The LBE landscape is expanding+evolving, with in-person experiences thriving as consumers prioritize meaningful connections and relationships. Fitness/games/competition are replacing alcohol consumption as the centerpiece for socializing and members clubs are hotter than ever.
Demand for "third places" is driving the rise of members clubs + competitive entertainment venues. Many concepts launch in the UK and then migrate to the U.S. Our venue tracker shows NYC as a leading market for both categories, with several new locations to be announced in 2025.
Poolhouse, an effort from the Topgolf founders to build entertainment clubs around the game of pool, has raised $34 million. venturebeat.com/games/poolhous…
High-tech pool tables, top-notch drinks and a Gordon Ramsey-influenced menu
Topgolf Founders’ New Bar Concept Gets $34M From Blitzer, Sharp Alpha sportico.com/business/finan… via @sportico
#SportsBiz | #cuesports | #pool
We are happy to announce Sharp Alpha led a $34M seed investment into Poolhouse, a new concept from the Jolliffe Brothers (founders of Topgolf, Puttshack) and Paul Hawkins (founder, Hawk Eye Technology)
More coverage of our investment in Poolhouse:
VentureBeat: venturebeat.com/games/poolhous…
Sifted: sifted.eu/articles/topgo…
TheCaterer: thecaterer.com/news/poolhouse…
The Guardian: theguardian.com/business/2025/…
We have been seeing an influx of innovation in the collectibles space around collateralization and fractionalization. Recently, we noticed accelerated adoption of a mechanic we call 'Mystery Box + Buyback Feature = Slot Machine'.
Full article: sharpalpha.substack.com/p/the-next-evo…
It's not just about pickleball. With racket sports on the rise and people craving social interaction, Ballers aims to blend competition with culture. f-st.co/GAMf04I