Coffee brand looks to raise £2m to support expansion plans

BEAR has launched a £2 million crowdfunding campaign to support plans for further national expansion.

The independent coffee and lifestyle brand serves sustainably sourced speciality coffee, seasonal fresh food, cocktails, and craft beer.

Since opening its first store in 2016, BEAR has expanded to operate from seven locations across the Midlands and Cheshire—Uttoxeter, Derby, Stone, Derbion, Northwich, Ashbourne, and Nottingham—and sold over one million coffees.

BEAR aims to more than quadruple its footprint across the UK and plans to open 22 new stores over the next five years.

In 2020, BEAR launched its online store and at-home coffee subscriptions, which have grown organically as more stores open.

This ongoing innovation has resulted in 39% revenue growth for the year ended 31 March compared to the same period the year before.

Founded by lifelong friends Craig Bunting and Michael Thorley, BEAR began as a business inspired by Craig’s travels in Australia and Michael’s adventurous Royal Marines background.

What started in a shed with a supermarket espresso machine has grown into a thriving brand, creating more than 130 jobs locally.

Investors in the campaign will receive a range of rewards, from free coffee and brunch to exclusive discounts and even lifetime subscriptions to BEAR’s at-home coffee range.

Craig said: “Since opening the doors of our first store in 2016, BEAR has become more than just a place to grab a coffee; it’s a community hub where like-minded individuals come together to enjoy great coffee, delicious food, and a welcoming atmosphere.

“Our brand ethos is built on adventure, connection, and lifestyle, creating spaces that encourage people to connect and share experiences.

“That’s why, over the past eight years, we have cultivated a fiercely loyal and engaged audience, expanded our online presence, and continuously evolved the brand to meet the needs of the communities that are local to our stores.

“This crowdfunding campaign offers loyal guests, dedicated team members, and coffee enthusiasts across the UK and Europe a unique opportunity to own a part of BEAR and share in its future success.”

For more information about BEAR’s crowdfunding campaign and how you can get involved, visit https://bemorebear.co/pages/invest .