Innis & Gunn’s Beer Money crowdfund to finance its new brewery has reached its target of £3 million with seven days to spare.
The campaign will close at midnight on 5 February. The brewer has sold 2% of its share capital to more than 2,000 investors, e ach of whom will have their name displayed on the wall of the brewery at Heriot-Watt University Research Park.
The project will be the largest major brewery in Edinburgh for more than 150 years and is the UK’s first major collaboration of this type between a full-scale brewery and a university. It will also create 30 jobs and a centre for brewing studies like that of Weinstephan in Germany.
Dougal Gunn Sharp, founder and master brewer at Innis & Gunn, said: “Since Innis & Gunn was founded in 2003 our ultimate goal has always been to have our own brewery on our home turf, a brewing focal point for the city.
“We want to put Edinburgh back on the international brewing map, and with this investment secured we’re going to be able to do just that. We’ve got ambitious growth plans for the future and the brewery is going to be instrumental in reaching our long-term potential. With this key step now in place, we’re looking forward to a very bright future.
“I am personally absolutely delighted by the response we’ve had to our crowdfund and the endorsement of our beers, our business and our brand. I’d like to extend a warm welcome to the 2000+ investors who have joined our community since the fund opened.
“We’ve always said our fans are one of our biggest strengths as a business, and we can’t wait to welcome you all to the brewery next year for the opening party to share a celebratory pint. Massive thanks again to everyone who has supported us, it is hugely appreciated.”
