Poolhouse Raises $34 Million (£27 Million) to Reinvent the Classic Game of Pool with Tech-Driven Social Venues

• Topgolf founders’ UK startup Poolhouse raised $34 million (£27 million) to invest in tech-enhanced pool experiences that combine fun activities, food, and socialising.
• To open its first location in London in 2026 and expand across the US and the rest of the world, the company decided to license its technology for active use in existing venues.

The world of competitive socialisation is about to set off a whole new chapter, this time with a cue and a set of pool balls. Poolhouse, a UK-based firm founded by Topgolf’s founders, raised $34 million (about £27 million) in a seed round to develop a tech-enhanced version of the classic pool game.

At its core, Poolhouse intends to change how people eat, drink, socialise, and play. And judging by how excited the investors are getting, this can’t just be one more excuse to throw up their hands.

A Social Gathering, Not Just a Game

Poolhouse combines the good old image of billiards with the power of modern technologies to create a vibrant social event where people can interact, have fun and compete with each other. The activities allow amateur billiards players a nice atmosphere to try their hands at playing with a regular-sized table, house cues, and top-quality billiards balls, as well as a bunch of other amenities, such as fine foods and drinks.

The true excitement comes from its technological enhancements: projected visuals on the table, a range of interactive games, and most likely an app for event schedules or leaderboards, along with team handicapping to level the playing field for players of various skills.

A New Venture by Familiar Names

Poolhouse was developed by twin brothers Dave and Steve Jolliffe, who are known for developing Topgolf, a golf entertainment phenomenon with over 100 sites worldwide. Before Topgolf’s $2.1 billion merger with Callaway in 2021, the Jolliffes co-founded Puttshack, a cutting-edge mini-golf concept that later received significant finance. Poolhouse brings classic pool gaming together with cutting-edge technologies and a vibrant social atmosphere.

Backed by Big Names

Sharp Alpha, a sports technology investor located in New York, and dmg Ventures, the venture capital arm of Daily Mail publisher DMGT, co-led the $34 million (£27 million) fundraising round. Other supporters include prominent figures such as David Blitzer (investment in the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils), Simon Sports, and Active Partners.

A portion of the cash was raised through a Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE), which is scheduled to convert to equity during a Series A round next year. While the company has not disclosed its current valuation, the interest from experienced investors says loudly.

London Launches in 2026

The first Poolhouse site will open in early 2026 in the centre of London, near Liverpool Street Station. The venue, which spans over 21,000 square feet on two floors, will feature 20 pool tables, as well as food, drinks, and a lively, tech-infused atmosphere.

According to CEO Andrew O’Brien, a former Credit Suisse banker who now serves on the board of F1 Arcade, Poolhouse’s look and feel will be important, but it is the technology and user experience that will truly distinguish it.

“They’ve created something that’s still real pool—real tables, real balls—but with a tech layer that makes it more fun, more competitive and far more engaging,” O’Brien told reporters.

Scaling Up—Fast

Poolhouse is expanding into the United States, with two locations planned for 2026 and 2027, following its London debut. From 2027 onwards, the company plans to open four to five locations every year in major cities such as New York, Boston, Chicago, and Washington, DC. Leased locations allow for speedier, more flexible growth. International expansion is underway, with a franchise deal struck in Australia with Signature Hospitality Group, which owns an equity position. Similar collaborations are being investigated globally. Aside from developing more locations, Poolhouse intends to license its proprietary technology to pool halls, casinos, restaurants, and possibly other hospitality environments. Almost any facility with a pool table might incorporate the Poolhouse experience.

An Ideal Fit for The ‘Eatertainment’ Boom

With Topgolf and Puttshack demonstrating that people enjoy combining games with food and drinks, Poolhouse is capitalising on a burgeoning trend known as competitive socialising. Consider group outings, corporate gatherings, or simply casual nights out where entertainment meets hospitality.

Poolhouse, according to Lloyd Danzig, managing partner of Sharp Alpha, checks all the right boxes: “We were looking for businesses with strong food and drink spend, repeat customer appeal, high-margin tech licensing, and corporate event potential. Poolhouse hit every mark—and then some.”

Danzig went on: “They’ve got a concept that’s built for this moment, and the team behind it couldn’t be more suited to the challenge.”

A Game Changer in the Making.

What Poolhouse provides is more than simply a night out; it is a new way to interact, compete, and have fun. With great leadership, proven founders, and solid financial support, the company appears to be well-positioned to lead the next wave of leisure and entertainment.

From London to Los Angeles, the future of the pool could be a little smarter—and a lot more sociable.