FW Capital manages six figure deal to drive further growth for Tailfin
Tailfin, a designer and manufacturer of innovative cycling accessories, has secured £600,000 in funding from the British Business Bank’s South West Investment Fund, via the appointed fund manager FW Capital.
This investment will fuel Tailfin’s ambitious expansion plans, strengthening its leadership position in the global cycling industry.
Based in Bristol, Tailfin is at the forefront of the rapidly growing ‘bikepacking’ market. The company is entering a pivotal stage of development and sought additional working capital to broaden its product range, leveraging cutting-edge technologies and advanced manufacturing processes.
Significant investment is also being directed towards expanding the company’s Bristol headquarters, creating a state-of-the-art R&D studio complete with new equipment, specialised tools, and enhanced prototyping capabilities. Additional funds are dedicated to enhancing the Tailfin brand by investing in high-quality video production equipment and a dedicated studio space, significantly improving the company’s storytelling and market presence.
Founded in 2015 by mechanical engineer and product designer Nick Broadbent, Tailfin’s Bristol headquarters hosts a team of 25 industry-leading designers, marketers, and operational specialists, collaborating with specialist manufacturing partners across China, Vietnam, and Taiwan. This global approach extends further through partnerships with a worldwide network of R&D riders.
Nick said, “This investment marks a significant milestone for Tailfin, enabling us to push the boundaries of design and technology further and to enhance our robust intellectual property portfolio, which already includes over 20 patents. Crucially, it also supports our growth strategy by enabling us to expand both our innovative product lines and our talented team of passionate cycling enthusiasts.”
He added, “None of this would have been possible without FW Capital’s backing. FW Capital and the South West Investment Fund uniquely bridge a critical gap in the market, providing accessible capital on reasonable terms. Their funding complements our existing financial partnership with HSBC, which has provided equivalent short-term financing solutions.”
Jordan Berg, Investment Executive at FW Capital, led the deal. He said, “Tailfin is a premium quality brand in the bikepacking world that have created an innovative range of products that appeal to all cyclists from commuters, adventure cyclists to world-class ultra endurance athletes. Nick’s vision to bring his products to market is very impressive and the success Tailfin has enjoyed is testament to that. As they enter their next journey of growth, we’re looking forward to seeing how the investment will support further innovation and assist this globally recognised business to bring more new products to this expanding and exciting market.”
Lizzy Upton from the British Business Bank said, “The South West Investment Fund was created to support ambitious businesses like Tailfin, helping them scale, innovate, and strengthen their market position. This investment reflects our commitment to fostering regional economic growth by providing the right funding at the right time. Tailfin’s pioneering approach to cycling accessories, combined with its commitment to high-quality design and engineering, makes it an exciting business to support. We look forward to seeing the impact of this funding on Tailfin’s expansion, product development, and job creation in the South West.”
Fund manager FW Capital provides debt finance using the South West Investment Fund to businesses in Bristol, Gloucestershire, North and North East Somerset and Wiltshire.
Pictured above: (left to right) Jack Walker, Head of Finance, Tailfin, Nick Broadbent, Founder Tailfin, Lizzy Upton, Senior Investment Manager British Business Bank and Jordan Berg, Investment Executive FW Capital
