to 44.5 million pounds in the three months to March as the club had a good run in the Europa League, before losing the finals to Tottenham Hotspur. United had their worst Premier League season since they were relegated in 1974 and hopes of participating in a European competition next season were dashed after they lost the Europa League final. "We had a difficult season in the Premier League, which we all know fell below our standards and we have a clear expectation of improvement next season," CEO Omar Berrada said in a statement. United's absence from European competitions, which are lucrative sources of broadcasting revenue, deals a huge blow to the club's future finances and has drawn anger and disappointment from fans worldwide. Jim Ratcliffe, who holds a stake of about 29% in the club and runs their football operations, has taken steps to revive the club's fortunes, including by cutting jobs, raising ticket prices and stopping free lunches at staff canteens. Those benefits are expected to be realised from the first quarter of the new fiscal year starting July, the club said on Friday. United reported a net loss of 2.7 million pounds for the three months ended March 31, compared with a loss of 71.5 million pounds a year earlier. ($1 = 0.7383 pounds)

Huge change to crypto investing rules revealed by city watchdog as it issues warning
Huge change to crypto investing rules revealed by city watchdog as it issues warning

Scottish Sun

time34 minutes ago

  • Scottish Sun

Huge change to crypto investing rules revealed by city watchdog as it issues warning

We've outlined the risks associated with investing in cryptocurrency below CASH IN Huge change to crypto investing rules revealed by city watchdog as it issues warning Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A HUGE change to crypto investing rules could come into force as the city watchdog issues a warning. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is set to lift a ban on some investments for individual, or retail, investors. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 The FCA is mooting lifting a ban for individual investors Credit: Alamy The watchdog has launched a consultation looking at allowing them to access crypto exchange-traded notes (cETNs). Crypto ETNs can be bought and sold and work by tracking the performance of cryptoassets like Bitcoin and Ethereum. It means people are exposed to its changing value without needing to hold the asset themselves. Currently, just professional investors are allowed to buy and sell the investment product after the FCA granted them access last year. Read more on Cryptocurrency WALLET WATCH HMRC to introduce rules for Crypto holders as fresh tax crackdown launched At the time, the regulator said it still believed crypto ETNs to be 'ill-suited for retail consumers due to the harm they pose'. David Geale, the FCA's executive director of payments and digital assets, said the proposals today reflected how the FCA was committed "to supporting the growth and competitiveness of the UK's crypto industry". However, he added: "We want to rebalance our approach to risk and lifting the ban would allow people to make the choice on whether such a high-risk investment is right for them given they could lose all their money.' Access to crypto derivatives would still be banned for retail investors – but the FCA said it would continue to consider its approach to high-risk investments. In April, Chancellor Rachel Reeves said she wanted the UK to be a 'world leader in digital assets' and announced plans to make crypto firms subject to regulation in the same way as traditional finance companies. 'While the UK will always be committed to high international standards, I am determined that our regulatory framework supports economic growth,' she said at the time. Four bombshell clues in hunt for elusive Bitcoin founder Satoshi Nakomoto revealed in doc - & signs he could be BRITISH But the FCA's chairman Nikhil Rathi recently warned that the number of young people turning to crypto as their first taste of investment was 'not great', adding that it was 'very high risk and you could potentially lose all your money'. The price of Bitcoin hit a fresh all-time high last month, topping about 111,000 dollars (£82,000) as the crypto market rallies amid support from Donald Trump's administration in the US. What is cryptocurrency? Cryptocurrencies differ from physical currencies, such as the pound. They are created using blockchain technology and part of their appeal is that they are not controlled by governments or a central bank, such as the Bank of England. It means the currency can be used to transfer wealth outside of the traditional banking system, making it easier to cross borders or stay anonymous when moving wealth. Bitcoin is the leading cryptocurrency but its rise has helped other cryptocurrencies also grow in value, such as Ethereum. In recent years, more mainstream companies and institutions have invested in cryptocurrency, and part of the recent rise in value is based on President Trump's favourable views on cryptocurrency. How do people invest in crypto? In the UK, you cannot invest in cryptocurrency funds through stocks and shares ISAs, general investment accounts, or pensions due to regulations. If you want to invest in Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies, you'll need to use specialist trading platforms like Coin Bureau or PlanB. These platforms allow you to own crypto as a financial asset, though some accounts may not let you spend it. Crypto businesses in the UK must register with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). To check if a business is registered, visit the Financial Services Register at There's also a list of unregistered businesses at Businesses on this list may be operating illegally. If you don't want to invest in cryptocurrencies directly, you can still gain exposure to the market by investing in companies involved in the crypto space. The dangers of investing in crypto HERE are five key risks to keep in mind when investing in cryptocurrencies: Consumer protection: Many cryptocurrency investments promising high returns are not fully regulated, apart from anti-money laundering rules. This means you may have limited protection if things go wrong. Price volatility: Cryptocurrency prices can rise and fall dramatically, making it easy to lose money. It's also difficult to reliably determine their value. Product complexity: Crypto products and services can be complicated, which makes it hard to understand the risks. Plus, there's no guarantee you can convert your cryptocurrency back to cash—it depends on market demand and supply. Charges and fees: Crypto investments often come with high fees, which can eat into your returns. These fees are often higher than those for regulated investments. Marketing hype: Some firms exaggerate potential returns or downplay the risks involved. Be cautious of flashy promotions. It's essential to only invest in cryptocurrency if you fully understand how it works and the risks involved. Remember, there's no guarantee you can exchange it for real cash, and its value can change drastically in a short time. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Always double-check with a trusted friend or advisor if you're unsure. Be wary of glowing websites or perfect reviews - fraudsters often create convincing scams. For tips on avoiding scams, check out our guide. Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@ Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store