Start Up Loan funding helps Cumbria entrepreneur launch darts app supporting UK pubs

Background

Big Fish Darts is a Cumbria-based digital technology business helping pubs across the UK run interactive grassroots darts leagues through an innovative mobile app. The business was founded in 2025 by Greg Taylor, who recognised an opportunity to make darts competitions more accessible for both venues and players.

Greg noticed that many existing darts leagues focused on professional players and often required pubs to pay significant fees to participate. Wanting to create a more inclusive and affordable alternative, he developed Big Fish Darts, allowing pubs to join for free while charging players a small participation fee.

To accelerate the development and launch of the platform, Greg secured funding through the British Business Bank's Start Up Loans programme, delivered by GC Business Finance (GCBF).

The Challenge

Launching a technology business required significant investment before the platform could begin generating revenue.

Greg needed funding to accelerate app development, bring the product to market quickly, and build awareness among pubs across the UK. As a start-up entering both the hospitality and sports sectors, establishing a credible presence while continuing to improve the platform's functionality was essential.

At the same time, Greg wanted to create a solution that supported pubs during a challenging period for the hospitality industry, helping venues increase footfall, engagement and revenue through community-based darts leagues.

As Greg explained: "I created Big Fish Darts to help bring people together in a fun way and support UK pubs. It's been a challenging couple of years for the hospitality sector, so I'm proud that Big Fish Darts is helping to bring atmosphere, energy and life back into venues."

The Solution

The Start Up Loan provided vital funding that enabled Greg to accelerate the growth of Big Fish Darts from an idea into a scalable platform.

The funding supported:

• Hiring a team of developers to speed up app development
• Marketing activity to successfully launch the platform
• Ongoing improvements and new functionality within the app

The additional financial headroom allowed Greg to focus on building and enhancing the product while growing its user base across the UK.

"The funding from the Start Up Loans programme allowed me to develop the app quickly and bring it to market with confidence. The process of working with GCBF was smooth from start to finish, and I genuinely felt supported throughout the journey."

The Process

Alongside funding, Greg benefited from the support provided throughout the Start Up Loans application process.

"They made accessing funding easy to understand and felt like an arm around my shoulder during the process."

This support provided Greg with the confidence and resources needed to launch and scale the business during its early stages.

The Results

Since launching in January, Big Fish Darts has:

• Signed up more than 250 pubs across the UK
• Generated between £1,000 and £1,800 in additional revenue per participating pub during an average eight-week league
• Expanded internationally into markets including South Africa, Mexico and Belgium.
  
  

The business has also diversified its offering by developing:

• Big Fish Darts Academy, which uses a bespoke AI system trained to analyse a player's throw and match their style to a professional darts player
• Big Fish School of Darts, designed for schools and aligned with Sport England and Ofsted guidance on sports participation

Greg is also exploring opportunities to support charities by enabling fundraising darts tournaments through the Big Fish Darts platform. 

Looking ahead, the business plans to continue expanding its products, partnerships and international reach.

What This Case Study Shows

This case study demonstrates how early-stage funding can help entrepreneurs bring innovative digital products to market, create new opportunities for local communities and support the growth of UK businesses.

As Alex Mearns, Head of Start Up Lending at GC Business Finance, said:

"It's incredible to see the pace at which Big Fish Darts has grown. From the outset, we recognised Greg's vision, and our team worked closely with him to ensure the funding aligned with his mission." 

"Businesses like Big Fish Darts are exactly the kind of innovative, community-focused ventures we're passionate about supporting at GCBF. Greg's journey reflects the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit within the wider start-up ecosystem in the UK." 

The story also highlights the wider value of the Start Up Loans programme, showing how funding and support can help founders accelerate product development, build credibility and establish strong foundations for future growth.

Thinking about starting or growing your own business?

Whether you're launching a specialist consultancy, developing an innovative product, or turning years of expertise into a new venture, the right support can make all the difference. Through the British Business Bank's Start Up Loans programme, delivered by GC Business Finance, entrepreneurs can access funding, mentoring and practical guidance to help bring their ideas to life.

Find out more about Start Up Loans and how GC Business Finance could support your business journey today. Contact the team to explore your funding options and take the next step towards building your business with confidence.