Funding helps North East gaming developer transform Gateshead HQ
ToastieLabs receives funding to drive expansion
Gateshead headquarters set for transformation
A £25,000 investment is set to propel the growth of North East-based video game developer ToastieLabs, as it transforms its Gateshead headquarters into a hub for gaming and entertainment.
Since its founding by Rob Small in 2016, and subsequent full-time launch with co-founder Lee Fowles in 2020, ToastieLabs has garnered a global following through its digital puzzle games, including Colouring Pixels and WooLoop.
Building on this online success, the company is now creating a physical space for gaming enthusiasts, which will combine its development headquarters with a retail outlet, tabletop gaming area, and events venue.
Creating a community hub
Visitors to the venue will be able to purchase official merchandise, play board games, and browse a selection of Warhammer products, courtesy of a partnership with Games Workshop. Additionally, plans are underway to introduce a bespoke escape room experience, and the company is recruiting three new staff members to support its expansion.
According to Rob: “We’ve seen great success developing and publishing our own digital games, which has attracted a significant global audience and generated recurring revenue through ongoing game sales and downloadable content.”
“Having moved to larger premises at Gateshead’s Railway Quarter we can now expand and create our own gaming venue which will incorporates gaming events, tabletop gaming, retail sales and plans to launch our own bomb detonator style escape room.”
“We’re also taking on three new members of staff to support myself, Lee Fowles and Jack Dingwall.”
“The investment provided is helping them to complete the transformation of its premises into a public facing gaming and events venue.”
Rob added: “The support from Ruby Knowles and the team at FW Capital has been spot on.”
“Ruby has been friendly and approachable, taking the time to visit us and understand our business strategy and what we needed to help our expansion plans.”
“The turnaround time from talking to Ruby and receiving the funding was impressive – it was all done in three weeks.”
