Fancy Dress Worldwide, a Worcester-based fancy dress e-retailer, has launched a crowdfunding investment campaign as part of a push to expand its business.
The multi-platform e-commerce fancy dress company sells costumes, accessories and party decorations in eight countries on Amazon and eBay. It also works with online partners such as Top Cashback and Quidco, which both work as affiliates.
Managing director Dom Portman hopes to raise £200,000 via the crowdfunding website Seedrs to help expand the Fancy Dress Worldwide product range and online presence over the next two years.
Fancy Dress Worldwide first launched in March 2016 and growth has been rapid – it has shipped to over 380,000 customers in 85 countries in the last two years. Seedrs has valued the company at £2m.
“It’s been a fast-paced two years and we are now entering an exciting growth phase, with the appointment of a strong senior management team,” said Dom. “Online crowdfunding is now being used by many high-profile companies as a connection to everyday investors alongside professional business angels.”
The long-term aim for the company is to expand into more industries with a continued investment in its in-house technology which is winning customers and streamlining fulfilment.
Fancy Dress Worldwide has recently grown its team further, appointing a head of technology (Dane Stevens) and head of finance (Lisa Powell). It has also welcomed former Citibank senior executive banker Kayar Raghavan on board as non-executive director.
At the time of writing, the campaign has raised 101% of its original target investment.
