Built for What's Next: BFA Secures Six-Figures to Fuel Next Phase of Growth
River Capital has provided a £200,000 loan to Functional Backpacks Limited, trading as Built For Athletes (BFA) — the Warrington based direct-to-consumer and wholesale retailer of premium backpacks, accessories, and apparel.
The investment is funded through the North West Business Growth Loan Fund and will support BFA’s working capital requirements and also fund the creation of several new jobs over the next three years, as the business enters a period of growth.
Founded in 2018, BFA has grown from a niche supplier to the CrossFit and functional fitness community into a recognised international brand with partnerships spanning Formula 1, European football, and the US university market.
Current partnerships include Atlassian Williams Formula One, British Taekwondo, Loughborough University Sport and Alpine Formula One
River Capital has been a long-standing supporter of the business, having first invested through its Merseyside Loan and Equity Fund (MLEF) in October 2022. The Business Growth Loan Fund investment marks a further milestone in that relationship, providing BFA with a more structured and cost-effective funding platform as it scales.
The business is forecasting significant growth across both its D2C and wholesale divisions through to 2029, underpinned by the appointment of new non-executive director — Matt Rogan, a sports marketing specialist and founder of renowned sports marketing agency Two Circles.
BFA also recently secured a six-figure trade finance facility from NatWest Bank, replacing a previous working capital arrangement and further strengthening its financial foundations ahead of this next phase of growth.
Danny Costello, CEO of Built For Athletes, said:
“River Capital has been with us since the early days, and this latest investment is a reflection of how far we’ve come as a business and echoes the strength of our working relationship. We’ve built something genuinely special with Built For Athletes — a brand with real global reach and a product people are passionate about. This funding gives us the platform to keep pushing, grow our team, and take the business to the next level.”
Chris Carter, Investment Manager at River Capital, said:
“Built For Athletes has undergone a genuine transformation over the past 18 months. The team has built a brand with real credibility, forged partnerships that give it extraordinary international reach. This investment will give them the working capital headroom to continue that growth trajectory — and we’re proud to be backing them for the next chapter.”
ENDS
