• Swindon & Wiltshire M&A, deals
• Monday March 31 2025
• Author Name: Peter Davison

Cycling accessories firm gears up for growth

A Bristol-based designer and manufacturer of innovative cycling accessories has secured £600,000 in funding to gear up its growth ambitions.

The loan to Tailfin was made through fund manager FW Capital from the British Business Bank’s South West Investment Fund.

Tailfin is at the forefront of bikepacking – an adventure-focused cycling discipline where cyclists carry all necessary gear directly on their bikes, often exploring off-road terrains such as gravel tracks, singletrack trails, and dirt paths, emphasising self-sufficiency and minimalism.

Tailfin 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 emerged from a passion-driven basement project into one of cycling’s most respected innovative brands.

Initially, Tailfin redefined the conventional rack and pannier system, creating a universally compatible and aesthetically refined solution specifically designed to complement modern bicycles.

Today, Tailfin offers over twelve distinct product lines distributed from warehouses strategically located in the Netherlands, USA, and Europe.

Tailfin’s Bristol headquarters hosts a highly skilled 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.

Tailfin’s founder, Nick Broadbent, said: “Innovation drives everything we do. Over a third of our dedicated team focuses exclusively on product development and engineering.

“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.”

Jordan Berg, investment executive at FW Capital 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.”

The South West Investment Fund covers the entire South West region and provides loans from £25,000 to £2 million and equity investment up to £5 million to help small and medium sized businesses to start up, scale up or stay ahead. 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: Jack Walker and Nick Broadbent from Tailfin, Lizzy Upton British Business Bank, and Jordan Berg from FW Capital

Latest: Tech recruitment firm receives six-figure investment to grow business