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Pool's Arcade Future: $55M Fuels Tech Overhaul
17 Jul
Summary
- Poolhouse secures $55 million in new funding led by Bluestone Equity Partners.
- The startup's BillyQ technology uses AI and cameras to gamify pool.
- Poolhouse aims to expand internationally, starting with the US and Europe.
Poolhouse, a two-year-old startup, has successfully raised $55 million in a new funding round, signaling a significant push into international markets. The investment was spearheaded by Bluestone Equity Partners and values the company at over $100 million.
Inspired by the success of Topgolf, Poolhouse is applying a similar strategy to cue sports. Its innovative BillyQ platform employs AI, tracking cameras, and projectors to create an interactive, arcade-style pool experience.
This technology is already operational in Poolhouse's London bar, where it offers traditional pool alongside various competitive game modes with projected graphics and performance bonuses.
The company, co-founded by twins Steve and Dave Jolliffe, aims to make pool halls more accessible and engaging for a wider audience, a concept they previously applied to mini-golf with PuttShack.
Poolhouse is working to make its BillyQ devices smaller and more affordable, comparable to the cost of a Peloton bike, with plans to eventually offer them for home use.
Significant distribution deals are reportedly being negotiated for the United States, with a planned rollout of BillyQ in the US and Europe starting next year.
