BrewDog co-founder James Watt has announced that all five finalists of his Next Unicorn competition will each be taking home a share of his £1m investment.
He had initially planned to back three companies in his search for the next billion-dollar business, but will now be offering a minimum of £150,000 to each.
Announcing the news at BrewDog’s new Las Vegas rooftop bar, Watt committed to investing his own cash, with a further £4m up for grabs, should the businesses reach particular milestones.
The winners:
Company |
Business description |
Investment |
Basket |
An app allowing shoppers to bookmark potential purchases from any site |
£250,000 |
Mous |
Protective cases and accessories for phones, headphones and other consumer tech |
£150,000 |
Tallow & Ash |
A range of environmentally-friendly laundry shampoos and conditioners |
£250,000 |
Uncouth |
Personalised and prescribed skincare treatments |
£150,000 |
Yum Bug |
Edible, bug-based recipe boxes and snacks |
£200,000 |
The competition also allows members of the public to invest in the five chosen businesses via Crowdcube on exactly the same terms as Watt.
He commented: “I have been so incredibly impressed by the quality of the entrants to the competition, and getting down to just five from the 750 that applied has been really tough.
“What’s really exciting is members of the public can now invest in these businesses too - this isn’t a competition where you just sit back and watch other people make money, the public can get involved too.”
Don't miss the latest headlines with our twice-daily newsletter - sign up here for free.
