Tailfin

“FW Capital and the South West Investment Fund uniquely bridge a critical gap in the market, providing accessible capital on reasonable terms.”

Nick Broadbent, Founder, Tailfin

Tailfin, a market-leading designer and manufacturer of innovative cycling accessories, secured £600,000 funding from the British Business Bank's South West Investment Fund, via the appointed fund manager FW Capital. 

Based in Bristol, Tailfin is at the forefront of the rapidly growing bikepacking market. Bikepacking is 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.

Founded in 2015 by mechanical engineer and product designer Nick Broadbent, Tailfin had entered 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 was also 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 were 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.

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.