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Urban Zoo
Digital fan engagement and monetization platform for sports.
About Urban Zoo
Urban Zoo is a sports technology company founded in 2013 by Chris Grannell, who serves as the CEO. Grannell brings 15 years of experience from Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe to the company. Based in Warrington, UK, the firm provides a comprehensive digital solution for sports organizations to increase fan engagement and open up new revenue streams.
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The company’s core offering is the Gamechanger® platform, a Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) solution that integrates websites, native iOS and Android apps, video streaming, and e-commerce into a single, cohesive ecosystem. This all-in-one platform was developed to streamline content workflows and deliver feature-rich digital experiences for fans. Key features include a headless content management system (CMS), Single Sign-On (SSO) for user data capture, multi-language content capabilities, and extensive monetization tools through sponsorship and advertising integrations. The platform is designed for stability, handling high-traffic events like new player signings, and offers integrations for ticketing, team data, and video streaming.
Urban Zoo's business model focuses on providing these customizable digital platforms to sports clubs, brands, and federations. The company has established a significant presence in the UK market, working with over 80 clients, including prominent football clubs like Aston Villa, Everton, and Celtic, as well as organizations such as the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), the Rugby Football League, and the English Football League (EFL). The company maintains a 100% client retention rate, testament to its strong partner relationships.
In July 2026, Urban Zoo secured a £20 million ($26.9M) investment from growth capital investor BGF. This funding is aimed at accelerating the development of the Gamechanger® platform and supporting international expansion, with a particular focus on the North American market. As part of the investment, Geoffrey Finlay, a technology industry veteran, joined the company as non-executive chair.
At a glance
- Founded
- 2013
- Headquarters
- Warrington, United Kingdom
- Sector
- Sports
Latest news
Press, funding announcements and product moves mentioning Urban Zoo.
Investors
From Dealroom's funding and investor records, grouped by the round each investor first entered.
Series B and later1 investor entered at this stage
Business Growth Fund
Source: Dealroom Talent Intelligence.
Global footprint
team presence
Market sentiment
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